1. Introduction: A New Political Phase in India
After the decline of the Gupta Empire , India did not collapse into chaos. Instead, many regional kingdoms emerged across the subcontinent. This period (600 CE to 1200 CE) is sometimes called the early medieval period.
Though there were no large all-India empires like the Mauryas or Guptas, India remained:
- Politically active
- Culturally vibrant
- Economically strong
- Connected through trade and learning
Different regions developed their own identities, but all remained part of a larger Indian civilisation.
2. Harshavardhana – The “Great King of Kings”
One of the most important rulers of this period was Harshavardhana .
Background
- Began ruling in 606 CE
- Belonged to the Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty
- Capital: Kannauj (Kanyakubja)
- Earlier capital: Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana)
Expansion of Empire
Harsha expanded his kingdom over large parts of:
- Northern India
- Eastern India
However, he failed to conquer the Deccan because he was stopped by Pulakeśhin II .
Personality and Achievements
- A great poet and dramatist
- Patron of scholars like Banabhatta
- Assumed author of three Sanskrit plays
- Held religious assemblies
- Donated wealth every five years at Prayaga (modern Prayagraj)
Religious Policy
- Devotee of Shiva
- Also supported Buddhism
- Showed respect to all religions
This shows religious tolerance during the period.
3. Xuanzang – The Chinese Traveller
Another important source for this period is Xuanzang.
His Journey
- Travelled in India from 630–644 CE
- Came to visit Buddhist sacred places
- Carried back 600+ manuscripts to China
His Observations
- Described Kannauj as beautiful and prosperous
- Praised Harsha as a just ruler
- Mentioned universities and monasteries
- Recorded political and cultural conditions
His travel account is a major historical source.
4. The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj
After Harsha’s death (647 CE), north India became politically unstable.
Three powerful dynasties fought for control over Kannauj:
- Pāla dynasty
- Gurjara-Pratīhāra dynasty
- Rāṣhṭrakūṭa dynasty
This long conflict (8th–9th centuries) is called the Tripartite Struggle .
Why Kannauj?
- Located in the fertile Gangetic plains
- Strategically important
- Politically prestigious
No dynasty achieved permanent victory.
5. The Pālas
- Founded by Gopala in 750 CE
- Ruled Bengal and eastern India
- Famous ruler: Dharmapala
Contributions
- Supported Mahayana Buddhism
- Founded Vikramashila University
- Patronised Nalanda University
- Promoted trade with Southeast Asia
Education
Vikramashila:
- Had 6 colleges
- 3,000 students
- Strict entrance exams
- Strong links with Tibet
6. The Gurjara-Pratihāras
- Founded by Nagabhata I
- Region: Western India (Gujarat–Rajasthan)
- Capital shifted to Ujjain and later Kannauj
Famous Ruler
King Bhoja:
- Devotee of Vishnu
- Built a vast empire
They are known for:
- Resisting Arab invasions in northwest India
Eventually weakened and defeated by the Ghaznavids.
7. The Rāṣhṭrakūṭas
- Founded by Dantidurga (mid-8th century)
- Capital: Manyakheta (Karnataka)
Achievements
- Dominated Deccan for 2 centuries
- Participated in Tripartite Struggle
- Encouraged Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Kannada literature
Architecture
King Krishna I built the Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora:
- Entirely rock-cut
- Largest rock-cut temple in India
Religious Policy
- Supported Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism
- Respected Muslims (as noted by Arab historian Al-Masudi)
This shows religious tolerance.
8. Kashmir
Important source: Rājatarangiṇī by Kalhana (12th century).
Famous Rulers
- Lalitaditya Muktapida
- Queen Didda
Cultural Importance
- Centre of Sanskrit learning
- Developed Kashmir Shaivism
- Influential scholars like Abhinavagupta
Kashmir was well connected culturally despite its mountainous location.
9. The Chalukyas
Founded by Pulakeshin I (6th century).
Pulakeshin II
- Defeated Harsha
- Expanded Chalukya power
- Capital: Vatapi (Badami)
Famous for:
- Cave temples at Badami
- Temple architecture at Aihole
Later replaced by Rashtrakutas.
Eastern Chalukyas ruled from Vengi (Andhra Pradesh).
10. The Pallavas
Capital: Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
Important Rulers
- Mahendravarman I
- Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)
Achievements
- Defeated Pulakeshin II
- Developed trade with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
- Built rock-cut temples at Mamallapuram
- Promoted Sanskrit and Tamil literature
Famous sculptures include Durga and monolithic temples.
11. Southern Kingdoms
Pāṇḍyas
- Capital: Madurai
- Active in maritime trade
- Built temples
- Translated Mahabharata into Tamil
Cheras
- Ruled Kerala coast
- Maintained independence
Cholas
- Revived under Vijayalaya (9th century)
- Capital: Tanjavur
Achievements
- Powerful navy
- Strong administration
- Grand temples
- Efficient irrigation (Kaveri delta)
- Promoted Tamil and Sanskrit
Cholas later built one of the largest South Indian empires.
12. Administration and Polity
After large empires declined:
- Kingdoms became decentralised.
- Kings ruled core regions directly.
- Other areas ruled by samantas (vassals).
Administrative Divisions
- Provinces (bhuktis / rashtras)
- Districts (mandalas)
- Villages (self-governed)
In South India:
- Village assemblies (sabhas) became important.
- Uttaramerur inscriptions describe democratic selection of members.
13. Trade, Economy and Urbanisation
Land Grants
- Land given to religious institutions and officials
- Increased agricultural production
- Created new landholding classes
Agriculture
- Irrigation tanks built (especially by Pallavas)
- Cash crops increased
- Agro-based industries grew
Trade
India traded with:
- Iran and Iraq (west coast)
- East Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia
- China
Copper plate inscriptions mention:
- Christian traders
- Muslim traders
- Jewish traders
This shows India’s global trade connections.
14. Urban Life
Although some cities declined, many flourished.
North India:
- Kannauj, Kashi, Sthaneshvara thrived
South India:
- Temples became economic centres
- Ports supported maritime trade
Indian society remained largely rural but economically active.
Conclusion
The period from the 6th to 10th centuries was:
- Not a time of decline
- A time of regional growth
- Politically competitive
- Religiously tolerant
- Economically active
- Culturally rich
Though no single empire ruled all of India, strong regional kingdoms developed powerful traditions in:
- Administration
- Temple architecture
- Literature
- Trade
- Education
This period laid the foundation for later medieval developments in India.
Leave a Reply