UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 35
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?
- The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
- As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
- The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Xuanzang described insecurity on some routes, the practice of judicial ordeals and levies payable by merchants crossing ferries and checkpoints.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - He did not describe all roads and river routes as entirely safe from robbery.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Ordeals involving fire, water and poison were among methods reported for testing guilt or innocence.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Merchants paid duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes false item 1 and excludes true items 2, 3.
B: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.
C: Incorrect - includes false item 1 and excludes true item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes false item 1.