Question

Hiuen Tsang came to India during the reign of ________________
A) Ashoka
B) Chandragupta
C) Skandagupta
D) Harshavardhana

Answer 1

Hint:
The king succeeded his brother Rajyavardhana and ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj on his brother’s death.

Complete step by step solution:
The correct option is D) Harshavardhana.

Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese traveller who visited India during King Hrashavardhana’s reign. Hiuen Tsang has provided elaborate details on social, economic, and religious conditions under king Harsha’s rule, where he spoke highly of the king.

King Harshavardhana was converted to Mahayana Buddhism by Hiuen Tsang. In his kingdom, Harsha prohibited the use of animal food and punished anyone who would kill any living being. He constructed thousands of stupas and rests for travellers. He also erected monasteries in the Buddhist holy sites.

To honour the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang towards the close of his rule, Harsha arranged a religious assembly at Kanauj. He invited members of all groups of faith. The Assembly lasted 23 days on a continuous basis. The principles of the Mahayana doctrine were clarified by Hiuen Tsang and its supremacy over others was established.

Additional information:
Hiuen Tsang mentions the conference held in Allahabad, known as Prayag, in his account. It was one of the conferences regularly convened once in five years by Harsha. Harsha gave his tremendous wealth to members of all religious sects as gifts.

Note:
Hiuen Tsang is known as “Prince of Pilgrims” and is one of the most popular pilgrims who has visited India. He also studied at the University of Nalanda.