Q. With reference to the military administration under Harshavardhana, consider the following statements:
1.Harsha’s army comprised the four traditional divisions known as chaturanga.
2.Ordinary soldiers in Harsha’s army were known as Brihadisvaras and Baladhikritas.
3.Hieun Tsang provides details about the recruitment and payment of Harsha’s army.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Harsha’s army consisted of the four divisions of the traditional chaturanga: elephants, cavalry, infantry, and chariots or auxiliary units, as noted by Hieun Tsang.
- Brihadisvaras and Baladhikritas were officers, not ordinary soldiers. Ordinary soldiers were called Chatas and Bhatas.
- The Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang (Xuanzang) does mention details about the strength of each army division, as well as the recruitment system and payment under Harsha’s rule.
Source: NCERT and Ancient India – NCERT (R.S. Sharma)
