Xuan Zang
Explanation
During ancient India, several Chinese Buddhist pilgrims visited the subcontinent to study Buddhist scriptures, collect manuscripts, and visit holy sites. Their travelogues serve as vital primary sources for reconstructing the history, polity, and social conditions of their respective periods.
Detailed Analysis:
- Fa Xian Fa Xian (Fa-Hien): Incorrect. Fa Xian visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty (approx. 399–414 CE). His accounts provide details about the Gupta administration and society but do not relate to the Pushyabhuti dynasty or Harshavardhana.
- Xuan Zang Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang): Correct. Xuan Zang visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana (approx. 629–645 CE). He spent several years at the Nalanda University and in Harsha’s court. His work, Si-Yu-Ki (The Records of the Western World), provides a detailed description of the political, social, and religious conditions of India during the 7th century CE, including the Grand Assembly at Kannauj and the Prayag assembly.
- I-Qing I-Qing (I-Tsing): Incorrect. I-Qing visited India later, in the late 7th century (approx. 671–695 CE), after the death of Harshavardhana. He is known for his accounts of Buddhist practices and the monastic life at Nalanda and Vikramshila universities.
- Sung Yun Sung Yun: Incorrect. Sung Yun came to India in 518 CE, shortly after the decline of the Guptas and during the time of the Huna invasions. He did not visit the court of Harshavardhana.
Key Takeaway:
Xuan Zang is associated with the reign of Harshavardhana (7th Century CE), whereas Fa Xian is associated with the reign of Chandragupta II (5th Century CE).