Whom Hiuen Tsang called "one of the four lights of world", who's also called Indian Einstein ?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Answer: Nagarjuna
Explanation: The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited India in the 7th century CE during the reign of Harsha.
He referred to Nagarjuna as one of the “four suns of the world” (interpreted as four great intellectual lights).
Why Nagarjuna is important:
Founder of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school of Buddhism
Major philosopher of Buddhist philosophy
Known for the doctrine of Śūnyatā (emptiness)
His logical and philosophical reasoning earned him the nickname “Indian Einstein” in modern references
Additional Key Facts
Hiuen Tsang traveled India between 629–645 CE
He studied at Nalanda University, a major center of learning
Nagarjuna is associated with early development of Mahayana Buddhism
His philosophy influenced later Buddhist thought in India, China, and Tibet
Potential Exam Questions and Answers
Q. What is Nagarjuna’s main philosophical concept?
Ans: Śūnyatā (emptiness)
Q. Which ancient Indian university did Hiuen Tsang study at?
Ans: Nalanda University