Q. With reference to the military career and political consolidation under Harshavardhana, consider the following statements:
1.He successfully avenged the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana, by defeating the Gauda king Shashanka and capturing his capital, Karnasuvarna.
2.He adopted the title Sakala Uttara Pathanatha (Lord of the whole North) but was decisively defeated by the Chalukya king Pulakesin II on the banks of the River Narmada.
3.He adopted the Mahayana form of Buddhism and founded the great religious assembly known as the Mahamoksha Parishad at Prayag.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. While Harsha succeeded his brother Rajyavardhana, who was killed by Shashanka, Harsha was unable to achieve a decisive victory over Shashanka during the latter’s lifetime.
- Statement 2: Correct. Harsha’s campaign south was halted by Pulakesin II at the River Narmada. The title Sakala Uttara Pathanatha is associated with his pan-Indian claims.
- Statement 3: Correct. Harsha became a follower of Mahayana Buddhism and is known for holding the quinquennial Mahamoksha Parishad assembly at Prayag (Allahabad).
