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UPSC Prelims 2025Question 15Ancient History

Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

Options

  1. (a)Samudragupta
  2. (b)Chandragupta II
  3. (c)Kumaragupta I
  4. (d)Skandagupta
Correct answer: b
Decision rule

Date the traveller first, then bracket the reign list: a stay must fall inside a ruler's regnal years, not merely near them.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(b) Chandragupta II

Explanation of the Correct Answer:

  • Fa-Hien (Faxian) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim who traveled to India in the early 5th century CE to collect Buddhist scriptures and observe Buddhist practices.
  • He arrived in India around 399 CE and remained until approximately 412 CE.
  • This period coincides with the reign of Chandragupta II (c. 380–415 CE), one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

  • (a) Samudragupta (c. 335–380 CE):

    Reigned before Fa-Hien's arrival. His reign was marked by military conquests and cultural patronage, but he had passed away by the time Fa-Hien visited.

  • (c) Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE):

    Ruled after Fa-Hien’s departure. He came to power following Chandragupta II.

  • (d) Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE):

    Also reigned after Fa-Hien’s time in India.

Relevant Supplementary Information:

Table: Key Gupta Rulers and Timeline

RulerReign PeriodRelation to Fa-Hien’s VisitMajor Contributions
Samudraguptac. 335–380 CEReigned before Fa-HienMilitary expansion, patron of arts
Chandragupta IIc. 380–415 CEReigned during Fa-Hien’s visitPeak of Gupta Empire, cultural golden age
Kumaragupta Ic. 415–455 CEReigned after Fa-HienEstablished Nalanda University (attributed)
Skandaguptac. 455–467 CEReigned well after Fa-HienFaced Hun invasions, protected Gupta territory

Related Concepts:

  • Fa-Hien’s Account: He authored “A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms” (Foguo Ji), detailing:
    • Buddhist monasteries and practices in India
    • Indian cities like Pataliputra, Mathura, Kanyakubja
    • Social life and religious tolerance under Gupta rule
  • Described Gupta India as a land of prosperity, mild governance, and flourishing Buddhism, especially in Magadha.

Current Relevance:

  • Fa-Hien’s writings provide first-hand foreign accounts of Indian society, administration, and religious life during the Gupta Golden Age.
  • His observations are key historical sources for ancient Indian polity and Buddhism.

Table: Information About Concepts Related to Fa-Hien’s Visit and Gupta Rulers

Concept / NameDescriptionRelevance to Fa-Hien’s VisitSignificance in Indian History
Fa-Hien (Faxian)Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India between 399–412 CEHe traveled during Chandragupta II’s reignFirst Chinese pilgrim to India; documented Buddhist sites and practices
Chandragupta IIGupta emperor (reigned c. 380–415 CE) also known as VikramadityaRuler during Fa-Hien’s visitOversaw the Gupta Golden Age; promoted art, literature, science
SamudraguptaGupta emperor (reigned c. 335–380 CE)Reigned before Fa-HienKnown as the Napoleon of India; great military conqueror
Kumaragupta IGupta emperor (reigned c. 415–455 CE)Reigned after Fa-Hien left IndiaFounded or patronized Nalanda University (as per some sources)
SkandaguptaGupta emperor (reigned c. 455–467 CE)Reigned much later than Fa-HienDefended India from Hun invasions; restored Gupta authority
PataliputraCapital city visited by Fa-HienDescribed as declining but still importantOnce a grand city; administrative and cultural center
Magadha (modern Bihar)Region rich in Buddhist heritage; center of monasteries Fa-Hien visitedCore focus of Fa-Hien’s observationsCradle of early Buddhism; home to Nalanda and many monastic institutions
“A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms” (Foguo Ji)Fa-Hien’s travelogue written in ChinesePrimary source for understanding Gupta-period IndiaProvides historical, cultural, and religious insights

Key Observations by Fa-Hien:

  • India had a well-functioning legal system with mild punishments.
  • Buddhism was flourishing, especially in eastern India.
  • Indian society was tolerant and prosperous.
  • Monasteries were active in education and scriptural preservation.
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