Question

Harshavardhana not only brought the greater part of northern India under his direct rule, he also consolidated his dominions by efficient administrative machinery.
In this context explain:
His Conquests and Extent of his Empire

Answer 1

His Conquests and Extent of his Empire: Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after he succeeded his elder brother Rajyavardhana. After becoming the king, he immediately decided to rescue his sister and punish Sasanka. He advanced with a huge army and inflicted a crushing defeat on the enemy. Harsha administered the government of Kanauj in the name of his sister. Later, the kingdom of Kanauj was combined with that of Thanesar, and the union, thus formed, was developed into an empire by Harsha. Hiuen-Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim, said Harsha brought the Five Indies under his control.
These regions included

1. Eastern Punjab,
2. Kanuaj (Uttar Pradesh),
3. Magadha (Bihar),
4. Bengal and
5. Orissa

He tried to expand his empire beyond the river Narmada, but he suffered a defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II, the Chalukya king. He died in 648 AD. He had no heir.