The University of Nalanda c9.32

c9.32

While reading the account of Fa-hien's and Hiuen Tsiang's travels in India we should note one point. It is this: Fa-hien's accounts of the places visited are often quite sketchy and brief. Many of his narratives contain nothing but what he heard, and only reveal his love for repeating the legends. While describing Patna he mentions some Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna monasteries. With the exception of general remarks about its appearance, etc., how brief is his description!² Hiuen Tsiang, unlike his predecessor seems to note down whatever he sees, apart from what he gathers from hearsay. He gives a detailed and minute description of King Pulakeśi II and his people.³ It may be that Fa-hien had not the same opportunities as Hiuen Tsiang had, partly because he was the first traveller from China and partly because his stay in India was very short and his tour not so comprehensive as his successors.