During the reign of which of the following kings did Chinese traveller Xuanzang visit India?
Harshavardhana
The question asks about the Indian king during whose reign the famous Chinese traveller Xuanzang visited India. This is a significant event in ancient Indian history, providing valuable insights into the conditions, society, and culture of the time.
Who was Chinese Traveller Xuanzang?
Xuanzang (also spelled Hiuen Tsang) was a Buddhist monk, scholar, traveller, and translator who travelled to India in the 7th century CE. His journey was motivated by a desire to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures and learn more about Buddhism directly from its source.
Xuanzang's Visit to India and Harshavardhana's Reign
Xuanzang arrived in India in 630 CE and spent about 15 years travelling across the Indian subcontinent, visiting important Buddhist sites and studying at renowned centres of learning like the Nalanda University. He returned to China in 645 CE. During the majority of his stay in India, the prominent ruler in North India was King Harshavardhana.
Harshavardhana reigned from 606 CE to 647 CE. He was the ruler of the Vardhana dynasty and established a large empire in North India. Xuanzang's travelogue, known as the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions," is a primary source of information about Harshavardhana's reign and the state of India during that period. Xuanzang recorded details about the administration, society, economy, religion, and culture.
Why Harshavardhana is the Correct King
Historical records confirm that Xuanzang's visit to India coincided with the reign of King Harshavardhana. Xuanzang's writings extensively mention Harshavardhana and describe his interactions with the king. Harshavardhana was known to be a patron of learning and religion, and he held a grand assembly at Kannauj which Xuanzang also attended.
Analysis of Other Options
- Prabhakara Vardhana: He was Harshavardhana's father and preceded him on the throne. Xuanzang's visit occurred after Prabhakara Vardhana's reign.
- Chandragupta Maurya: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire and ruled in the 4th century BCE, centuries before Xuanzang's time.
- Ashoka: Ashoka the Great was a prominent ruler of the Mauryan Empire, ruling in the 3rd century BCE, also long before Xuanzang's visit.
Therefore, based on historical evidence, Xuanzang's visit took place during the reign of Harshavardhana.
| Traveller | Origin | Period of Visit to India | Prominent Indian King During Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) | China | 7th Century CE (c. 630-645 CE) | Harshavardhana (Vardhana Dynasty) |
Revision Table: Key Historical Figures
| Figure | Period | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Xuanzang | 7th Century CE | Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, visited India to collect scriptures, wrote famous travelogue. |
| Harshavardhana | 606-647 CE | King of Vardhana dynasty, ruler of large empire in North India, contemporary of Xuanzang. |
| Chandragupta Maurya | c. 322–298 BCE | Founder of the Mauryan Empire. |
| Ashoka | c. 268–232 BCE | Most famous Mauryan emperor, known for promoting Buddhism. |
| Prabhakara Vardhana | Late 6th Century CE | Father of Harshavardhana. |
Additional Information on Xuanzang and Harshavardhana
Xuanzang's journey to India was epic and fraught with peril. He travelled through Central Asia, across mountains and deserts, to reach the Indian subcontinent. His motivations were purely religious and academic – he sought to understand the true teachings of Buddhism by studying original texts and visiting sacred sites.
Harshavardhana is often considered one of the last major emperors of ancient India before the medieval period. His reign is noted for its efficient administration, promotion of arts and learning, and religious tolerance, although he himself is said to have transitioned towards Buddhism later in his life. Xuanzang's accounts provide valuable evidence for these aspects of Harshavardhana's rule.
The detailed descriptions left by Xuanzang offer historians a unique window into the political, social, and religious landscape of 7th-century India. His work, "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions," remains an indispensable source for the study of this period.
Important Questions from Post Guptas Age
- With the commencement of the 7th century, who ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj?
What was the center of power during the reign of Harshavardhana?
Who built the seven chariot temples of Mahabalipuram?
Gurjara-Prathiharas originally came to the Indian subcontinent from:
- Which of the following inscriptions suggests a time reckoning starting from the Bharata war?
