Harsha of Kashmir
| Harsha | |
|---|---|
Silver Coin of Harsha of Kashmir
Left: Harsha riding horse right; Sharada legend Sri Harsha Deva above Right: Goddess Lakshmi seated facing on lotus, holding lotus and vase. | |
| Maharaja of Kashmir | |
| Reign | 1089–1101 |
| Predecessor | Maharaja Ajitdeva |
| Successor | Kushaladitya IV |
| Born | 1059 Kashmir |
| Died | 1101 (aged 41–42) Kashmir |
| Spouse | Kusal Rani Vartakar Rani |
| Issue | Adesheva Maharani Ajirani |
| House | Lohara |
| Father | Maharaja Kalasha |
| Mother | Eshant Maharani |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Harsha (1059–1101), also known as Harshadeva, was the Maharaja of Kashmir from 1089 to 1101. He was given the epithet "raja-Turushka" (Turk king).
Harsha belonged to the First Lohara dynasty, of which he was the last ruler. According to Kalhana, Harsha was built like a god and was extremely handsome. Harsha's conduct has recently been a subject of discussion. Harsha started out as a capable and noble king, then ran into financial trouble because of his spending habits. He was the son of king Kalasha of Kashmir. According to Pandit Prithvi Nath Kaul Bamzai in A History of Kashmir, pp. 143, Kalhana mentioned that even night soil was taxed under his rule. Extravagant expenditure on his troops and senseless pleasure involved him in grave financial difficulties. His accidental discovery of hoarded treasures at the Bhimasahi temple induced him to despoil other temples and he started melting gold and silver images of gods and goddesses.