U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995

Ancient Higher Education

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang studied at the University of-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Ancient Indian universities were centers of international learning that attracted global scholars seeking mastery of Buddhist philosophy and advanced logic.

Explanation Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) studied at Nalanda University for about five years (637–642 CE). He was a student of the eminent abbot Shilabhadra and documented his experiences in *Si-Yu-Ki*.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Nalanda, in modern Bihar, was the pre-eminent Buddhist university during the 7th Century.
Logic 2: Taxila (Option A) was a center of learning during the Mauryan and Kushan periods, much earlier than Hiuen Tsang's visit.
Logic 3: Vikramshila (Option B) was founded later by the Pala king Dharmapala in the 8th Century.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the teacher of Hiuen Tsang at Nalanda?

Answer

He studied under the guidance of the venerable teacher and abbot Shilabhadra.

Core Insight

Hiuen Tsang's presence at Nalanda highlights the university's role as a global bridge for the transmission of Buddhist knowledge to East Asia.