Harsha, a Dynamic Administrator

Harshavardhana was a dynamic king. Hr was the head of the all administrative, legislative, judicial and the first commander in the chief of the army. He earned the titles of Maharajadhiraja and Parambhattaraka.

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He was assisted by a council of ministers who advised the king on administration.
He was so busy that it was difficult for other kings to obtain interview with him. Acc to Hiuen Tsang, his day was divided into 3 periods. One was devoted to State affairs & two for religious works
He believed in the utility of inspection tours. These tours were not confined to urban areas but also rural areas. He suspended his inspection work during the rainy season on account of the difficulties of weather. He got prepared temporary buildings for his stay while on tour.
When the king halted at any place, the people could meet him and put before him their grievances.
He was accompanied by several 100 drummers and the king’s hired porters carried his golden footstools, water pots, cups, spittoons and baths.
According to Hiuen Tsang, the society was not choked by a grinding bureaucracy or overburdened by a heavy system of taxation. Families were not registered and individuals were not subject to forced labour contribution.
Economy:

It was an empire of prosperity, agriculture & trade. Cities like Bannaras, kannuj were prosperous. Kannuj was the capital city hence it was extreme prosperous and well protected. It had large building, beautiful gardens, and swimming pools.
The main source of income of state was land-revenue; it was 1/6th of agricultural produce.

The income of state was spent under 4 categories:
1. for the expenses of state & ceremonial worship
2. for the ministers
3. for rewarding the clever and
4. for acquiring religious merit
Administrative Units: The kingdom was divided into various provinces called Bhukti. They were further divided into Visayas corresponding to modern districts. Pathaka was a smaller territorial term perhaps of the size of taluk. The lowest unit of administration was Grama.
Military:

Harsha had a well-organised standing army. It had elephants, camels, cavalry and infantry. Cavalry and elephants had separate commanders. The head of the cavalry was called Brihadasvavaru. Hiuen Tsang says that Harsha had 60,000 elephant’s corps and a cavalry of 1 lakh
Education:
Harsha himself was a scholar he wrote 3 plays. Universities of Nalanda and Valabhai were the centres of learning. Harsha helped in growth of learning and education. India was the most educated country at that time of Harsha's reign.
Sources: Itihas, Infian Communities and Cultural India.
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