RAS question
The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of:
Correct answer: (C) Harshavardhana.
The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana.
Explanation
Hiuen Tsang, or Xuanzang, is linked with Harshavardhana because his India visit falls in 630-645 CE, within Harsha's rule. His travel account, Si-Yu-Ki or Records of the Western World, is valuable for information on Indian society, politics and Buddhism. Britannica describes Xuanzang as a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim to India, records that he reached the eastern Ganges region in 633, says the powerful North Indian king Harsha wanted to meet and honour him, and notes that Harsha's patronage helped his return journey to China, which ended in 645. Harshavardhana was therefore the ruler during Xuanzang's visit to India.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Kanishka belongs to the 1st-2nd century CE, so his reign is too early for Xuanzang's 630-645 CE visit to India.
- (B) Chandragupta II is associated with Fa Hien's visit, not with Hiuen Tsang's journey.
- (D) Ashoka lived in the 3rd century BCE, long before Hiuen Tsang's 7th-century CE visit.
Concept
Ancient India chronology links foreign travellers with the rulers whose reigns they illuminate. RAS frequently uses such travellers as exam-friendly evidence on polity, society, Buddhism and chronology.