1. THROUGH THE EYES OF TRAVELLERS PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIETY (C. TENTH TO SEVENTEENTH CENTURY)
The chapter explores the travel accounts of three prominent figures—Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and François Bernier—who documented their observations of the subcontinent during different historical periods. It delves into how these records provide valuable insights into the social customs, beliefs, and experiences of individuals in the past. Additionally, it highlights the perspectives related to culture, economy, and the condition of women, shedding light on both the shared humanity and the complexities of the societies they observed.
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What we have learnt
- Travel accounts enrich our understanding of past societies by providing insights into social life and cultural practices.
- Different travelers had varied perspectives shaped by their backgrounds and the contexts in which they wrote.
- Written accounts, though informative, often overlook the complexity of social realities, particularly regarding the lives of ordinary individuals and women.
Key Concepts
- -- AlBiruni
- An eleventh-century scholar who documented his observations of the Indian subcontinent in his work, Kitab-ul-Hind, addressing topics such as culture, science, and religion.
- -- Ibn Battuta
- A fourteenth-century Moroccan traveler whose travelogue, Rihla, provides a detailed account of his experiences and observations across the Islamic world, including India.
- -- François Bernier
- A seventeenth-century French traveler who critically compared the Mughal Empire's conditions with Europe, influencing perceptions of Indian society and governance.
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