Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. The observations of Fa-hien helps us understand the social and religious condition of ancient India. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
a Buddhist monk from China, Fa-Hien, decided to come to the land of the Buddha in 399/400 CE. Fa-Hien reported with great detail all the Buddhist sites and symbols that he encountered. Fourteen hundred years later, Alexander Cunningham, the father of India’s archaeology, followed Fa-Hien’s trails to uncover the sites.
Key Demand of the question:
To Discuss in detail socio-religious observations made by Fa-hien.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing a brief about Fa-hien the Chinese pilgrim who visited India.
Body:
Write in detail about various socio-religious observations of fa-hien – caste system, untouchability, major religions, customs and traditions, important cities and architecture etc.
Next, mention certain limitation of Fa-hien’s account.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the historical importance of Fa-Hien’s work.
