Question

During whose rule did the renowned Chinese scholar Xuan Zang come to Nalanda and study?

• A. Chandragupta Maurya
• B. Ashoka the Great
• C. Samudragupta
• D. Harshavardhana

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Harshavardhana

- Gupta Emperor Kumaragupta (Shakraditya) of the Gupta dynasty established Nalanda University in 427 CE in what is now modern Bihar, marking the beginning of its flourishing over the next 600 years until the 12th century. - The university gained prominence during the reigns of King Harshavardhana and the Pala monarchs. - During Harshavardhana's rule (606–647 AD), the renowned Chinese scholar Xuan Zang (also known as Hiuen Tsang and Moksadeva) came to Nalanda and studied for about five years. - He took many scriptures with him, which were later translated into Chinese. - In 670 AD, another Chinese pilgrim, I-Tsing, visited the university, noting that it housed 2,000 students and was supported by the revenues from 200 villages. - Students from countries like China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, and other parts of Asia came to study at Nalanda.