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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1999
South Indian Kingdoms
Question No. 73Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q73. The following persons came to India at one time or another: 1. Fa-Hien 2. I-Tsing 3. Megasthenes 4. Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:

The following persons came to India at one time or another:

  1. Fa-Hien
  2. I-Tsing
  3. Megasthenes
  4. Hieun-Tsang The correct chronological sequence of their visits is:
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1999 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 3, 1, 4, 2

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

The chronological sequence of their visits is:

  1. Megasthenes (3): Ambassador from Seleucus I to Chandragupta Maurya (c. 302–298 BCE).
  2. Fa-Hien (1): Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited during the reign of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (c. 399–412 CE).
  3. Hiuen-Tsang / Xuanzang (4): Visited during the reign of King Harsha Vardhana (c. 629–645 CE).
  4. I-Tsing / Yijing (2): Visited India and studied at Nalanda later in the 7th century (c. 671–695 CE).

Hence, the correct sequence is 3-1-4-2.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Anchor earliest and latest: Megasthenes (Mauryan period, BCE) must be first; I-Tsing (late 7th century CE) arrived after Hiuen-Tsang (mid-7th century CE), leading directly to 3-1-4-2.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1999 (Q73)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → South Indian Kingdoms
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 3, 1, 4, 2

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1999 Q73

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1999 GS Paper I Question 73 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1999 Ancient History (South Indian Kingdoms) question is Option (B): "3, 1, 4, 2". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1999 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "South Indian Kingdoms". You can explore all repeated questions from South Indian Kingdoms in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this South Indian Kingdoms UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Anchor earliest and latest: Megasthenes (Mauryan period, BCE) must be first; ITsing (late 7th century CE) arrived after HiuenTsang (mid7th century CE), leading directly to 3142.

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