Source-Based Questions with Answers
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. Al-Biruni as a Source
“The Hindus believe that there is no country but theirs, no nation like theirs, no kings like theirs.”
1. What does this statement suggest about Al-Biruni’s view of Indian society?
It suggests that Al-Biruni felt Indians considered their culture superior and were culturally isolated from the rest of the world.
“The caste system is deeply rooted and prevents social interaction.”
2. What criticism did Al-Biruni make about the caste system?
He criticised the caste system for creating rigid social divisions and restricting interaction among different social groups.
“I have translated their books into Arabic to understand them.”
3. What does this reveal about Al-Biruni’s method of study?
It shows that Al-Biruni adopted a scholarly approach and made serious efforts to understand Indian society by studying Sanskrit texts.
II. Ibn Battuta as a Source
“Indian cities are among the largest and most populous in the world.”
4. What does this statement indicate about urban life in India?
It indicates that Indian cities were well-developed, densely populated, and economically prosperous.
“The Sultan was extremely generous to foreigners.”
5. What aspect of governance impressed Ibn Battuta?
He was impressed by the generosity of rulers and the patronage extended to scholars and visitors.
“Punishments were severe and often harsh.”
6. What does this reveal about the justice system according to Ibn Battuta?
It reveals that the justice system was strict and punishments were harsh, which disturbed Ibn Battuta.
“Merchants from different lands came to trade in Indian markets.”
7. What does this suggest about India’s economy?
It suggests that India was connected to international trade networks and had a thriving commercial economy.
III. François Bernier as a Source
“The king is the sole owner of land.”
8. What conclusion did Bernier draw about land ownership?
Bernier believed that land was owned by the state, which he felt discouraged agricultural development.
“This system results in poverty and misery of the peasants.”
9. How did Bernier view the economic condition of peasants?
He believed that state ownership of land caused widespread poverty among peasants.
“I compare this country with Europe.”
10. What does this line indicate about Bernier’s perspective?
It indicates that Bernier judged Indian society using European political and economic standards.
IV. Social Customs and Religious Practices
“People follow different religions and rituals.”
11. What aspect of Indian society is highlighted here?
It highlights the religious diversity and coexistence of multiple faiths in Indian society.
“Pilgrims travel long distances to sacred places.”
12. What does this reveal about religious life?
It reveals the importance of pilgrimage and religious devotion in everyday life.
V. Strengths and Limitations of Travelogues
“My account is based on what I saw and heard.”
13. What is the main strength of such an account?
The main strength is that it provides an eyewitness and firsthand description of society.
“These practices seemed strange to me.”
14. What limitation of travel accounts is reflected here?
It reflects cultural bias and subjective interpretation by the traveller.
“I could not fully understand their customs.”
15. Why should historians use such sources carefully?
Because travellers often misunderstood local customs, making critical reading essential.
“Different travellers describe society differently.”
16. What lesson should historians draw from this?
Historians should compare multiple accounts and corroborate them with other sources for accuracy.
Note: These source-based (case-based) questions are strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and are ideal for CBSE Class 12 board examination preparation.