Question 55 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Ancient History

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Chandragupta II

Strategy: Focus on associating Fa-hien's visit with the Gupta dynasty timeline. Recall the key reigns among the options and remember that Fa-hien arrived during the Gupta golden age. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) is especially recognized for flourishing Buddhist and cultural exchanges documented by Fa-hien, making option B accurate. Elimination of the reigns of Samudragupta (earlier), Kumaragupta I and Skandagupta (later) helps narrow down the correct answer.

Key Info: Fa-hien (Faxian) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who journeyed to India between 399–414 CE. He is renowned for his travelogue 'Foguo Ji' (A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms), which documents Indian society, religion, and governance during the Gupta Empire. Chandragupta II (c. 380–415 CE), known as Vikramaditya, oversaw one of the most prosperous and culturally vibrant phases of the Gupta dynasty, often termed as the golden age of ancient India. Ujjain, his secondary capital, attracted scholars and religious visitors. Fa-hien's purpose was to acquire Buddhist scriptures and observe the practice of Buddhism in India. The reigns of Samudragupta (c. 335–380 CE, preceding), Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE, succeeding), and Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE, later) bracket but do not coincide with Fa-hien's visit. The accounts of Fa-hien are significant primary sources for understanding the administration, religious life, and the condition of Buddhism during late ancient India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Samudragupta

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Kumaragupta I

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Skandagupta