Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Yuan Chwang's 17-year journey (629–645 CE) provides a detailed eyewitness account of the social, legal, and economic landscape of Harsha's India.Explanation
In his journal *Si-Yu-Ki*, Yuan Chwang records severe punishments (mutilation and ordeals) and the taxation of trade, while also noting that he himself was robbed several times.Logical Breakup
Logic 1 (Statement 1 is Incorrect): Contrary to the claim of total safety, Yuan Chwang explicitly mentions being robbed and nearly sacrificed by thugs.
Logic 2 (Statement 2 is Correct): He describes a judicial system where guilt was determined by ordeals of fire, water, or poison.
Logic 3 (Statement 3 is Correct): He notes that economic revenue was collected through duties at ferries and various barrier stations.