Shīlāditya ［戒日王］ (r. 606–647) (;  Kainichi-ō): Also known as Harsha or Harshavardhana. An Indian king who, through inheritance and conquest, formed an empire that included most of northern India in the seventh century. Kanyākubja was its capital. At first an adherent of Hinduism, Shīlāditya later converted to Buddhism. He built many temples and stupas, supported Nālandā Monastery, and is said to have governed compassionately based on Buddhist principles. He is known through the biographical work Harsha-charita (“The Deeds of Harsha”) written by the poet Bāna, and by Hsüan-tsang’s detailed accounts of him and his kingdom in The Record of the Western Regions. Hsüan-tsang, the Chinese Buddhist priest who traveled extensively in India and Central Asia during the seventh century, became a friend and confidant of King Shīlāditya, who is also known for establishing the first diplomatic ties between India and China. Shīlāditya was also a poet and playwright and composed several dramas including Nāgānanda (“The Joy of the Dragon King”).