Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta II
- Kumaragupta I
- Skandagupta
Answer: (b) Chandragupta II
Fa-Hien (Faxian)
Fa-Hien (Faxian) was a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who travelled to India during the Gupta period in search of Buddhist scriptures and sacred sites. His journey took place between 399 CE and 414 CE, and he recorded his observations in the travel account “Foguo Ji” (Record of Buddhist Kingdoms).
Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (c. 375–415 CE), when the Gupta Empire was at the height of its political stability, prosperity, and cultural development.
Chandragupta II and the Gupta Golden Age
- Chandragupta II significantly expanded the Gupta Empire by defeating the Western Kshatrapas, thereby gaining control over important trade routes and ports in western India.
- He adopted the prestigious title “Vikramaditya.”
- His reign is often regarded as the high point of the Gupta Empire, marked by economic prosperity, political stability, and cultural achievements.
Fa-Hien’s Observations in India
Fa-Hien’s travel accounts provide valuable insights into the social, religious, and administrative conditions of Gupta India:
- He noted the peaceful administration and mild criminal laws.
- The society appeared prosperous with flourishing trade and agriculture.
- Buddhism was widely practiced, and several monasteries and learning centres existed.
- He visited important Buddhist sites such as Kapilavastu, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.