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

1. A. Samudragupta
2. B. Chandragupta II
3. C. Kumaragupta I
4. D. Skandagupta

Answer: B

Explanation

Fa-hien (Faxian), the renowned Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim, traveled to India during the reign of Chandragupta II, who ruled the Gupta Empire from approximately 375 to 415 CE. Fa-hien’s primary objective was to collect Buddhist scriptures and visit sacred Buddhist sites. His travelogue, ‘A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms,’ provides invaluable insights into the social, religious, and administrative conditions of India during the Gupta period, particularly focusing on the Gangetic plains. Chandragupta II’s reign is often considered the golden age of the Gupta Empire, marked by significant advancements in art, literature, and science. Knowledge of foreign travelers and their accounts is a crucial aspect of UPSC Ancient History.