History of Kanauj to the Moslem Conquest c10.s1.4

c10.s1.4

Besides the usual epigraphic documents,³ we have the “Si-yu-ki,” the well-known narrative of the celebrated Chinese pilgrim, Yuan Chwang, who travelled in India from A. D. 629 to 644. He has left a copious wealth of details in his Records, and the fact that they preserve the impressions of an eye witness adds considerably to the value and merits of their testimony. The “Life of Yuan Chwang,” written by his friend Hwui-li, also throws welcome light as a supplement to the pilgrim’s account. Lastly, Harṣa’s early life and career are the subject-matter of the historical romance entitled “Harṣacarita”, composed by Bāṇa, who wielded his forceful pen to immortalise the deeds of his patron and hero.