Q. Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim travelled to India during the reign of
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta II
(c) Kumaragupta I
(d) Skandagupta
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (b) Chandragupta II
Explanation:
Faxian (also spelled as Fa-hien) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who journeyed to India in the early 5th century CE. His main objective was to collect Buddhist scriptures and observe the functioning of Buddhist institutions in India. He traveled on foot from China to India and spent several years in the Indian subcontinent.
Time Period of Visit:
Faxian visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, who ruled from around c. 380 to 415 CE. This period was part of the Gupta Age, which is often regarded as the Golden Age of ancient India, marked by immense progress in arts, culture, science, and religion—particularly Hinduism and Buddhism.
Significance of Faxian’s Accounts:
Faxian’s travelogue, known as the “Foguo Ji” (A Record of the Buddhist Kingdoms), is an important source of historical information about India during the Gupta period. Some key observations include:
- India was politically stable and prosperous under Chandragupta II.
- The people lived in peace, and crime was minimal.
- Buddhism was flourishing, especially in places like Mathura, Pataliputra, and Nalanda.
- He praised the justice system, cleanliness, and general welfare.
- Faxian also described the economic prosperity, noting that there were no poll taxes and free hospitals for the sick and needy.
Why Not the Other Options?
- Samudragupta (c. 335–375 CE): Reigned before Faxian’s time.
- Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE): Came to power after Faxian left India.
- Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE): Also ruled much later.
Conclusion:
Faxian’s journey offers valuable insights into Indian society, religion, and governance under the Gupta Empire, specifically during the reign of Chandragupta II, making option (b) the correct answer.