UPSC Prelims Marathon 20 May – Harshvardhan dynasty (Cultural, political, administrative aspects) – 2025

Consider the following statements regarding the administration under Harshavardhana:
1. The centralised administration under Harsha extended uniformly across the Indian subcontinent.
2. The Mantri Parishad (Council of Ministers) during Harsha’s reign played a key role in both succession and foreign policy.
3. Skandagupta held multiple important positions, including Commander-in-Chief and Minister for Foreign Relations during Harsha’s reign.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

With reference to the fiscal administration under Harshavardhana, consider the following statements:
1. Bhaga was a land tax paid in kind, typically collected as one-sixth of the agricultural produce.
2. Hiranya was a cash tax levied on farmers and merchants.
3. Bali was a tax imposed specifically for religious charities during Harsha’s reign.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the status of women as described by Hieun Tsang:
1.Sati was practised during the reign of Harshas.
2.All women, including those of higher classes, strictly followed the purdah system.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements about Harsha’s contributions to art and literature:
1. Temples and monasteries functioned as centres of learning during the reign of Harsha.
2. Bana, the court poet of Harsha, wrote Priyadarsika and Rathnavali.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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?