[Solved] Hiuen-Tsang's Visit to Harsha's Empire | Concept & Explanation

In whose reign-period the Chinese Traveller Hiuen-Tsang visited India?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The 7th century CE was a period of political consolidation in North India under Harshavardhana, which coincided with the peak of Buddhist pilgrimage from China.

Authentic Source Evidence

Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India from 629 CE to 645 CE during the reign of King Harsha. His work, Si-Yu-Ki (Records of the Western World), provides an exhaustive account of Harsha’s administration and the contemporary socio-economic state.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Hiuen-Tsang was Harsha’s personal friend and guest, attending the Prayaga and Kanauj assemblies.

Logic 2: Chandragupta II was visited by Fa-Hien (5th Century), not Hiuen-Tsang.

Logic 3: Harsha's reign was characterized by religious tolerance, a prosperous economy (cloth, pearls, ivory), and a rigid caste system, all documented by the traveler.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did Hiuen-Tsang describe Harsha’s administration?"

He described it as efficient but stern, with light taxation and the king personally overseeing the welfare of the people.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Hiuen-Tsang’s detailed records of death rituals and medical practices (like fasting for seven days) offer rare insights into the everyday life of 7th-century Indians."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Xuanzang 2 Prayaga Assembly 2 Nalanda University 2