Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

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Question

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B - Chandragupta IIStep-by-step Solution:Fa-hien (Faxian, c. 337-422 CE) was a Chinese Buddhist monk who undertook a remarkable pilgrimage to India to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures and study Buddhism at its source. He travelled from China overland through Central Asia, reached India, studied at various sites, and returned to China by sea.Fa-hien visited India approximately during 399-414 CE. He stayed in India for about 6 years, studying Pali, collecting Sanskrit manuscripts, and visiting Buddhist holy sites including Pataliputra, Mathura, Varanasi (Kashi), Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Kapilavastu. This period corresponds to the reign of Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya), who ruled approximately 380-415 CE.Fa-hien's account, recorded in his travelogue 'Fo-Kuo-Chi' (Record of Buddhist Kingdoms), provides invaluable historical information about the Gupta period. He described: The prosperity and peace of the Gupta Empire; The general happiness of the people and low taxation; Religious tolerance and Buddhist flourishing; Excellent administration and minimal crime; The absence of the death penalty in general punishment.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Samudragupta): Samudragupta (c. 335-375 CE) ruled before Fa-hien's visit. Fa-hien's journey to India was approximately 399-414 CE, which falls after Samudragupta's reign. ✗Option C (Kumaragupta I): Kumaragupta I ruled c. 415-455 CE - after Fa-hien had already left India (he departed around 411-414 CE). ✗Option D (Skandagupta): Skandagupta ruled c. 455-467 CE - much later than Fa-hien's visit. ✗Key Concept: Important Chinese travellers to India: Fa-hien (Faxian): Visited ~399-414 CE; during Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). Travelled overland through Central Asia, returned by sea. Travelogue: 'Fo-Kuo-Chi'. Focused on Buddhist sites and conditions. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang): Visited ~629-645 CE; during Harshavardhana and Pulakesi II of Chalukyas. Travelogue: 'Si-Yu-Ki' (Records of the Western World). Most detailed account of 7th-century India. It-sing (Yijing): Visited ~671-695 CE; during post-Harsha period. Focused on Buddhist monasteries, particularly Nalanda. These three travellers are collectively called the 'Trio of Chinese Pilgrims' in Indian historiography. Their accounts are primary sources for the history of India that complement epigraphic and archaeological evidence.

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

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Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

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