Question

What was the purpose of the Kannauj assembly called by Harshavardhana?

• A. To highlight the teachings of Buddha.
• B. To honour the Chinese master of law Hiuen Tsang.
• C. Religious assembly to highlight Mahayanism.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above.

In the year 643 A.D. Harsha held a great religious assembly in his capital at Kannauj on the bank of the river Ganges. The purpose of the assembly was to highlight the teachings of Buddha. On that occasion, Harsha also wanted to honour the Chinese Master of the Law, Hiuen Tsang. The subject of discussion in the assembly related to Mahayana Buddhism. The assembly continued for long 23 days.

The Kannauj Assembly was followed by another spectacular assembly at Prayaga in the same year. While the Kanauj Assembly was a religious assembly to highlight Mahayanism, the Prayaga Assembly was an assembly of universal character for offerings of royal charities to all classes of people.