Fa Xian at the ruin of Ashoka Palace
Fa Xian, also called Fa Hien, Fa Hsien or Fa Hsian (Linfen, ca. 337 - ca. 422) was a Chinese bhikkhu (a Buddhist monk) who in the 399 - 414 years pilgrimage to all sacred places of the Buddha in India and left a description of it.
During this time, in the north of India, Guptarijk was governed by Emperor Chandragupta II during Fa Xian's visit. The political unity brought about order and prosperity, and Fa Xian was therefore able to travel throughout the entire world. He describes the kingdom with great admiration. The people had a good life there were few taxes, the punishments were mild and reasonable and the people abstained from wine, killing animals and eating onions and garlic. The only thing he disapproves of is the treatment of the Chandalas. They were the unacceptable bells that seemed to clear themselves and they had to announce their presence loudly to give others the opportunity to escape.
Fa Xian came through the Himalayan passages in India but on a return trip he went by ship and made a big detour where he operated a number of other areas affected by Gupta in Southeast Asia, possibly even Java. Also see Externe link
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