Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 and 4 only.
Explanation
Harshavardhana (606–647 CE) was a prominent ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, with his capital at Kannauj. The history of his reign is reconstructed through diverse sources, including literature, foreign accounts, inscriptions, and numismatic evidence.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The history of Harsha is well-documented through multiple sources. These include the biography Harshacharita written by his court poet Banabhatta, the travel accounts of the Chinese pilgrim Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang), and various inscriptions (such as the Banskhera and Madhuban copper plates) and coins issued during his reign.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Xuan Zang’s account is a vital source, but it is not the only source. As mentioned above, Banabhatta’s Harshacharita is a primary literary source. Additionally, inscriptions and coins provide corroborative historical evidence.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Banabhatta was the court poet (Asthana Kavi) of Harsha, known for writing the Harshacharita and Kadambari. The position of Minister of War and Peace (Sandhivigrahika) was held by Avanti, not Banabhatta.
- Statement 4 is Correct: Harsha ascended the throne in 606 CE and ruled until 647 CE, which places his reign in the 7th century CE. Calculating from the present era, this corresponds to approximately 1400 years ago. This specific phrasing is frequently used in standard historical texts to describe his timeline.
Key Takeaway
Banabhatta was the court poet who wrote the Harshacharita, while Avanti served as the Minister of War and Peace. Harsha's reign (7th Century CE) is reconstructed from diverse sources, not solely Xuan Zang's accounts.