Class 12 History Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers – Important Questions

Class 12 History Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers

Important 3-Marks & 8-Marks Questions with Answers (NCERT + CBSE Board)

3 Marks Questions

Q1. Who was Ibn Battuta? Mention any two aspects of Indian life he described.

Answer:

• Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveller who visited India in the 14th century.
• He served as a Qazi under Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Delhi.
• He wrote about Indian cities, roads, hospitality, and the status of women.

Q2. What were the main sources of information about foreign travellers in medieval India?

Answer:

• Travelogues and memoirs written by travellers like Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and Bernier.
• Official court records and personal observations recorded in books.
• Descriptions of social customs, administration, trade, and religious practices.

Q3. How does Francois Bernier describe the Mughal Empire’s economy?

Answer:

• Bernier criticized the Mughal agrarian system.
• He claimed there was no private property and peasants were oppressed.
• He compared India unfavorably with European economies.

Q4. What are the limitations of using travellers’ accounts as historical sources?

Answer:

• Views were often biased or based on limited understanding.
• Language and cultural differences affected accuracy.
• Observations influenced by background and purpose of the traveller.

Q5. Mention two important observations made by Al-Biruni about Indian society?

Answer:

• Al-Biruni noted the rigid caste system and Brahmanical dominance.
• Sanskrit texts were difficult to access due to language barriers.
• He admired Indian philosophy but criticized social divisions.

8 Marks Questions

Q1. Compare the accounts of Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and Francois Bernier. What do their writings reveal about medieval India?

Answer:

• Al-Biruni studied Indian religion, society, and caste system.
• Ibn Battuta described urban life, administration, and travel culture.
• Bernier criticized Mughal economy and lack of private property.
• All three observed inequality and complexity in Indian society.
• Al-Biruni was analytical, Ibn Battuta descriptive, Bernier critical.
• Each had different motives and perspectives.
• Accounts reflect cultural richness and challenges of interpretation.
• They provide valuable but subjective insights into medieval India.

Q2. Discuss the importance of travel literature in reconstructing the history of medieval India.

Answer:

• Travel accounts offer first-hand descriptions of life and culture.
• Help understand governance, religion, and trade practices.
• Fill gaps in Indian historical sources.
• Highlight comparisons with other parts of the world.
• Examples: Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind, Ibn Battuta’s Rihla, Bernier’s Memoirs.
• Reveal foreign views on Indian society and economy.
• Despite bias, they remain vital historical sources.
• Support cross-verification with inscriptions and records.

Q3. What picture of the Indian social system did Al-Biruni and Francois Bernier portray?

Answer:

• Al-Biruni described caste system based on Hindu scriptures.
• Bernier saw Indian society as stagnant and unjust.
• Al-Biruni was interested in philosophy, Bernier in economics.
• Bernier criticized lack of social mobility under the Mughal system.
• Both highlighted inequality, but through different lenses.
• Bernier compared Indian economy unfavorably with Europe.
• Al-Biruni respected Indian knowledge despite limitations.
• Modern historians consider their biases while using their works.

Q4. How did Ibn Battuta describe the city of Delhi and its ruler Muhammad bin Tughlaq?

Answer:

• Ibn Battuta praised Delhi for its markets, roads, and size.
• He admired Tughlaq’s intelligence but noted his unpredictability.
• He served as a Qazi and later as a diplomat.
• He experienced both royal favor and imprisonment.
• His writings reflect both admiration and criticism.
• He highlighted the cosmopolitan nature of Delhi.
• Described the administrative structure and punishments.
• His account is one of the most vivid records of 14th-century India.

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