Yuan Chwang's Observations on Ancient India
Question
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?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 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
Options
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Yuan Chwang's accounts mention that ordeals (fire, water, poison) were used in Harsha's period to determine guilt or innocence, and that trade duties were collected at checkpoints. Statement 1 is incorrect—Yuan Chwang actually noted that robbers existed and that roads had dangers; they were not 'completely immune' from robbery. The accounts describe vibrant but sometimes unsafe conditions in 7th-century India. > Remember: Hiuen Tsang—ordeals yes, duties yes, safe roads no. Answer: b.
Question details
Year
2014
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q6
Subject
History
Sub-topic
Ancient History and Administration
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
NCERT History Class 11 Ch.4
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