Harsha's Unification of Northern India

Following the assassination of his elder brother Rajyavardhana, 16-year-old Harshavardhana ascended the throne of Thanesar in April 606 CE and began unifying Northern India after the Gupta Empire's collapse. Initially ruling from Thanesar, Harsha unified the kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj, shifting his capital to Kannauj. He extended control over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, parts of Bengal, and Orissa, creating the only major empire in North India during the post-Gupta period. His reign featured cultural achievements, religious tolerance, and diplomatic relations.