📘 Question (IAS Prelims 2025 | GS-I)

Fa-Hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of:

(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta II
(c) Kumara Gupta I
(d) Skanda Gupta

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✅ Correct Answer

(b) Chandragupta II

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Gupta Empire | Foreign travellers | Cultural and religious history

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

UPSC frequently tests the ability to link foreign travellers with specific dynastic phases. Such questions assess not only chronology, but also an understanding of India’s cultural, religious, and political reputation abroad during different historical periods.

The Gupta period, often described as the Golden Age of ancient India, attracted scholars, artists, and pilgrims from distant regions, including China.

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🌏 Fa-Hien (Faxian): The Chinese Pilgrim

Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller who visited India primarily to:

• Collect authentic Buddhist scriptures
• Study monastic practices
• Observe the condition of Buddhism in its land of origin

His travel account, A Record of the Buddhist Kingdoms, is an invaluable historical source for the Gupta period.

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👑 Reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)

Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (c. 380–415 CE), one of the most illustrious rulers of the Gupta dynasty.

Key features of his reign include:

• Expansion and consolidation of the Gupta Empire
• Adoption of the title Vikramaditya
• Political stability and economic prosperity
• Flourishing of art, literature, science, and philosophy

His capital at Ujjain emerged as a major cultural and intellectual centre.

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🛕 Why Fa-Hien Came During Chandragupta II’s Reign

Fa-Hien’s visit coincided with a period when:

• Buddhism continued to receive royal patronage
• Monastic institutions were well-established
• Roads were safe and administration efficient
• Religious tolerance was practiced

Fa-Hien himself records peaceful governance, mild punishments, and social stability, reflecting the administrative ethos of the Gupta state under Chandragupta II.

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❌ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

(a) Samudragupta
Though a great conqueror, Fa-Hien did not visit India during his reign.

(c) Kumara Gupta I and (d) Skanda Gupta
These rulers belonged to a later phase of the Gupta dynasty, after Fa-Hien had already left India.

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🏺 Historical Importance of Fa-Hien’s Account

Fa-Hien’s writings provide insights into:

• Gupta administration
• Social conditions and law enforcement
• Status of Buddhism and monasteries
• Everyday life in ancient Indian cities

His observations help historians corroborate archaeological and inscriptional evidence.

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🧩 One-Line Ready Recall

Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).