Yijing, Xuanzang and Faxian visited India
Q. Who of the following Chinese pilgrims visited India?
1) Yijing
2) Xuanzang
3) Faxian- Published on 02 Sep 16a. 2, 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above
ANSWER: All of the above
- Fa-Hien is also known as Fa-Hein. He visited during Chandrgupta-II. He took back with him Buddhist texts and images sacred to Buddhism.
- Yijing is also known as I-Tsing. He visited Nalanda University.
- Hsuan-Tsang or Xuanzang too visited Nalanda.
- Similar to Fa-Hien, Hsuan-Tsang narrated the Buddhist legends and miracles associated with the sites he visited and the Buddhist relics he saw. He explained the geography and climate, the measurement system, and the concept of time in India. He also narrated in detail the existing caste system, the educational requirements for the Brahmins, the teaching of Buddhist doctrines, the legal and economic practices, the social and cultural norms, the urban life and architecture, the eating habits of the natives, and the natural and manufactured products of India.
- The success of Hsuan-Tsang’s mission is evident not only from the 657 Buddhist texts he brought back with him, but also from the quality of translations he undertook.
