Question

Select the wrong statement about Vikramaditya's reign, according to Faxian's account:

• A. The empire was prosperous and happy.
• B. Pataliputra was wealthy and had two main religions.
• C. He observed that the Chandalas were often avoided.
• D. He noted the dark spots of the empire.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pataliputra was wealthy and had two main religions.

Faxian was a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who was travelling around the world. He made a halt in India during Chandragupta II’s rule in the 5th century. He recorded that the empire was prosperous and happy. He noted that Pataliputra was wealthy and had four main religions; these were Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism. Faxian also noted the dark spots of the empire. The Chandalas were known to be of the lower castes and often faced problems. The Chandalas would strike a piece of wood before entering the city gates or market places.