Understanding Visitors to Harshavardhana's Court

Studying the accounts of foreign travelers who visited ancient India is crucial for reconstructing its history. These accounts often provide valuable insights into the political, social, economic, and religious conditions of the time.

The question asks about a specific individual who spent a significant amount of time at the court of Emperor Harshavardhana and documented his observations in detail. Let's look at the options provided:

• Xuan Zang (also known as Hiuen Tsang): A famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana (7th century CE). He spent many years traveling across the subcontinent, visiting holy sites associated with Buddhism and studying at prominent centers of learning like Nalanda University. His detailed travelogue, known as the 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions', is a primary source for the history of that period, including his time at Harshavardhana's court.
• Faxian (also known as Fa Hien): Another significant Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler. However, he visited India much earlier, during the Gupta period, specifically during the reign of Chandragupta II (around 400 CE). His account also provides valuable information, but for a different era.
• Kang Seng: This name does not correspond to a well-known foreign traveler to ancient India, particularly not during Harshavardhana's period.
• Yijing (also known as I-tsing): A Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India later than Xuan Zang, primarily in the late 7th century CE, after Harshavardhana's reign. He focused more on Buddhist monastic rules and practices in India.

Based on historical records, the Chinese traveler who spent time at Harshavardhana's court and left a detailed account of his visit and observations is Xuan Zang. He was highly regarded by Harshavardhana.

Identifying the Visitor to Harshavardhana's Court

Comparing the information about the travelers with the question, it is clear that Xuan Zang is the individual who fits the description. His extensive travelogue is a key source of information about Harshavardhana's empire and the conditions in India during the 7th century CE.

Revision Table: Key Foreign Travelers to Ancient India

Additional Information about Harshavardhana's Period

Harshavardhana ruled over a significant empire in North India from 606 to 647 CE. His reign is considered important for several reasons:

• He was known for his administrative skills and efforts towards welfare.
• He was a patron of both Hinduism and Buddhism, although he later leaned towards Buddhism.
• His court was a center of learning and culture, attracting scholars and travelers like Banabhatta (who wrote 'Harshacharita') and Xuan Zang.
• Xuan Zang's account provides insights into the law and order, social structure, economy, and religious practices prevalent during Harshavardhana's rule. He described Harsha's assembly at Kannauj and the religious gathering at Prayag.

Understanding the accounts of travelers like Xuan Zang helps us corroborate information from indigenous sources and gain a more complete picture of historical periods.