Prelims 2013 · Ancient History · Question 56
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?<br/>1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.<br/>2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.<br/>3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer
2 and 3 only
1. Incorrect. Hiuen Tsang noted that routes were not fully safe; he himself was reportedly attacked by robbers. So roads and river-routes were not completely immune from robbery.
2. Correct. He recorded that in judicial practice, ordeals by fire, water and poison were used to test guilt or innocence.
3. Correct. He mentioned that traders paid duties/tolls at ferries and barrier stations, showing the existence of transit levies.
Hence, statements 2 and 3 only are correct.