UPSC Prelims 2001 Q28: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly.
Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true, but R is false
- (d) A is false, but R is true
Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false
Explanation
Assertion-Reason: Harshavardhana and the Prayag Assembly
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly | True — he held a great assembly every five years at Prayag (Allahabad); Hiuen Tsang attended it in 643 |
| R. He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism | False — at Prayag he gave gifts to Buddhists, Brahmins and others and worshipped the Buddha, the Sun and Shiva |
| Kanauj Assembly (643) | This was the one held to honour Hiuen Tsang and spread Mahayana |
| Mahamoksha Parishad | Name given to the Prayag gathering of charity |
Harsha did hold the assembly at Prayag, where he distributed his wealth over many days. It was a festival of charity for all sects, not a meeting to push only Mahayana. That purpose belongs to the Kanauj assembly. So A is true and R is false.
Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. R is false; Prayag was not only about Mahayana.
- (b) Incorrect. R is false, so both cannot be true.
- (c) CORRECT. Harsha convened the Prayag Assembly, but not to popularise only Mahayana.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true; Hiuen Tsang describes the Prayag Assembly.
Key point
Harsha (606-647): capital Kanauj; Kanauj Assembly for Mahayana; Prayag Assembly every five years for charity; wrote Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarshika.
Remember
Kanauj = Mahayana assembly; Prayag = charity assembly for all.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the Kanauj and Prayag assemblies.
- Accepting the word 'only' without checking.
- Thinking Harsha gave up Hindu worship completely.
Exam tip
Watch for 'only' in a Reason; Indian rulers usually patronised many faiths.
Sources
- R. S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past, chapter on Harsha
- Hiuen Tsang — Si-Yu-Ki (tr. Samuel Beal), Book V on Kanyakubja and Prayaga