Review: History of Kanauj
Summary
This review evaluates Rama Shankar Tripathi’s comprehensive monograph on the history of Kanauj from ancient times to its fall to the Muslims. The reviewer notes that the book is divided into three parts: an account of the Maukhari and Harṣa periods; a critical study of Harṣa’s reign; and a narrative of the Pratihāra dynasty and later developments leading to the city’s conquest. He praises Tripathi’s use of Chinese pilgrim accounts, inscriptions and literary sources to build a detailed chronology. The reviewer points out a few minor errors, such as the interpretation of certain dates and the family relationships among kings, but emphasises that these do not detract from the work’s value. The book’s treatment of Harṣa’s administrative reforms, religious policy and foreign relations is highlighted as a significant contribution. Tripathi’s analysis of the Pratihāra rulers and his attempt to reconcile conflicting genealogies are also commended. Overall, the review describes the monograph as a valuable synthesis of available evidence on Kanauj’s medieval history.
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Conclusion
The reviewer concludes that Tripathi’s “History of Kanauj” is a long‑awaited and reliable study. Despite minor criticisms regarding dates and genealogies, it succeeds in organising scattered materials into a coherent narrative. Students of Indian history will find it a useful reference, particularly for its careful use of Chinese and epigraphic sources.