Question

Discuss the reasons why the Chinese pilgrims came to India?

Answer 1

Hint: The traders journeyed to distant lands in caravans and pilgrims often travel with them. Two famous Chinese pilgrims, Fa Xian and Xuan Zang came to India in quest of religion.

Complete answer: Buddhism originated in India and later spreads to Sri Lanka, South eastwards, Thailand, Myanmar and other parts of Southeast Asia including Indonesia. Theravada Buddhism, the older form of Buddhism, was more popular in these areas. This attracted many pilgrims from different parts of the world to India. Fa Xian, Xuan Zang and I-Qing were the famous Chinese pilgrims that came to India around 1600, 1400 and 50 years ago. They came to visit places that are associated with the life of Buddha. They also visited famous monasteries. Xuan Zang on his return to China took statues of Buddha made of gold, silver and sandstone and over 600 manuscripts. 50 were found which flowed in the river Indus. He spent his life translating the manuscripts to Chinese from Sanskrit. Fa Xian also collected books and statues on his return to China.

Note: Xuan Zang and other pilgrims spent time in Nalanda, the centre of Buddhist teaching. Each pilgrim has its own account, describing his journey, the dangers he faced and the teachings in monasteries.