Short Answer Type Questions
CBSE Class 12 – History
Part III: Themes in Indian History – Part II (Continued)
Chapter 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers – Perceptions of Society
Strictly Based on NCERT | Designed for CBSE Board Examinations
I. Travellers as Sources of History
1. Why are travellers’ accounts considered important historical sources?
Travellers’ accounts provide firsthand descriptions of society, economy, customs, and beliefs. They offer an outsider’s perspective, often highlighting aspects ignored in indigenous records.
2. What limitations do historians face while using travelogues?
Travelogues are subjective and shaped by the traveller’s cultural background, prejudices, and purpose of travel. Hence, they must be read critically.
3. Why did many foreign travellers visit India during medieval times?
Travellers came for various reasons such as trade, administration, scholarship, diplomacy, religious interest, and personal adventure.
4. How do historians verify the information given by travellers?
Historians compare travellers’ accounts with archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and indigenous literary sources.
II. Al-Biruni and His Account
5. Who was Al-Biruni and when did he come to India?
Al-Biruni was a Central Asian scholar who came to India in the early eleventh century along with Mahmud of Ghazni.
6. What was the main objective of Al-Biruni’s study of India?
His main objective was to understand Indian society, religion, philosophy, and sciences through direct study of texts and interaction with scholars.
7. How did Al-Biruni overcome the language barrier in India?
Al-Biruni learned Sanskrit in order to study Indian religious and philosophical texts.
8. What were Al-Biruni’s views on the caste system?
He considered the caste system rigid and believed it created social divisions that restricted interaction and exchange of ideas.
9. Mention one aspect of Indian society that Al-Biruni admired.
Al-Biruni admired Indian achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and scientific knowledge.
III. Ibn Battuta’s Observations
10. Who was Ibn Battuta?
Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveller who visited India in the fourteenth century.
11. What position did Ibn Battuta hold during his stay in India?
He was appointed as a Qazi (judge) during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
12. How did Ibn Battuta describe Indian cities?
He described Indian cities as large, densely populated, and prosperous centres of trade and culture.
13. What impressed Ibn Battuta about Indian rulers?
He was impressed by their generosity, wealth, and the efficient administrative system.
14. What social practices disturbed Ibn Battuta?
He was disturbed by harsh punishments, social inequalities, and the treatment of slaves.
IV. François Bernier and His Critique
15. Who was François Bernier?
François Bernier was a French traveller who visited India during the seventeenth century.
16. Which period of Indian history did Bernier describe?
He mainly described the Mughal period, especially the reign of Aurangzeb.
17. What was Bernier’s view on land ownership in India?
Bernier believed that land was owned by the state, which discouraged agricultural development.
18. Why do historians criticise Bernier’s account?
His account was influenced by European ideas and did not fully understand Indian agrarian systems.
V. Social Customs and Religious Practices
19. What social institution is frequently mentioned by travellers?
The caste system is frequently discussed in travellers’ accounts.
20. How did travellers describe religious diversity in India?
They observed the coexistence of multiple religions and a variety of religious practices.
21. What role did pilgrimage play in society according to travellers?
Pilgrimage was an important religious activity attracting people from different regions.
22. What did travellers note about women’s position in society?
They mentioned marriage customs, domestic roles, and social restrictions faced by women.
VI. Economy and Urban Life
23. How did travellers describe the Indian economy?
They described it as largely agrarian but supported by flourishing trade and crafts.
24. What importance did cities have in medieval India?
Cities functioned as centres of administration, trade, learning, and cultural exchange.
25. What role did merchants play in the economy?
Merchants connected local markets with international trade networks and contributed to urban prosperity.
VII. Strengths and Limitations of Travelogues
26. Mention one strength of travellers’ accounts.
They provide detailed eyewitness descriptions of society and everyday life.
27. Mention one limitation of travel narratives.
They reflect the personal opinions and cultural bias of the traveller.
28. Why is comparative reading of travelogues important?
It helps historians identify bias and arrive at a more balanced understanding of the past.
VIII. Examination-Oriented Questions
29. Which traveller adopted a scholarly and comparative approach?
Al-Biruni adopted a scholarly and comparative approach.
30. Which traveller focused on personal experiences?
Ibn Battuta focused on personal experiences and observations.
31. Which traveller presented a European critique of India?
François Bernier presented a European critique of Indian society.
Note: These short answer type questions are strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and are ideal for CBSE Class 12 board examination preparation.