The Early Medieval period in India (7th-10th century CE) was a time of significant political fragmentation and regionalization following the decline of the Gupta Empire. Haryana, strategically located in the north, witnessed the rise and fall of various regional powers, played a crucial role in the empire of Harshavardhana, and ultimately faced the decline of its kingdoms due to invasions.
Post-Gupta Regional Powers in Haryana
After the Gupta Empire's decline in the 6th century CE, several regional powers emerged in Haryana. These included:
The Vardhanas of Thanesar: This dynasty rose to prominence under Prabhakaravardhana. His son, Rajyavardhana, expanded the kingdom, but was killed while battling the Gauda ruler. This paved the way for Harshavardhana's ascension.
The Yaudheyas: An ancient republic mentioned in texts like the Mahabharata, the Yaudheyas continued to hold sway in parts of Haryana. They were known for their military prowess and issued their own coins.
The Hunas: Although their power had waned, remnants of the Hunas remained in Haryana and continued to influence the political landscape.
These powers, along with smaller chiefdoms, vied for control over fertile lands and trade routes in Haryana.
Haryana's Role in the Harsha Empire
Harshavardhana (606-647 CE), who ascended the throne of Thanesar after his brother's death, went on to build a vast empire encompassing much of North India. Haryana played a pivotal role in his empire:
Political Center: Thanesar, in present-day Haryana, served as the initial capital of Harshavardhana's empire. It was a strategic location from which he could control the Gangetic plains and launch campaigns in various directions.
Military Powerhouse: Haryana, with its warrior traditions and access to resources, contributed significantly to Harsha's military strength. The region provided soldiers and horses, crucial for his campaigns against rival kingdoms.
Economic Hub: The fertile lands of Haryana supported agriculture, and its location on trade routes facilitated commerce. This contributed to the economic prosperity of Harsha's empire.
Religious Center: Harshavardhana, though a Shaivite himself, was tolerant of other religions. He patronized Buddhism and held grand assemblies at Kanauj, attracting monks and scholars from across his empire, including those from Haryana.
Harsha's reign brought a period of relative stability and prosperity to Haryana, fostering trade, agriculture, and cultural activity.
Decline of Regional Kingdoms and Invasions
After Harshavardhana's death, his empire disintegrated, leading to renewed political instability in North India. Haryana witnessed the decline of its regional kingdoms and faced invasions:
Internal Strife: The lack of a strong central authority led to conflicts between various regional powers in Haryana, weakening them further.
Rise of new powers: New dynasties like the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Tomaras emerged in the region, vying for control and contributing to the political fragmentation.
Invasions: Haryana faced invasions from the north and west. The Karkotakas from Kashmir and later, the Ghaznavids under Mahmud of Ghazni, launched raids into Haryana, plundering its wealth and weakening its kingdoms.
These factors led to the decline of the existing powers in Haryana and paved the way for new political configurations in the region
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