HST 197 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: Abbasid Caliphate, Gupta Empire, Hephthalite Empire
Document Summary
Gupta dynasty came under severe pressure from nomadic invaders. Through the mid 4th-5th centuries gupta rulers resisted the pressures and preserved order throughout much of the indian subcontinent. White huns from central asia invaded india and disrupted the gupta administration. By mid 6th century, gupta state had collapsed. Northern and southern india were divided after the gupta dynasty fell. Local states contested for power and territory. Nomadic turkish speaking people from central asia took advantage of the unsettled state. These turkish-speaking people eventually found niches for themselves in the caste system and became absorbed into indian society. Harsha: king harsha (r. 606-648 c. e. ) temporarily restored unified rule in most of northern india and sought to revive imperial authority. He came to throne in lower ganges valley at age 16. He was full of energy and ambition. Led an army of 20000 cavalry, 50000 infantry, 5000 war elephants. By 612 he subdued those who didn"t recognize his rule.
