In early medieval Indian religious history, King Harsha (Harshavardhana) is generally regarded as the last great royal patron of which religion before major changes in North India reduced its royal support?

Introduction / Context:
This question explores the decline of royal patronage for Buddhism in North India. Several dynasties earlier, such as those of Ashoka and the Kushanas, had strongly supported Buddhism. By the time of Harsha in the seventh century, Buddhism still enjoyed significant royal backing, but later political and religious changes led to a decrease in such support. Recognising Harsha as the last great royal patron highlights a turning point in the fortunes of Buddhism in the region.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler mentioned is Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana.
• He ruled large parts of North India in the seventh century.
• The question asks which religion he is regarded as the last great royal patron of.
• The options include Jainism, Buddhism, Shaivism, Bhagavatism (Vaishnavism) and Shaktism.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is Harshas close association with Buddhism. Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited his court and reported that Harsha showed deep respect for Buddhist monks and organised great religious assemblies in which Buddhism was honoured. Although Harsha was personally eclectic and respected multiple faiths, his strong support to Buddhist institutions in North India leads many historians to call him the last great royal patron of Buddhism in that region before its decline due to changing patronage and later invasions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Harsha ruled from around 606 to 647 CE and established a large kingdom in North India.Step 2: Remember that the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described Harshas deep support for Buddhist monasteries and his grand assemblies at places like Kannauj.Step 3: Note that after Harshas time, political fragmentation and the rise of other religious currents reduced large scale royal support for Buddhism in North India.Step 4: Compare this with the options and identify Buddhism as the religion for which he is called the last great royal patron.Step 5: Select Buddhism as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Jainism: Although Jainism had patrons in various regions, Harsha is not specifically known as the last great royal patron of Jainism.
• Shaivism: Shaivism gained royal support later under many dynasties; Harsha is not singled out in history as its last major royal supporter.
• Bhagavatism (Vaishnavism): Vaishnavism received strong patronage under later rulers too, so the idea of Harsha as last great patron does not apply.
• Shaktism: Worship of the Goddess also continued under many later dynasties; Harsha is not specifically highlighted as its final great patron.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Harsha is sometimes described as personally eclectic and tolerant, students may mistakenly conclude that he cannot be strongly associated with any single religion. However, the exam fact you must remember is that he provided major patronage to Buddhism in North India, and because large scale royal support declined after him, he is described as the last great royal patron of Buddhism in that region.

Final Answer:
Harsha is generally regarded as the last great royal patron of Buddhism in North India.