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Question

In which order did the following come to India?

I. Thomas Roe

II. Fa-hien

III. Hiuen-Tsang

This question was previously asked in
UPSSSC PET 2021 Question Paper (24-Aug-2021) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

II, III, I

Understanding Visitor Timelines: Fa-hien, Hiuen-Tsang, and Thomas Roe

To determine the correct chronological order of the arrivals of Fa-hien, Hiuen-Tsang, and Thomas Roe in India, we need to look at the historical periods associated with each individual.

Historical Arrival Details

The arrival dates for these historical figures are crucial:

  • Fa-hien (Faxian): A Chinese Buddhist monk who journeyed to India seeking Buddhist scriptures. He arrived in India around 399 CE and stayed until 414 CE. His visit occurred during the Gupta Empire.
  • Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang): Another prominent Chinese Buddhist traveler and scholar. He arrived in India approximately 629 CE and spent about 14 years in the country, leaving around 645 CE. His travels took place during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana.
  • Thomas Roe: An English diplomat representing King James I. He arrived in India in 1615 CE as an ambassador to the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and departed in 1619 CE.

Chronological Ordering of Arrivals

Based on their arrival dates, the sequence is as follows:

Name Approximate Arrival Year Order Identifier
Fa-hien 399 CE II
Hiuen-Tsang 629 CE III
Thomas Roe 1615 CE I

Comparing the arrival years:

  • Fa-hien arrived first (around 399 CE).
  • Hiuen-Tsang arrived second (around 629 CE).
  • Thomas Roe arrived third (around 1615 CE).

Therefore, the correct order of their arrival in India is Fa-hien, Hiuen-Tsang, Thomas Roe.

This corresponds to the sequence II, III, I.

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Important Questions from Travellers in Ancient India

  1. The Greek historian Megasthenes visited India during the reign of which Indian ruler?

  2. Megasthenes was an ambassador who was sent to the court of which Indian ruler by the Greek ruler of West Asia Seleucus Nicator?

  3. In travel through India Fahien has mentioned a hospital. It was located at

  4. Hien Tsang came to India from which country?

  5. How many sub-committees have been mentioned by Magasthenes to conduct military activities in the Mauryan administration?

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