Very 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 and Historical Sources
1. Who are considered travellers in historical studies?
People who visited foreign regions and recorded their experiences in written accounts.
2. Why are travellers’ accounts important for historians?
They provide firsthand descriptions of society, economy, and culture.
3. What is a travelogue?
A written account describing a traveller’s journey and observations.
4. What period do most travellers in this chapter belong to?
The medieval period of Indian history.
5. Why must travellers’ accounts be read critically?
Because they reflect personal bias and cultural background.
II. Al-Biruni
6. Who was Al-Biruni?
A Central Asian scholar who studied Indian society and culture.
7. Which language did Al-Biruni learn to study India?
Sanskrit.
8. What was Al-Biruni’s main objective in India?
To understand Indian religion, philosophy, and sciences.
9. Which social institution did Al-Biruni describe as rigid?
The caste system.
10. What method did Al-Biruni use in his writings?
Comparative and analytical method.
III. Ibn Battuta
11. Who was Ibn Battuta?
A Moroccan traveller who visited India in the 14th century.
12. What position did Ibn Battuta hold in India?
He served as a judge (Qazi).
13. What aspect of Indian society impressed Ibn Battuta?
The generosity of rulers and administrative efficiency.
14. Which economic feature did Ibn Battuta describe?
Thriving trade and busy urban centres.
15. What disturbed Ibn Battuta about Indian society?
Harsh punishments and social inequalities.
IV. François Bernier
16. Who was François Bernier?
A French traveller who visited India in the 17th century.
17. Which empire did Bernier mainly describe?
The Mughal Empire.
18. What system did Bernier criticise in India?
State ownership of land.
19. How did Bernier compare India with Europe?
He judged India using European political and economic ideas.
20. Why are Bernier’s accounts considered biased?
They were influenced by European perspectives.
V. Social Customs and Religious Practices
21. What social institution was commonly mentioned by travellers?
The caste system.
22. Which religious diversity did travellers observe?
Coexistence of multiple religions.
23. What role did pilgrimage play in society?
It was an important religious practice.
24. What aspect of women’s life is mentioned in travel accounts?
Marriage customs and social position.
25. What religious institutions are frequently described?
Mosques, temples, and monasteries.
VI. Economy and Urban Life
26. What economic activity dominated medieval India?
Agriculture.
27. Which centres were important for trade?
Cities and ports.
28. Who were important contributors to urban economy?
Merchants and artisans.
29. What currency system did travellers mention?
Use of coins for trade.
30. What does urban prosperity indicate?
Strong trade networks and administration.
VII. Strengths and Limitations of Travelogues
31. What is the main strength of travel accounts?
They provide eyewitness descriptions.
32. What is a major limitation of travelogues?
Personal bias of the traveller.
33. Why do historians compare multiple travel accounts?
To verify information and reduce bias.
34. What other sources are used with travelogues?
Archaeological and indigenous literary sources.
35. What do travelogues mainly reflect?
Outsider perceptions of society.
VIII. Examination-Oriented Questions
36. Which traveller focused on scholarly study?
Al-Biruni.
37. Which traveller gave vivid personal experiences?
Ibn Battuta.
38. Which traveller presented a European critique?
François Bernier.
39. What type of source are travel accounts?
Literary historical sources.
40. What helps make travel accounts reliable?
Critical reading and cross-checking with other sources.
Note: These very short answer questions are strictly based on the NCERT syllabus and are ideal for quick revision and CBSE Class 12 board examination preparation.