Previous Year Question
Which of the following was the first capital of Harshavardhana?
A.
Pataliputra
B.
Thanesar
C.
Vaishali
D.
Magadha
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Thanesar, ancient Sthaneshvara, was the original political centre and capital of the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty. Harshavardhana succeeded to the throne of Thanesar in 606 CE and later made Kanyakubja, or Kannauj, his imperial capital.
Fact: NCERT describes Harshavardhana as the ruler of Kanauj, referring to the later phase of his reign when Kannauj had become his principal imperial centre.