The Chinese traveller 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.
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller who visited India in the 7th century CE, primarily during the reign of Emperor Harsha Vardhana.
2. Statement 1 is incorrect. Yuan Chwang's own accounts mention instances where he himself faced danger from bandits and pirates on roads and river-routes. While Harsha's administration made efforts to maintain order, the routes were not 'completely immune from robbery'.
3. Statement 2 is correct. Yuan Chwang described the judicial system and methods of punishment. He noted that for determining the innocence or guilt of a person in certain cases, ordeals by fire, water, poison, and weight were practiced, although he also mentioned that imprisonment was common and mutilation was sometimes used as punishment.
4. Statement 3 is correct. Yuan Chwang observed the economic life and administration. He mentioned that travel and trade involved crossing ferries and passing through barrier stations (like customs posts) where tradesmen had to pay duties or tolls.
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