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| The Rise of Harsha: Early Life and Challenges |
The Rise of Harsha: Early Life and Challenges
The Harsha dynasty, founded by Pushyabhuti, emerged as a significant power in North India following the decline of the Gupta Empire. The Pushyabhuti family, initially feudatories of the Guptas, gained independence after the Hun invasions. Prabhakaravardhana, the first important ruler of the dynasty, established his capital at Thaneswar, north of Delhi.
Prabhakaravardhana's elder son, Rajyavardhana, succeeded him to the throne. However, Rajyavardhana faced immediate challenges upon his accession. His sister, Rajyasri, was married to Grihavarman, the Maukhari ruler. Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, in alliance with Sasanka, the ruler of Bengal, treacherously killed Grihavarman.
Rajyavardhana swiftly responded to this act of aggression, marching against the king of Malwa and defeating his army. Unfortunately, before he could return to his capital, Sasanka ambushed and murdered Rajyavardhana.
Harsha, the younger brother, succeeded Rajyavardhana as the ruler of Thaneswar. Faced with the tragic loss of his brother and the threat posed by Sasanka, Harsha's immediate priorities were to rescue his sister and avenge their deaths. His first act was to save Rajyasri from self-immolation, a desperate act she was contemplating in the aftermath of her husband's murder.
