If one intends to delve into the intricacies and tendencies of the Gupta Dynasty, their Empirical understandings, Fa-hein's travel notes of his visit of the Indian sub-continent and erstwhile Ceylon from AD 399-414 are perhaps the best available resources for it. His accounts share the glimpses of the fundamentals of religion, practices and culture. It is an invaluable crowned gem of knowledge which provides in-depth sights of the prevalence of Buddhism in Central Asia and South-East India. It is a thrilling, awe-inspiring odyssey of journeying through the ravenous seas, to reach India.
In his wonderful translation of these diaries, which is collectively titled A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, the readers rejoice in the English translation by James Legge, the originally composed notes and parallel supportive writings in Chinese Mandarin. Legge never hesitates in sharing his primary resources for his works and therefore the book is accompanied with an annotated reference. In addition to this, the book also contains of a travel map of Fa-hein's journey along with exquisite illustrations of ancient art of China depicting the life of Buddha. |
