Q. Consider the following foreign travellers and arrange them in ascending chronological order:
1. I-tsing
2. Al-Biruni
3. Huentsang (Hiuen Tsang)
4. Fahyan (Fa-Hien)
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
a) 1, 2, 3, 4
b) 4, 3, 1, 2
c) 2, 1, 4, 3
d) 3, 4, 2, 1
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
Correct Answer: b) 4, 3, 1, 2
Explanation:
1. I-tsing: I-tsing was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India in the 7th century CE (around 671–695 CE). He came to study Buddhism and translated many Buddhist texts.
2. Al-Biruni: Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar who came to India in the 11th century CE (around 1017 CE) during the time of Mahmud of Ghazni. He is known for his work “Kitab al-Hind,” which provides a detailed account of Indian culture, science, and religion.
3. Huentsang (Hiuen Tsang): Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India in the 7th century CE (around 630–645 CE). He traveled extensively in India to study Buddhism and left behind detailed records of Indian society and culture.
4. Fahyan (Fa-Hien): Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India in the early 5th century CE (around 399–414 CE). He came to collect Buddhist scriptures and observe Buddhist practices.
Chronological Order:
– Fa-Hien (4): Early 5th century CE (399–414 CE)
– Hiuen Tsang (3): 7th century CE (630–645 CE)
– I-tsing (1): 7th century CE (671–695 CE)
– Al-Biruni (2): 11th century CE (1017 CE)
Correct Answer: b) 4, 3, 1, 2
