Class 12th History Through the Eyes of Travellers Important QAs

1 Mark Questions (Very Short Answer Type)

1. Who was Al-Biruni?
   Ans. Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar, historian, and traveller who came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century.
2. What is the name of the book written by Al-Biruni?
   Ans. Kitab-ul-Hind (or Tarikh Al-Hind).
3. Which ruler did Ibn Battuta visit in India?
   Ans. Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
4. What is the name of Ibn Battuta’s travelogue?
   Ans. Rihla.
5. What was the profession of François Bernier?
   Ans. He was a French physician, traveller, and writer.
6. Which Mughal emperor’s court did François Bernier visit?
   Ans. Aurangzeb.
7. In which language did Al-Biruni write Kitab-ul-Hind?
   Ans. Arabic.
8. What method did Al-Biruni use to study India?
   Ans. He used a comparative method, comparing Indian culture with Greek and Islamic traditions.
9. Which language did Al-Biruni learn to understand Indian scriptures?
   Ans. Sanskrit.
10. What did François Bernier criticize about the Mughal economy?
    Ans. He criticized the absence of private property rights and the dominance of the emperor over land ownership.
11. Who invited Al-Biruni to India?
    Ans. Mahmud of Ghazni.
12. Why is Kitab-ul-Hind considered a valuable historical source?
    Ans. It provides detailed insights into Indian society, religion, and culture from an outsider’s perspective.
13. What was Ibn Battuta’s profession?
    Ans. He was a Moroccan traveller, qazi (judge), and scholar.
14. Which city did Ibn Battuta describe as the largest in India?
    Ans. Delhi.
15. What did Ibn Battuta admire about Indian roads?
    Ans. He praised the well-maintained roads and efficient postal system.
16. What was Ibn Battuta’s role in Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court?
    Ans. He served as a qazi (judge) and later as an ambassador to China.
17. What method did Al-Biruni use to study India?
    Ans. He used a scientific and comparative method to understand Indian society.
18. What was the main theme of François Bernier’s writings?
    Ans. He compared India with Europe, criticizing the Mughal economic system.
19. How did François Bernier describe Indian peasants?
    Ans. He observed that they were heavily taxed and lived in poverty.
20. What did Al-Biruni say about the caste system?
    Ans. He found it rigid and deeply rooted in religious beliefs.

3 Marks Questions (Short Answer Type)

21. What are the key observations of Ibn Battuta about India?
    Ans. Ibn Battuta described India as a wealthy country with well-developed trade routes. He praised the postal system but noted the harsh rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
22. Why is François Bernier’s account important for understanding Mughal India?
    Ans. He compared Mughal India with Europe and criticized its economic system, highlighting inequality and poor conditions of the peasantry.
23. How did Al-Biruni study the caste system in India?
    Ans. He studied Hindu texts and compared it with social structures in other societies.
24. What difficulties did Al-Biruni face in understanding Indian society?
    Ans. Language barriers, religious exclusivity, and cultural differences.
25. What were the main sources of information for Ibn Battuta in India?
    Ans. Personal experiences, traders, and officials.
26. Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq shift his capital to Daulatabad?
    Ans. To strengthen control over the Deccan and protect Delhi from Mongols.
27. How did François Bernier describe the Mughal nobility?
    Ans. Luxurious lifestyles but dependent on the emperor.
28. What did Ibn Battuta say about Indian cities?
    Ans. Prosperous, well-populated, with vibrant markets.
29. How did Al-Biruni compare Indian and Greek philosophies?
    Ans. He noted similarities in logic and reasoning.
30. What are the key themes in Kitab-ul-Hind?
    Ans. Religion, caste system, philosophy, and culture.

Other Important Questions and Answers

51. Who invited Al-Biruni to India?
    Ans. Mahmud of Ghazni.
52. What method did Al-Biruni use to study Indian culture?
    Ans. A comparative method, analyzing Hindu texts and comparing them with Islamic and Greek traditions.
53. How did Ibn Battuta describe Indian markets?
    Ans. He found them well-organized, full of luxury goods, and crowded with traders from different parts of the world.
54. Why did François Bernier criticize Mughal land ownership?
    Ans. He believed the absence of private land ownership prevented economic progress and compared it negatively to Europe.
55. What was the main purpose of Ibn Battuta’s travel?
    Ans. To explore the Islamic world and serve as a qazi (judge) under different rulers.
56. How did Al-Biruni compare Indian and Greek philosophies?
    Ans. He noted that both societies valued logic and reasoning but had different perspectives on metaphysics and knowledge.
57. How did Ibn Battuta describe trade in India?
    Ans. He highlighted India’s active trade with China, Africa, and West Asia, facilitated by extensive roads and ports.
58. What did Al-Biruni say about Indian temples?
    Ans. He considered them significant cultural and religious sites but was surprised by idol worship.
59. How did Bernier describe Indian artisans?
    Ans. He praised their skills but noted that their economic status was poor due to Mughal control over trade.
60. What were Ibn Battuta’s impressions of Indian justice?
    Ans. He found it harsh but effective, with strict laws enforced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
61. Why was François Bernier critical of the Indian economy?
    Ans. He argued that excessive taxation and lack of private property hindered economic development.
62. What did Al-Biruni say about Hindu religious beliefs?
    Ans. He described Hinduism as complex and deeply philosophical, based on texts like the Vedas and Upanishads.
63. How did Al-Biruni study Sanskrit texts?
    Ans. He learned Sanskrit and translated Indian texts into Arabic and Persian.
64. Why did Ibn Battuta travel to China?
    Ans. He was sent as an ambassador by Muhammad bin Tughlaq but faced hardships during the journey.
65. How did Bernier describe Mughal palaces?
    Ans. He found them magnificent but noted that they symbolized the emperor’s absolute power.
66. How do travellers’ accounts help historians today?
    Ans. They provide firsthand information on social, economic, and political aspects of historical periods.
67. Which Mughal emperor did Bernier serve?
    Ans. Aurangzeb.
68. What role did Ibn Battuta play in Delhi’s administration?
    Ans. He served as a qazi (judge) under Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
69. What did Al-Biruni say about the caste system?
    Ans. He found it rigid and noted that it divided society based on occupation and purity.
70. Which major Indian cities did Ibn Battuta visit?
    Ans. Delhi, Daulatabad, Calicut, and Madurai.
71. What was François Bernier’s view on women in India?
    Ans. He observed that women lived in purdah (seclusion) and were often denied economic independence.
72. What did Ibn Battuta say about Indian roads?
    Ans. He admired their maintenance, security, and connectivity.
73. How did Al-Biruni learn about Hindu customs?
    Ans. By studying Hindu scriptures, interacting with scholars, and observing rituals.
74. What was Ibn Battuta’s impression of Indian agriculture?
    Ans. He noted that it was productive, with a variety of crops and irrigation systems.
75. How did François Bernier compare India and Europe?
    Ans. He claimed that Europe was more progressive due to private land ownership and technological advancements.
76. What did Al-Biruni observe about Indian science and mathematics?
    Ans. He was impressed by Indian contributions to algebra, geometry, and astronomy.
77. How did Ibn Battuta describe Delhi’s population?
    Ans. He found it dense, diverse, and full of economic activity.
78. What were the key themes in Bernier’s writings?
    Ans. Land ownership, economic backwardness, and the Mughal ruling system.
79. What was Al-Biruni’s view on Indian languages?
    Ans. He considered Sanskrit a rich and scientific language but found it difficult to learn.
80. What did Ibn Battuta say about Indian festivals?
    Ans. He found them grand, colorful, and significant in social life.
81. What did Bernier observe about Mughal bureaucracy?
    Ans. He noted that officials were highly dependent on the emperor’s favor.
82. How did Al-Biruni describe the concept of time in Indian philosophy?
    Ans. He noted that Hindus believed in cyclical time rather than linear time.
83. What was Ibn Battuta’s view on Indian cuisine?
    Ans. He found it diverse and influenced by Persian and Arab cultures.
84. What did François Bernier say about Indian villages?
    Ans. He found them self-sufficient but poor due to high taxation.
85. Why is Rihla an important historical source?
    Ans. It provides a detailed account of trade, administration, and daily life in the 14th century.
86. What was the economic condition of artisans in Mughal India according to Bernier?
    Ans. They were skilled but economically dependent on the elite.
87. What did Ibn Battuta write about the Indian postal system?
    Ans. He praised it for its efficiency and speed.
88. What was François Bernier’s opinion on Indian medical practices?
    Ans. He noted their traditional nature but found them less advanced than European medicine.
89. What were the major challenges Ibn Battuta faced in India?
    Ans. Political instability, disease, and difficult terrain.
90. How did Al-Biruni describe Indian law?
    Ans. He observed that it was based on religious texts and varied among castes.
91. What role did merchants play in Mughal India according to Bernier?
    Ans. They were influential but controlled by royal officials.
92. What was the significance of Al-Biruni’s translations of Sanskrit texts?
    Ans. They helped spread Indian knowledge to the Islamic world.
93. How did Ibn Battuta describe Indian architecture?
    Ans. He found it grand, with large mosques and palaces.
94. What were Bernier’s views on Indian agriculture?
    Ans. He found it productive but hindered by Mughal policies.
95. What was Ibn Battuta’s view on slavery in India?
    Ans. He noted that slaves were common and performed domestic work.
96. How did Al-Biruni analyze Hindu-Muslim relations?
    Ans. He found them complex, with cultural exchanges but also religious tensions.
97. How did Ibn Battuta describe the Indian coastline?
    Ans. As a major center of international trade.
98. What was François Bernier’s conclusion about India?
    Ans. He viewed it as rich but politically and economically weak.
99. How did travellers’ accounts differ from court historians’ records?
    Ans. Travellers gave an outsider’s perspective, while court historians focused on glorifying rulers.
100. Why is it important to study foreign travellers’ accounts?
     Ans. They provide unbiased insights into historical society and culture.

10 important 8-mark questions with answers

1. Who was Al-Biruni? Discuss his observations about Indian society.

Answer:
Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE) was a Persian scholar who visited India during the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni. His book, Kitab-ul-Hind, provides a detailed account of Indian society.

Observations about Indian Society:

1. Caste System: He found the caste system rigid, comparing it to the social divisions in Greek and Islamic societies.
2. Religion and Rituals: He noted that Hindus had deep philosophical traditions and performed elaborate rituals.
3. Language and Knowledge: He praised Sanskrit but found it difficult to learn due to its complex grammar.
4. Mathematics and Science: He admired India’s advancements in algebra, geometry, and astronomy.
5. Concept of Time: He observed that Hindus believed in cyclical time, unlike the linear concept in Islam and Christianity.
6. Economic System: He found Indian trade and agriculture well-organized but noted inequalities in wealth distribution.
7. Comparison with Other Cultures: He used a comparative method, studying Hindu texts and comparing them with Islamic and Greek traditions.

2. Discuss Ibn Battuta’s account of India and his experiences.

Answer:
Ibn Battuta (1304–1368 CE), a Moroccan traveler, visited India during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign. His book, Rihla, provides a detailed description of life in India.

Observations and Experiences:

1. Diverse and Prosperous Society: He found India wealthy, with a mix of cultures, languages, and religions.
2. Delhi as a Political Center: He described Delhi as a grand city but also witnessed the harsh punishments of Tughlaq’s rule.
3. Trade and Markets: He noted India’s strong trade connections with China, Persia, and Africa.
4. Postal System: He admired the efficiency of the postal system with horse and foot messengers.
5. Law and Administration: He found the justice system strict but effective, with severe punishments for crimes.
6. Roads and Transport: He praised the well-maintained roads and security for traders.
7. Religious Tolerance: He observed Hindu-Muslim interactions but noted that social barriers remained.
8. Difficulties Faced: He struggled with political instability and challenging climatic conditions.

3. Discuss the role of François Bernier in understanding Mughal India.

Answer:
François Bernier (1625–1688 CE), a French traveler and physician, spent 12 years in India during Aurangzeb’s reign. His book, Travels in the Mughal Empire, gives insights into Mughal society.

Key Observations:

1. Land Ownership: He criticized Mughal land policies, arguing that lack of private property prevented economic growth.
2. Wealth Inequality: He noted that while the Mughal court was rich, common people lived in poverty.
3. Role of Artisans: He admired their skills but found them economically dependent on the ruling class.
4. Bureaucracy: He observed that Mughal officials were highly controlled by the emperor.
5. Trade and Economy: He noted that Mughal rulers controlled trade, limiting private business growth.
6. Women in Society: He found that women lived in seclusion due to the purdah system.
7. Comparison with Europe: He believed Europe was more advanced due to its private land ownership and scientific progress.
8. Criticism of Mughal Rule: He saw the empire as despotic, where power was centralized with the emperor.

4. How do foreign travellers’ accounts help historians reconstruct Indian history?

Answer:
Foreign travellers’ accounts provide valuable insights into different aspects of Indian history.

Importance in Historical Reconstruction:

1. Political History: They described rulers, administration, and major events (e.g., Ibn Battuta on Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s rule).
2. Economic Insights: They documented trade, agriculture, and taxation systems (e.g., Bernier on Mughal land policies).
3. Social Structures: They detailed caste, gender roles, and daily life (e.g., Al-Biruni on the caste system).
4. Religious and Cultural Practices: They provided information on Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions.
5. Technological and Scientific Developments: They observed advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
6. Comparison with Other Civilizations: They compared India with Europe, the Islamic world, and China.
7. Bias and Interpretation: While useful, some accounts were biased and reflected the travellers