Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islamic Civilization to South and Southeast Asia

North India on the Eve of the Muslim Invasions

•North India remained politically divided between rival dynasties after the 5th century fall of the Gupta until Harsha in the 7th century created a stable successor empire in the central and eastern Ganges plain.

•Although he ruled an area larger than any contemporary European realm, Harsha failed to unite India’s subcontinent.

•Harsha's reign was a time of peace and prosperity.