Part of: Haryana Gk set 10

The glory and strength of which of the cities of Haryana was discussed in the book written by Chinese traveller Huen-Tsang?

Category: Haryana Gk

Hint: Consider the historical travels and writings of Huen-Tsang.

Correct Answer: A) Thaneshwar

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Huen-Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator who traveled to India in the 7th century CE. His journey was primarily motivated by his desire to obtain Buddhist sacred texts and to study the teachings of Buddhism in their original land. Huen-Tsang's travels took him through various regions of India, including what is now the state of Haryana.

During his travels, Huen-Tsang documented his experiences and observations in a book known as the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions." This book is a valuable historical source that provides insights into the social, cultural, and religious conditions of the regions he visited. One of the cities in Haryana that Huen-Tsang specifically mentioned in his writings was Thaneshwar.

Thaneshwar, located in the present-day Haryana, was an important religious and cultural center during Huen-Tsang's time. The city was known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was a significant pilgrimage site. Huen-Tsang noted the city's prominence and the presence of the temple, which was a focal point for religious activities and pilgrimages.

The historical significance of Thaneshwar is further emphasized by its mention in Huen-Tsang's travelogues. The city's importance as a religious and cultural center during the 7th century CE is well-documented, making it a notable location in the context of Haryana's history and heritage.

It is important to note that while other cities in Haryana, such as Patiala, Mahendragarh, and Gurugram, have their own historical and cultural significance, they were not specifically mentioned by Huen-Tsang in his writings about Haryana. Therefore, Thaneshwar stands out as the city whose glory and strength were discussed by Huen-Tsang in his travelogues.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Thaneshwar was one of the cities in Haryana that Huen-Tsang discussed in his travelogues. He noted the city's importance and the presence of a significant temple dedicated to Shiva, which was a major pilgrimage site during his visit.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Patiala is a city in Punjab, not Haryana. Huen-Tsang did not discuss Patiala in his writings about Haryana.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Mahendragarh is a district in Haryana, but it was not specifically mentioned by Huen-Tsang in his travelogues. The city of Thaneshwar was the one he noted for its significance.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Gurugram, also known as Gurgaon, is a city in Haryana, but it was not discussed by Huen-Tsang in his writings. The city of Thaneshwar was the one he noted for its historical and religious importance.

Mnemonic: Think "T" for Thaneshwar and "T" for Travelogue.

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