Shashanka - War With Harsha-Vardhana

War With Harsha-Vardhana

Shashanka and his allies fought a major war with the then Emperor of Thanesar, Harshavardhana, and his allies. The result of the battle was inconclusive as Shashanka is documented to have retained dominion over his lands. The king of Malwa, Devgupta had an enmity with the ruler of Kannauj, Grahavarman who was also the brother-in-law of the Vardhan princes, by his marriage with the princess of Thanesar, Rajyashri. Devgupta attacked Kannauj and killed Grahavarman in the battle and imprisoned his wife Rajyashri. Hearing the news Prabhakarvardhan, the king of Thaneswar dies of shock and his elder son Rajyavardhan is crowned as the king. Rajyavardhan immediately marched towards Kannauj to avenge the death of his brother-in-law. The battle was followed by sudden assassination of Rajyavardhan. Though very conclusive proofs are not found, but a treachery is suspected on the part of Sasanka who joined the battle as an ally of Devgupta. Only source available in this matter is the "Harshacharita" by Banabhatta, who was a childhood friend and constant companion of Emperor Harsha. But one thing should be kept in mind that neither Bana nor Harsha were present at the site.

Harsha-Vardhan, then was crowned the ruler of Thaneswar and he once again gathered the army and attacked Kannauj. Though the results are not known clearly, but it is evident that Devgupta and Shashanka had to retreat from Kannauj. Shashanka continued to rule Gauda with frequent attacks from Harsha which he is known to have faced bravely.