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UPSC CSE Prelims 1999, Paper I

Foreign Accounts of India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The following persons came to India at one time or another: 1. Fa-Hien, 2. I-Tsing, 3. Megasthenes, 4. Hiuen-Tsang. The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Foreign travelogues are vital primary sources for reconstructive history. Understanding their sequence helps map political and religious shifts over 1,000 years.

Explanation Megasthenes (Greek) came in the 4th century BCE; Fa-Hien (Chinese) in the 5th century CE; Hiuen-Tsang (Chinese) in the 7th century CE; and I-Tsing (Chinese) later in the 7th century CE.

Logical Breakup
Megasthenes (300 BCE): Mauryan Empire (Chandragupta Maurya).
Fa-Hien (400 CE): Gupta Empire (Chandragupta II).
Hiuen-Tsang (630 CE): Vardhana Empire (Harshavardhana).
I-Tsing (670 CE): Post-Harsha, primarily visited Nalanda.

Active Recall

Question

What was the primary motive of the Chinese travelers compared to Megasthenes?

Answer

Chinese travelers were primarily Buddhist monks seeking scriptures, whereas Megasthenes was a political diplomat documenting the state and society.

Core Insight

The progression from Megasthenes to I-Tsing captures India's transformation from a centralized Mauryan state to a hub of global Buddhist education (Nalanda).

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