UPSC Prelims 2013 Q6: Ancient History – Foreign Travellers & Accounts
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.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Hiuen Tsang's account of India
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India from 629 to 645 CE, in the reign of Harshavardhana.
His record is the Si-Yu-Ki.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery | Incorrect | He himself was robbed more than once |
| 2. Ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining innocence or guilt | Correct | He describes trial by ordeal |
| 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations | Correct | Light duties were collected |
Other things he recorded:
| Topic | Observation |
|---|---|
| Taxation | Light; one-sixth of the produce |
| Nalanda | A great university where he studied |
| Harsha | Held assemblies at Kanauj and Prayag |
| Society | Caste rules and untouchability noted |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Roads were not safe; Hiuen Tsang was robbed on his travels.
- (b) CORRECT. He recorded ordeals and duties at ferries and barrier stations.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, and statement 2 on ordeals is true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the word 'completely' gives it away.
Key point
Hiuen Tsang (629-645 CE, Harsha's reign; Si-Yu-Ki): light taxes, duties at ferries, trial by ordeal, roads not fully safe, Nalanda.
Remember
Hiuen Tsang: ordeals and duties, but unsafe roads.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Hiuen Tsang (Harsha) with Fa-Hien (Gupta period), who found the roads safe.
- Accepting the absolute phrase 'completely immune'.
- Forgetting that he studied at Nalanda.
Exam tip
Fa-Hien: safe roads (Gupta). Hiuen Tsang: robbed on the road (Harsha).
Sources
- Upinder Singh — A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India (Harshavardhana and Xuanzang)
- R.S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past (Harsha and His Times)