Ancient History : Post-Guptas: Rise Of Harshavardhana

Q 3 / 6

UPSC CSE Prelims 2013

The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
  2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
  3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (B)

Statement 2:

Yuan Chwang's accounts indicate that legal procedures for determining innocence or guilt frequently involved traditional methods such as ordeals by fire, water, and poison. These practices were a part of the judicial system during his visit.

Statement 3:

The records confirm that tradesmen were required to pay duties at ferries and various barrier stations. This demonstrates the existence of a structured system for collecting taxes on commercial activities.

Incorrect Options

Statement 1:

Yuan Chwang's travelogues do not suggest that roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. His writings mention instances of banditry and theft, indicating that complete safety was not uniformly assured across all routes, despite efforts by rulers to maintain order.

SOURCEIndia's Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma, Chapter 20: Harshavardhana and His Times