2013 · Ancient HistoryPrevious Year Question
Q56.
The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer

B

Explanation

Violent crime was rare, but the roads and river routes were exposed to brigands as Hiuen Tsang fell victim to them more than once — so statement 1 is wrong. Criminal law was exceptionally severe. Ordeals by fire, water or poison were taken recourse to establish the innocence or guilt of a person. Tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.