THROUGH THE EYES OF TRAVELER

Time Line:
973 - Al-Biruni was bom in Uzbekistan
1031 - Kitub-ul-Hind in Arabic by Al-Biruni was published
1048 - Death fo Al-Biruni
1304 - Ibn Battuta bom at Tangier
1333 - Ibn Battuta's reached Sindh
1354 - Ibn Battuta's return to Morocco
1377 - Rihla was published
1620 - Francisco-Pelsart a Dutch traveller reached India
1628 - Petermundy of England visited India
1656-68 - Francois Bernier visited India

Important Terms:
Hindu: The term "Hindu' was derived from an old Persian word which was used in 6th century BCE. It
referred to the region towards the east of the river Sindhu, i.e. Indus.
Antyaja: Those people who were included in the major four castes prevalent in the Indian society.
Tarababad: It means the music market in Daultabad.
Ulaq: Hose postal system.
Daw: Foot postal system.
Camp Towns: Those towns which owed their existence and survival to the imperial camp.

PERIOD OF TRAVEL. FOREIGN TRAVELLER. UNDER WHOSE REIGN

1333-1342. Ibn-e-Batuta from Morocco. Mohd Tuglaqh
1440-1422. Nicoloi Conti from Italy. devaraya 1of vijayanagara
1142-1443. Abdur Razak Ambassador)(Iran). Devaraya 2of Vijayanagara
1516-1518. Eduardo Barbosa (Portuguese). krishna devaraya of Vijayanagara
1520-1522. Domingo Paes (Portuguese). krishna devaraya of Vijayanagara.
16th century. ceaser Fredriseh - (Portuguese). Vijayanagara
16th century John Lincscoten-(Dutch). Vijayanagara
1641-1687 Tavernier(French jeweller). Shahjahan and Aurangzeb
1656-1687. manucci(Italy). Aurangzeb
1658-1668. Francois Bernier (french doctor). Aurangzeb
1666-1668. Jean Thevnot(French). Aurangzeb

Al-Biruni and the Kitab-ul-Hind

From Khwarizm to the Punjab
Background and Education
Al-Biruni, born in 973 in Khwarizm (present-day Uzbekistan), emerged from a region known for its
vibrant intellectual atmosphere.
He received a comprehensive education, mastering several languages such as Syriac, Arabic,
Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit.
Despite not knowing Greek, he acquainted himself with the works of Greek philosophers like Plato
through Arabic translations.
The Kitab-ul-Hind- Structure and Contents
Al-Biruni's Kitab-ul-Hind, written in Arabic, is a comprehensive work divided into 80 chapters.
It covers a wide array of subjects, including religion, philosophy, festivals, astronomy,
alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws,
and metrology.
The structure of each chapter is notable, typically beginning with a question, followed by a
description based on Sanskritic traditions, and concluding with a comparison with other cultures.

Mathematical Orientation
Scholars have observed a distinct geometric structure in Al-Biruni's work, characterized by
precision and predictability.
This structure is attributed to his mathematical orientation, reflecting a meticulous approach to
presenting information.
Target Audience
Al-Biruni likely intended his work for people living along the frontiers of the Indian subcontinent.
His familiarity with translations and adaptations of Sanskrit texts into Arabic suggests an
awareness of the existing body of knowledge.
However, Al-Biruni was critical of the way these texts were written, emphasizing his desir upon
them.

Ibn Battuta's Rihla

An early globe-trotter
Background and Education
Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveller born in Tangier in the fourteenth century, hailed from a highly
respected and educated family known for their expertise in Islamic religious law or sharia.
Following the tradition of his family, he received literary and scholastic education from a young
age.

Love for Travel

Diverging from his contemporaries, Ibn Battuta valued experience gained through travels more
than traditional book knowledge.
His insatiable love for travel led him to explore far-off places and diverse cultures.
Before his journey to India in 1332-33, he had already embarked on pilgrimage trips to Mecca
and extensively traveled in regions such as Syria, Iraq, Persia, Yemen, Oman, and some
trading ports along the coast of East Africa.
Journey to India
Travelling overland through Central Asia, Ibn Battuta reached Sind in 1333.
Intrigued by the reputation of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq of Delhi, he set off for Delhi,
passing through Multan and Uch.
Impressed by his scholarship, the Sultan appointed him as the gazi or judge of Delhi.
After some years, a misunderstanding led to Ibn Battuta's imprisonment, but upon clarification,
he was restored to imperial service.
In 1342, he was appointed as the Sultan's envoy to the Mongol ruler in China.

Extensive Travels
Ibn Battuta's travels took him from the Malabar coast to the Maldives, where he served as the
qazi for eighteen months.
He then proceeded to Sri Lanka, revisited the Malabar coast and the Maldives, and explored
Bengal and Assam.
His journey continued to Sumatra and eventually to the Chinese port town of Zaytun
(Quanzhou).
In China, he traveled extensively,reaching as far as Beijing before deciding to return home in
1347.
Challenges of 14th-century Travel
It's crucial to note that Ibn Battuta traveled in the fourteenth century, facing significant
challenges compared to modern times.
The arduous and hazardous nature of travel is emphasized by Ibn Battuta's descriptions,
indicating that it took considerable time and posed risks.
For example, the journey from Multan to Delhi took forty days, and the route from Sind to Delhi
took about fifty days.
The distances covered from Daulatabad to Delhi and from Gwalior to Delhi also required
substantial travel time.
The "Enjoyment of curiosities"
Ibn Battuta was an inveterate traveller who spent several years exploring north Africa, West Asia,
Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and China before returning to Morocco.
Upon his return, the local ruler issued instructions to record Ibn Battuta's stories, reflecting the
fascination and importance attached to the tales of this remarkable globe-trotter.
Francois Bernier:
A doctor with a difference
Portuguese Arrival and Duarte Barbosa
After the arrival of the Portuguese in India around 1500, a wave of detailed accounts regarding
Indian social customs and religious practices emerged.
Notably, Jesuit Roberto Nobili undertook the translation of Indian texts into European languages.
Among the prominent Portuguese writers was Duarte Barbosa, who provided a comprehensive
account of trade and society in south India.

Post-1600: Dutch, English, and French Travellers

After the year 1600, a growing number of Dutch, English, and French travellers ventured to
India.
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a renowned French jeweller, stands out among them, making at least
six trips to India. Tavernier, fascinated with trading conditions, drew comparisons between India,
Iran, and the Ottoman Empire.
Some travellers, like the Italian doctor Manucci, chose not to return to Europe and settled down in
India.

François Bernier and the Mughal Empire

François Bernier, a Frenchman, made a significant impact as a doctor, political philosopher,
and historian during his twelve years in India (1656 to 1668).
He was closely associated with the Mughal court, serving as a physician to Prince Dara
Shukoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Later, he became an intellectual and scientist alongside Danishmand Khan, an Armenian noble
at the Mughal court.

Comparing "East" and "West"

Bernier's extensive travels across India fueled his writings, where he frequently compared the
Indian situation to developments in Europe.
His major work, dedicated to Louis XIV, the king of France, and other works in the form of letters
to influential officials and ministers, often portrayed India in a bleak light compared to Europe.
Despite the accuracy of these assessments being debatable, Bernier's writings gained immense
popularity.
Bernier and the Degenerate East: François Bernier's Perspective
François Bernier, a French physician and traveler, had a distinct approach compared to other
explorers like Ibn Battuta.
While Ibn Battuta focused on novelty and excitement, Bernier was more concerned with comparing
India to Europe, especially France, with a critical lens.
His objective was to influence policy-makers and intellectuals to make what he deemed as the "right"
decisions.

Travels in the Mughal Empire

Bernier's "Travels in the Mughal Empire" reflects detailed observations, critical insights, and
reflections.
He attempts to place Mughal history within a universal framework by constantly comparing it with
contemporary Europe.
Bernier employs a binary opposition model, presenting India as the inverse of Europe, and
hierarchically ordering perceived differences, depicting India as inferior to the Western world.

Binary Opposition and Hierarchy

The binary opposition model used by Bernier portrays India as fundamentally different from
Europe.
He not only highlights differences but also places them in a hierarchical structure, emphasizing the
perceived superiority of Europe.
This binary and hierarchical representation influences his entire narrative about the Mughal Empire.
 Question 5. "India had a unique system of communication during the fourteenth century".
Examine the statement of Ibn Battuta. (All India 2017)
Answer: Ibn Battuta examined the unique system of communication of India which impressed him very
much. He explained:
There were two kinds of postal system in India. These were uluq (horse post) and dawa (foot-
post).
Uluq stationed at a distance of every four miles while the dawa has three stations per mile,
means one-third of a mile.
The foot-post is quicker than the horse post and often it was used to transport the fruits of
Khurasan.
Ibn Battuta was also amazed by the efficiency of the postal system which allowed merchants to
not only send information and remit credit across long distances, but also to dispatch goods
required at short notice.
The postal system was so efficient that while it took fifty days to reach Delhi. from Sind, the news
reports of spies would reach the sultan through the postal system in just five days. Thus, enabled
the ruler to keep a strict watch over the vast empire.

Question 7. State the inherent problems faced by Al-Biruni in the task of understanding Indian social
and Brahmanical practices. Mention any two sources that provided him the support. (Delhi 2016)
Answer: Al-Biruni mentioned several 'barriers' that obstructed proper understanding of Indian social and
Brahmanical practices. These were:
Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concepts could not be translated
from one language to another.
The second barrier was the difference in religious beliefs and practices.
The self-absorption and consequent insularity of the local population constituted the third barrier.
Two sources that provided Al-Biruni support were:
Al-Biruni depended exclusively on the Vedas, the Puranas and the Bhagavad Gita.
Al-Biruni also mentioned the support from the works of Patanjali and Manusmriti to understand
Indian society.
Question 9. Explain Al-Biruni's description of caste system. (Delhi 2010)
Answer: Al-Biruni's description of the caste system was influenced by his study of the Sanskrit texts. These
texts written by the Brahmanas and followed the four divisions of varna. Al-Biruni accepted this division.
According to him, the Brahmana was created from the head of God, Brahma and regarded as the highest
caste of society.
The next caste was Kashatriyas, who were created from the shoulders and hands of Brahma. After them
followed the Vaishyas, who were created from the thigh of Brahma. The Shudras were created from the feet
of Brahma.
However, as these classes differed from each other, they lived together in the same town and villages,
mixed together in the same houses and lodgings. In real life, this system was not quite as rigid.

Question. "Ibn Battuta found cities in the subcontinent full of exciting opportunities" Support your
answer with evidences given by him"
Answer :
Ibn Battuta found cities in the subcontinent full of exciting opportunities for those who had the
necessary drive, resources and skills.
They were densely populated and prosperous
These cities having streets and Markets with a wide variety of goods.
Delhi a vast city, with a great population, the largest in India.
Daulatabad (in Maharashtra) was no less, and easily rivalled Delhi in size.
The bazaars were not only places of economic transactions, but also the hub of social and cultural
activities. Most bazaars had a mosque and a temple, and in some of them where spaces were
marked for public performances by dancers, musicians and singers.
Historians have used his account to suggest that towns derived a significant portion of their wealth
from villages.
The subcontinent was well integrated with inter-Asian networks of trade and commerce, with Indian
manufactures.
Indian textiles, cotton cloth, fine muslins, silks, brocade and satin, were in great demand in the Inter
National market