1. The period between the Guptas and the Vardhanas saw many independent principalities. North India lacked a strong central power.
2. The Huns, Maithrakas of Valabhi, Maukharis of Kanauj, Yasodharman of Mandasor, Pushyabhutis of Thaneswar and Later Guptas of Magadha were subregional kingdoms.
3. Harsha subdued the minor powers and became the king ofThanesar and Kanauj. His authority and control prevailed over Bengal, Kamarupa, Valabhi, Sind, Nepal and Kashmir.
4. Harsha maintained cordial relations with China and the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang recorded the socio-religious conditions of the people of that period.
5. Harsha patronised Buddhism and convened Buddhist assemblies at Kanauj and Prayag.

The founder of Pala dynasty Gopala was elected to rule by the chieftains and rulers of little kingdoms.
1. Dharmapala, Devapala and Mahipala I ruled ably and kept their domain under effective control.
2. Weak successors contributed to the decline of the dynasty.
3. Mahayana Buddhism flourished during the Pala reign.
4.The patronage of Palas to Vikramashila and Nalanda universities paved the way for the progress of Buddhist, Jain and Sanskrit literature

The prime minister was of the most important position in the council of ministers.
1. Avanti - Minister for Foreign Relations and War
2. Sirnhananda - Commander-in-Chief
3. Kuntala - Chief Cavalry Officer
4. Skandagupta- Chief Commandant of Elephant Force
5. Dirghadhvajas - Royal Messengers
6. Banu - Keeper of Records
7. Mahaprathihara - Chief of the Palace Guard
8. Sarvagata - Secret Service Department

1. Harsha ruled for 41 years. His feudatories included those of Jalandhar (in the Punjab), Kashmir, Nepal and Valabhi.
2. Sasanka of Bengal remained hostile to him.
3. Though it is claimed that Harsha's Empire comprised Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Kanauj, Malwa, Odisha, the Punjab, Kashmir, Nepal and Sindh, his real sway did not extend beyond a compact territory between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
4. The kingdom of Harsha disintegrated rapidly into small states after his death.

According to Bana, Harsha, in an effort to build an empire, sent an ultimatum to the following kings to either surrender or be prepared for a battle:
1. Sasanka, the Gauda ruler of Bengal.
2. The Maitrakas of Valabhi and Gurjara of Broach region.
3. The Chalukya king, Pulikesin II, in the Deccan
3. Rulers of Sindh, Nepal, Kashmir, Magadha, Odra (northern Odisha) and Kongoda (another geographical unit in ancient Odisha).