Java
Explanation
Fa Xian (Faxian) was a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) to collect Buddhist scriptures. His return journey provides significant historical evidence regarding the maritime trade routes connecting India, Southeast Asia, and China during the Gupta period.Detailed Analysis:
- Route Overview: Unlike his arrival via the land route (Silk Road), Fa Xian returned to China via the sea route. He departed from the port city of Tamralipti (Bengal).
- Sri Lanka: He first sailed to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and stayed there for two years collecting texts.
- Java: From Sri Lanka, he boarded a merchant vessel which, after a perilous journey, reached Java (Java-dvipa). Fa Xian explicitly mentions halting in Java for five months. He noted that Brahmanism was flourishing in this region, while the Buddhist faith was not yet significant there.
- China: After this five-month halt, he boarded another ship to finally reach China.
Key Takeaway: Fa Xian halted in Java for five months during his return sea voyage before proceeding to China.