Uttar Pradesh
Explanation
Harshavardhana (c. 606–647 CE) was a ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. While his family originally ruled from Thanesar, Harsha shifted his political center to consolidate control over the fertile and strategic Gangetic plains.
Detailed Analysis:
- Historical Context: Upon ascending the throne and uniting the kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj (after the death of his brother-in-law, the Maukhari ruler), Harshavardhana made Kanauj his new capital.
- Geographical Location: Kanauj, known in ancient texts as Kanyakubja or Mahodaya, is located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh.
- Strategic Importance: Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, Kanauj provided a strategic advantage for controlling trade routes and agricultural resources in North India. It remained the focal point of North Indian politics long after Harsha, leading to the "Tripartite Struggle" among the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas.
- Distinction from Thanesar: Thanesar (Sthanishvara), the ancestral capital of the Pushyabhutis, is located in present-day Haryana .
Key Takeaway:
Kanauj (Kanyakubja), the imperial capital of Harshavardhana, is situated in the modern-day Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh.