Relevant Titles
-
CBSE Class 12 History MCQs – Al-Biruni vs Ibn Battuta Comparison
-
Theme 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers – CBSE Class 12 History Quiz
-
Class 12 History Online Practice Test: Comparing Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta
-
NCERT-Based History MCQs for CBSE Class 12 – Medieval Travellers
-
CBSE Class 12 History MCQs – Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta Important Questions
Introduction Paragraph
The topic “Comparing Accounts – Al-Biruni vs Ibn Battuta” from Theme 5: Through the Eyes of Travellers – Perceptions of Society is one of the most insightful parts of the CBSE Class 12 History syllabus. It examines how two of the most famous medieval travellers—Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta—observed and interpreted the social, political, and cultural life of India during different periods.
Al-Biruni, an 11th-century scholar from Central Asia, came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni and wrote Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li’l-Hind, offering a rational and analytical study of Indian society. Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan traveller, penned the Rihla, vividly describing the Delhi Sultanate’s administration, markets, and everyday life.
This online MCQ practice test strictly follows the NCERT syllabus and is ideal for CBSE Board Exam 2025 preparation. It helps students understand comparative perspectives on medieval India—covering religion, caste, economy, and culture—while sharpening exam-oriented reasoning through concept-based questions and feedback.
Sample MCQs with Explanations
1. Which work by Al-Biruni gives an analytical study of Indian society and culture?
A) Rihla B) Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li’l-Hind C) Arthashastra D) Ain-i-Akbari
Answer: B) Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li’l-Hind
Explanation: Al-Biruni’s Kitab fi Tahqiq ma li’l-Hind offers a scientific and comparative analysis of Indian religion, science, and customs.
2. Ibn Battuta’s travelogue is known as:
A) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi B) Rihla C) Kitab al-Hind D) Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
Answer: B) Rihla
Explanation: Ibn Battuta’s Rihla records his experiences and observations during his travels across India and other regions of the Islamic world.
3. Al-Biruni’s approach to studying Indian society was:
A) Mythological B) Analytical and comparative C) Superficial D) Religious
Answer: B) Analytical and comparative
Explanation: Al-Biruni used Sanskrit sources and local observation to systematically study and compare Indian beliefs with Islamic traditions.
4. Which traveller described the Delhi Sultanate’s administration in detail?
A) Al-Biruni B) Ibn Battuta C) Fa-Hien D) Megasthenes
Answer: B) Ibn Battuta
Explanation: Ibn Battuta served as a Qadi (judge) under Muhammad bin Tughlaq and documented the Sultanate’s governance and urban life.
5. What is the key difference between Al-Biruni’s and Ibn Battuta’s accounts?
A) Al-Biruni focused on trade B) Ibn Battuta focused on science C) Al-Biruni was a scholar; Ibn Battuta was a traveller-observer D) Both were kings
Answer: C) Al-Biruni was a scholar; Ibn Battuta was a traveller-observer
Explanation: Al-Biruni analyzed India through scholarly study, while Ibn Battuta provided descriptive narratives based on personal experience.