RAS question
Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), the Chinese pilgrim, visited India during whose reign?
Correct answer: (B) Harshavardhana.
Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana.
Explanation
Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsang, was the Chinese pilgrim associated with Harshavardhana's period, not with the Mauryan, Kushana or Gupta rulers in the other options. Harshavardhana ruled Kanauj from 606 to 647 CE. Xuanzang's Indian journey took place between 629 and 645 CE; he spent time at Harsha's court and Nalanda University, and his Si-Yu-Ki, or Records of the Western Regions, provides important information about seventh-century India. NCERT's Themes in Indian History, Theme Two: Kings, Farmers and Towns states that Xuan Zang came to India in search of Buddhist texts. Therefore, option B, Harshavardhana, is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Chandragupta II is associated with Fa-Hien's visit, not Xuanzang's. Choosing him confuses two different Chinese pilgrims.
- (C) Kanishka was a Kushana ruler from a much earlier period than Xuanzang's seventh-century Indian journey. No major Chinese pilgrim is associated with Kanishka's reign, whereas Xuanzang's journey from 629 to 645 CE matches Harshavardhana's period.
- (D) Ashoka belonged to the Mauryan period, long before Xuanzang's seventh-century visit. Accounts such as Xuanzang's belong to a later tradition of Buddhist travel and are associated here with Harshavardhana.
Concept
Accounts of foreign travellers are a recurring RAS history theme for ancient and early medieval India. As historical sources, they help connect rulers and courts with religious centres, political and cultural developments, and chronology.