The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c17.2

c17.2

The material for reconstructing the administrative outline of the first half of the 7th century A.D. is unexpectedly copious. Besides some coins and inscriptions there is Bâṇa's historical work, Harṣacarita, life of Harṣa, the paramount sovereign of the greater part of North India. Harṣacarita can, for political purposes, be usefully supplemented by Bâṇa's romance Kâdambarī. Additional light is forthcoming from that prince of travellers and scholars, Yuan Chwang,¹ who spent fifteen years in the country and recorded his experiences in an admirable work. Fortunately, the authenticity and chronology of these sources are beyond doubt. They can all be used together.