Ancient Bharat (India) was visited by several notable Chinese travelers, primarily Buddhist monks, who documented their journeys and provided valuable insights into Indian society, religion, and culture. Some of the most famous Chinese travelers to India were:
1. Faxian (Fa-Hien) (337–422 CE)
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Purpose: Faxian traveled to India during the Gupta Empire (around 399–412 CE) to collect Buddhist scriptures.
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Journey: He visited Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), Mathura, Kapilavastu, and Lumbini, and spent time at Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.
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Observations: Faxian described Indian governance, law, and the flourishing Buddhist monasteries. He noted that people lived peacefully, and crime was rare.
2. Xuanzang (Hsüan-Tsang) (602–664 CE)
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Purpose: Xuanzang traveled to India between 629–645 CE during the reign of King Harsha to study Buddhism and collect scriptures.
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Journey: He visited Nalanda, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Pataliputra, and Kashmir.
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Observations: He provided detailed accounts of Indian society, economy, caste system, and religious diversity. He admired Nalanda University as a great center of learning.
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Book: His travelogue "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions" became a crucial historical source.
3. Yijing (I-Tsing) (635–713 CE)
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Purpose: He traveled to India between 673–695 CE to study Buddhist texts.
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Journey: He stayed in Nalanda and Tamralipti (Bengal) for several years.
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Observations: He wrote about Buddhist customs, monastic life, and the knowledge system of Indian scholars.
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Book: His writings, such as "A Record of Buddhist Practices Sent Home from the Southern Seas", provide detailed descriptions of Indian religious life.
Significance of Their Travels
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These travelers played a crucial role in transmitting Indian Buddhist teachings to China.
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They documented historical, political, and cultural aspects of ancient India, providing valuable records for historians.
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They helped in the spread of Buddhism and strengthened cultural exchanges between India and China.