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The Chinese traveler 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 tradesman had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations . Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation
Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) provided a detailed account of 7th-century India under King Harsha. Regarding the legal system, he noted that criminal law was severe and included trial by ordeal [1]. Specifically, he recorded that innocence or guilt was determined through ordeals involving fire, water, and poison [1]. In terms of the economy, he observed that the state collected revenue through various means; tradesmen and merchants were required to pay duties and tolls at ferries and barrier stations [1]. However, statement 1 is incorrect because Yuan Chwang himself was robbed multiple times during his travels, contradicting the claim that roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. While Harsha maintained a strong administration, the safety of travel was not absolute as it had been described during the earlier Gupta era. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of his records.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Administration of Justice > p. 108