Harshavardhana shifted his capital from Thanesar to which city?
- A.Ujjain
- B.Kannauj
- C.Mathura
- D.Pataliputra
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Kannauj. Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty began his reign at Thanesar in Haryana and, after the death of his brother-in-law Grahavarman of the Maukhari house, united the two kingdoms and made Kannauj on the Ganga his capital around the early seventh century. Kannauj then became the symbol of paramountcy in north India and was fought over in the tripartite struggle between the Palas, the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas. A, Ujjain was the old capital of Avanti and a Saka and Gupta provincial centre. C, Mathura was the capital of the Surasena kingdom and a Kushana centre under Kanishka. D, Pataliputra had been the Mauryan and Gupta capital but had declined by Harsha's time. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, who visited Harsha's court, describes Kannauj in detail.
Read the full article: Cities Founded by Indian Rulers: Founders, Capitals, PYQs
Practice Questions
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