Question

Which Chinese traveler visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana?

• A. Fa-Hien
• B. Hiuen Tsang
• C. I-Tsing
• D. Sung Yun

Hint:

Harsha’s period → Visited by Hiuen Tsang → Detailed Buddhist accounts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Foreign travelers provide valuable accounts of ancient Indian history, culture, and administration. Chinese pilgrims visited India mainly to study Buddhism.
Step 1: Understanding Hiuen Tsang.
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler.
Step 2: Time period.
He visited India in the 7th century CE during the reign of Harshavardhana.
Step 3: Contributions.

• Provided detailed accounts of Indian society, religion, and education
• Described Nalanda University
• Recorded Harsha’s administration and patronage of Buddhism

Step 4: Eliminating other options.

• Fa-Hien: Visited during Gupta period (Chandragupta II)
• I-Tsing: Visited later, mainly for Buddhist studies
• Sung Yun: Earlier traveler

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, Hiuen Tsang visited India during Harshavardhana’s reign.