After the introduction of Buddhism in China, A.D. 67, Fa-hien was the first to make a pilgrimage in India. His journey lasted about sixteen years (A.D. 399-414) and described in detail in his work titled Foe-Koue-Ki.
Fa-hien was born in the province of San-si, became a monk at 3; his real name was Kunga, Fa-hien being his initiated name, and was given a title Si (one dedicated to Buddha).
Passing through Oigurs, Khotan, Kabul, Udyana (Swat Valley), Gandhara, Fa-hien reached India in seven months. He next visited all great centres of learning - Taxila, Mathura, Sankasya, Canouj, Kosala, Sarvasti, Kapilvastu, Vaisali, Magadh, Patliputra, Nalanda, Rajagriha, Gridhara-kuta, Gaya, Benaras, Sarnath, Kausambi, Cave temples of Ellora- studying ancient texts , language and precepts. He transcribed the sacred books, and depicted the images.
The original purpose of the editor on undertaking the present version of the Koe-Koue-Ki, was to furnish the text of the Chinese Author with its commentary. This is the reprint of the 1848 English translation of the original French Edition done in 1836 by M.Remusat with additional notes by Klaproth and Landresse. The non-avail-ability of this edition of great antiquity is the justification of this reprint. The scholars and general readers of history will surely welcome this reprint of immense historical value, being made available again after well over 150 years. |
