Understanding Chinese Travellers in Ancient India

Ancient India saw the arrival of several famous travellers from China, primarily Buddhist monks seeking religious texts and knowledge. These travellers documented their journeys and observations, providing valuable insights into the history, culture, and society of the Indian subcontinent during their time. Key figures include Faxian, Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang), and I-tsing.

I-tsing's Journey and Stay in India

I-tsing (also known as Yijing) was a Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled to India during the Tang dynasty. He set sail from Guangzhou in 671 CE, taking the sea route to reach India. His journey and stay are significant for the detailed accounts he provided of Buddhism and Indian society.

Upon reaching the coast of India, I-tsing first landed at a major port city. This city was a crucial point of entry for sea travellers arriving from Southeast Asia and China. He spent a considerable amount of time here before venturing further inland. One of his main objectives, like other Buddhist scholars, was to study Buddhist texts, many of which were written in Sanskrit.

Learning Sanskrit at the Port City

Historical records indicate that I-tsing spent a significant period, specifically three years, at his initial landing point in India. During this time, he dedicated himself to learning Sanskrit, the classical language in which many important Buddhist scriptures and other scholarly works were composed. Mastering Sanskrit was essential for understanding and translating these texts upon his return to China.

The question asks for the specific location where I-tsing stayed for three years and learned Sanskrit.

• Patliputra: Ancient capital city, important historically but not I-tsing's initial landing port or primary location for his initial Sanskrit study upon arrival.
• Tamralipti: This was an ancient port city located in Bengal (present-day Tamluk, West Bengal). It served as a vital maritime gateway for trade and travel between India, Southeast Asia, and China. Historical accounts confirm that I-tsing landed at Tamralipti and stayed there for about three years to learn Sanskrit before proceeding to other places like Nalanda.
• Bodh Gaya: A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha attained enlightenment. While I-tsing visited many important Buddhist sites, it was not his initial landing port or the location of his primary three-year Sanskrit study upon arrival.
• Nalanda: A renowned ancient center of learning in Bihar, where I-tsing spent many years studying Buddhism extensively. However, his initial three-year stay for learning Sanskrit occurred at the port city where he first landed.

Based on the historical accounts of I-tsing's travels, his three-year stay dedicated to learning Sanskrit after arriving by sea took place at the port city of Tamralipti.

Therefore, the place where I-tsing stayed for three years and learned Sanskrit is Tamralipti.

Revision Table: Chinese Travellers in India

Additional Information on Tamralipti and I-tsing

Tamralipti: This ancient port city played a crucial role in the maritime trade routes connecting India with the East. It was a bustling hub where goods and ideas were exchanged. Its strategic location made it a common entry and exit point for travellers using the sea route.

I-tsing's Contributions: Apart from collecting and translating scriptures, I-tsing is famous for his work 'A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Sea' (Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan). This book provides invaluable details about the daily life, customs, and monastic rules followed in various Buddhist monasteries in India and Southeast Asia during his time.

His stay at Tamralipti highlights the importance of this port not just for commerce but also as a place for initial acclimatization and learning the necessary linguistic skills before venturing deeper into the Indian heartland and major learning centers like Nalanda.