Among the various travelogues, Hiuen Tsiang's Si-yu-ki or Records of the Western World, is regarded to be the most valuable source-book for the study of ancient Indian history. Si-yu-ki is not merely a travel-diary recording Hiuen Tsiang's visit to various places in India and the places en route, but is also an account of the conditions of India during the seventh century. This journey was undertaken by Hiuen Tsiang primarily with a view to visiting the Buddhist places of pilgrimage and to seek answers to the questions agitating his mind. He was inspired in this by the recollection of similar journeys undertaken centuries ago by his predecessors, Fa-hien, Sung Yun and many others. In the present volume, Samuel Beal has included, for the sake to completeness, Travels of Fa-hian or Fo-Kwo-Ki. The mission of Sung-Yun and Hwei-Sang and the preface to the Si-Yu-Ki by Chang Yueh.
Samuel Beal made an enormous contribution to Buddhist Studies and the translation of Chinese travellers tales.
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