Understanding the Author of 'Indica'

The question asks to identify the author of the book "Indica", which provides an account of Mauryan India. This historical text is crucial for understanding the Mauryan Empire, particularly the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.

Analysis of Historical Figures and Their Contributions

Let's examine the individuals mentioned in the options:

• Megasthenes: He was a Greek ethnographer, diplomat, and explorer in the court of Chandragupta Maurya. Megasthenes served as an ambassador of the Seleucid Empire to the Mauryan court around 300 BCE. During his stay in India, he wrote "Indica", which detailed his observations about the Mauryan administration, society, geography, and customs. Although the original text is lost, excerpts quoted by later Greek writers like Arrian, Strabo, and Pliny provide valuable information about ancient India.
• Fa-hien: He was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who visited India during the Gupta Empire, specifically between 405 CE and 411 CE. His travels occurred much later than the Mauryan period. Fa-hien's account, often referred to as Fo-kuo-chi or Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, focuses primarily on the state of Buddhism in India during his time.
• Hiuen-Tsang: Also known as Xuanzang, he was another prominent Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler. He visited India during the 7th century CE (around 629-645 CE), primarily during the reign of Emperor Harshavardhana. Hiuen-Tsang's extensive travels and detailed records, particularly his work Journey to the West (or Great Tang Records on the Western Regions), offer significant insights into Indian society, culture, and the spread of Buddhism during the post-Gupta era.

Conclusion on 'Indica' Authorship

Based on the historical context and the works attributed to these individuals, Megasthenes is the author of "Indica", the significant account of Mauryan India. Fa-hien and Hiuen-Tsang were important travelers, but their visits and writings pertain to different periods of Indian history.