In the second half of the seventh century, efforts at empire building were made by Harshavardhana (or Harsha). He belonged to the Pushabhukti family, who ruled in Thaneshwar, north of Delhi. His reign is comparatively well-documented, thanks to his court poet, Bana, who composed an account of his rise to power, Harshacharita. The Chinese buddhist [...]
In the ninth century, the Pallavas gave way to the Cholas. The Cholas are noteworthy as the one dynasty of India which, if only for a while, adopted a maritime policy, expanding their power by sea, conquering Sri Lanka and the Maldive islands. The Chola empire may be said to mark a climax in south [...]
Three powerful kingdoms arose between 750 AD and 1000 AD out of the ruins of Harsha’s empire. The Rashtrakutas of the Deccan, the Palas of Bengal and the Pratiharas, who controlled parts of Malwa and Rajasthan. All three were continuously engaged in a struggle over Kanauj. Each of them occupied Kanauj in turns, but finally [...]
