The famous Chinese pilgrim, Fahien visited India during the reign of ____.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation:
- The renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim Fa-Hien traveled to India during the early 5th century CE (399–412 CE), during the reign of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya). Fa-Hien's primary objective was to collect copies of sacred Buddhist texts (the Vinaya Pitaka) and to visit Buddhist holy sites. In his travelogue, he provided a detailed account of the peace, prosperity, and social order prevailing in India during the Gupta period.
Additional Points:
- Title: Chandragupta II assumed the title of 'Vikramaditya,' and his court was adorned by the 'Navaratnas' (Nine Gems)—scholars such as Kalidasa and Varahamihira.
- Travelogue: Fa-Hien's book is titled Fo-Kuo-Ki.
- Key Observation: Fa-Hien noted that the penal laws within the Gupta Empire were very lenient, and the people lived a secure life, free from theft or violence.
Potential Questions and Answers:
Question: What was the name of the great poet who resided in Chandragupta II's court?
Answer: Kalidasa.
Question: Who was the other famous Chinese traveler who visited India approximately 200 years after Fa-Hien?
Answer: Hiuen Tsang (who arrived during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana).
Question: By what means did Fa-Hien complete his journey?
Answer: He entered India via an overland route through Central Asia and returned to China via a maritime route, passing through Sri Lanka.