The Chinese traveler Yuan-shuang has described in detail the social conditions of the time of Emperor Harshavardhana.
There were fortifications around every town and village.
It had large doors to enter.
There were houses and shops on both sides of the road.
In addition to the four main characters in society, there was a fifth "mixed race" class.
The practice of veil and interracial marriage was not prevalent, but the practice of sati, child marriage, and polygamy began.
In addition to milk and its derivatives, people used wheat, rice, oats, and vegetables in their diet.
Carnivory was prevalent.
After the meal, the earthenware was thrown away and the metal utensils were cleaned and reused.
People wore plain, clean white clothing.
Men washed and women wore saris.
People used various ornaments and cosmetics.
Entertainment included chess, bargaining, and in the villages, nuts and bolts entertained the people.
Vasantotsav was celebrated with fanfare.
The people were simple, sattvic, religious, virtuous and honest.
The main occupations of the people were farming, animal husbandry, craft industry and trade.
In addition to various sects of Hinduism, people practiced Jainism and Buddhism.