Q1. Which of the following statements is not correct about Nalanda University?
(a) It was an ancient Buddhist learning centre
(b) A Chinese Hiuen Tsang studied here
(c) We came to know about it only through the writings of Chinese pilgrims
(d) It was mainly responsible for spreading Buddhism to China, Japan and South East Asia
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (c) We came to know about it only through the writings of Chinese pilgrims
Explanation: While Chinese pilgrims like Hiuen Tsang documented Nalanda, we also have archaeological evidence and Indian sources about its existence. Hence, it is incorrect to say that knowledge of Nalanda comes only from Chinese writings.
Q2. Assertion (A): Hiuen Tsang came to India during Harsha’s rule.
Reason (R): His main objective was to visit the Buddhist shrines.
(a) if A and R both are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) if A and R both are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) if A is incorrect but R is correct
(d) if A is correct but R is incorrect
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (a) if A and R both are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana. His primary objective was to study Buddhism and visit sacred shrines, making both the assertion and reason correct and connected.
Q3. Which of the following statements about Hiuen-Tsang is not true ?
(a) He visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana
(b) He spent some time at Nalanda University
(c) He advocated for strong Indo-China relations
(d) He influenced Buddhism
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (c) He advocated for strong Indo-China relations
Explanation: Hiuen-Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India in the 7th century. He studied at Nalanda University and documented Indian society and Buddhism. However, he did not advocate political relations between India and China, making option (c) incorrect.