History of Kanauj to the Moslem Conquest c3.2

c3.2

In the beginning of the seventh century, however, the fortunes of the Maukharis took such a sudden and catastrophic turn that Harṣa of Thanesvar had to assume control of affairs in Kanauj. It is usually asserted that he extended his suzerainty throughout Northern India, but in my opinion his dominions comprised only parts of Eastern Panjab, almost the whole of modern United Provinces, Magadha, Orissa and Bengal. I have devoted a disproportionately large space to this subject mainly because it bristles with knotty points, and is a frequent source of controversy. An attempt has also been made here to give a critical account of Harṣa’s administration and achievements of peace. His death plunged Kanauj into anarchy and darkness that lasted for about half-a-century. When the curtain rises again, a striking figure flits across the political stage. Yaśovarman gained some successes at the start of his career, but was ultimately reduced to subservience by Lalitāditya of Kashmir.