Class 12 History (PYQs) from the Chapter “Through the Eyes of Travellers”

Presented here are carefully selected PYQs from CBSE Class 12 History board exams, based on the chapter ‘Through the Eyes of Travellers’. These questions are essential for students aiming to excel in their board preparation. They focus on key insights from travellers like Ibn Battuta, Al-Biruni, and Francois Bernier, and help track exam trends, deepen understanding, and strengthen revision.
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Past Years’ Questions (PYQs) asked from the Class 12 History Chapter ‘Through the Eyes of Travellers’

This section highlights frequently asked exam questions based on Class 12 History Chapter ‘Through the Eyes of Travellers’. PYQs cover key themes like cultural exchanges, travel narratives, and administrative observations by Ibn Battuta, Al-Biruni, and Francois Bernier. It offers a focused revision tool to track recurring topics and strengthen exam preparation.

Through the Eyes of Travellers – PYQs asked in 2024

Q1. Identify the medieval globe-trotter with the help of the following information: (CBSE 2024)

• Before he set-off for India he made pilgrimage trips to Mecca before 1332-33 C.E.
• The Delhi Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq made him Qazi or the judge of Delhi.

Options:
a. Abd-al-Razzak
b. Al-Biruni
c. Ibn Battuta
d. Seydi Ali Reis

Ans. c

Q2. Identify the name of the person from the information given below: (CBSE SQP 2023-24)

• He was born at Tangier in one of the most respectable and educated family.
• He considered experience gained through travel as a source of knowledge than books.
• He had travelled to Middle East and few trading ports on the coast of East Africa.
• He wrote a book named Rihla.

Options:
a. Ibn Battuta
b. Francois Bernier
c. Al-Biruni
d. Domingo Paes

Ans. a

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PYQs asked in 2022–2023

Q1. Consider the following statements and select the correct from the following options: (CBSE SQP 2022–23)

(i) Francois Bernier was closely associated with the Prince Dara Shikoh.
(ii) Bernier travelled to several parts of the country, and wrote accounts.
(iii) He dedicated his major writing to the king of France and Aurangzeb.

Codes:
a. (ii) and (iii)
b. (i), (ii) and (iii)
c. (i) and (ii)
d. (i) and (iii)

Ans. c

Q2. Explain the distinctive features of Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind.
OR
Why is Al-Biruni’s text Kitab-ul-Hind considered as a voluminous text? (CBSE 2019)

Ans. The features of Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind are as follows:
(i) It was a big text, divided into 80 chapters.
(ii) It included subjects like religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws and metrology.
(iii) He followed a different structure beginning with a question followed up with a comparison with other cultures.

Q3. Describe any three experiences of Ibn Battuta in India? (CBSE 2023)

Ans. Ibn Battuta had following three experienced about the India:
(i) Indian postal system was of two types: The horse-post was called uluq which was ran by royal horses stationed at a distance of every four miles. The other was foot-post called dawa, which had three stations per mile.
(ii) At every third of a mile there was well populated village where there were men present to carry the courier. When a courier starts from the city, he hold the letter in one hand and the rod with copper bells on the other and ran as fast as he can. The other men in next dawa, when hears this bell he gets ready and as soon as courier reaches them, he takes it and transfers it to next dawa. This continues till it reaches its destination.
(iii) The foot-post was quicker than the horse post and was used to transport fruits of Khurasan which were much desired in India.

Q4. How did Ibn Battuta explain the system of communication in India? (CBSE 2023)

Ans. Ibn Battuta’s views on Indian system of communication:

(i) The system of communication was unique.
(ii) The postal system was of two kinds – the horse post called ulug and the foot post called dawa. The foot post was quicker than horse post.
(iii) Special measures were taken to encourage merchants.
(iv) The routes were supplied with inns and guest houses.
(v) Postal system was also very efficient and fast.
(vi) The news reports of spies would reach the Sultan through the postal system in just five days from Sind to Delhi. 
(vii) The postal system which allowed merchants to not only send information and remit credit across long distances.

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PYQs asked in 2020

Q1. Name the traveller for whom the term globe trotter is used. (CBSE SQP, 2020–21)

Ans. Ibn Battuta

Q2. Ibn Battuta found Indian cities full of exciting opportunities. Identify the appropriate reason from the following options: (2020)

(A) Large population, Bazaars and efficient communication.
(B) Crown ownership of land.
(C) Autonomous and utilitarian village command.
(D) Traders exported gold and silver.

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

Q3. Which one of the following statements is appropriate about Ibn Battuta? (2020)

(A) He was Qazi during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s empire.
(B) He had written Kitab-ul-Hind in Arabic.
(C) He translated Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit work in Arabic.
(D) He was a Physician, Philosopher and Historian.

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

Q3. Correct and Rewrite the Statement

Al-Biruni was from Tangier and had written the Kitab-ul-Hind in Arabic language. (2020)

Ans. Al-Biruni was from Khwarezm and he had written Kitab-ul-Hind in Arabic language.

Q4. Correct and Rewrite the Statement

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was impressed by the scholarship of Ibn Juzayy and appointed him as the Qazi of Delhi. (Delhi 2020)

Ans. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was impressed by the scholarship of Ibn Battuta and appointed him as the Qazi in the Emperor’s Court.

Q5. Name the book written by Al-Biruni on religion, philosophy, astronomy and laws of India. (2020)

Ans. Kitab-ul-Hind

Q6. How do you think Francois Bernier was closely associated with the Mughal Court? (2020)

Ans. Francois Bernier was closely associated with the Mughal court as a physician to Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, and later as an intellectual and scientist with Danishmand Khan, an Armenian noble at the Mughal court.

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PYQs asked in 2019

Q1. Why is Al-Biruni’s text Kitab-ul-Hind considered a voluminous text? (Delhi 2019)

Ans.
Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind is considered voluminous because:

1. It was divided into 80 chapters.
2. It covered diverse subjects like philosophy, festivals, astronomy, archery, manners, customs, and social life.
3. Each chapter followed a distinctive structure:
   • A question was posed,
   • Followed by a description of Sanskrit traditions,
   • Then compared with other cultures.

Q2. Describe the perspective of Ibn Battuta and Francois Bernier on the condition of women in the Indian subcontinent. (CBSE 2019)

Ans.

Perspective of Ibn Battuta:

1. There was significant differentiation among female slaves.
2. Some were experts in music and dance and served the Sultan.
3. They were employed by the Sultan to keep watch on his nobles.
4. These women entered homes unannounced and conveyed information to the Sultan.
5. Female slaves were inexpensive and thus common in most households.
6. They were captured in raids, sold in markets, and even given as gifts.

Perspective of Francois Bernier:

1. Some women willingly practiced sati, while others were forced.
2. He viewed sati as a symbol of oppression and a key difference between East and West.
3. Women contributed significantly to agriculture and craft production.
4. Merchant women engaged in trade and sometimes resolved disputes in court.
5. He highlighted both their contribution and their suffering in society.

Q3. Describe the experiences of Al-Biruni in the Indian Subcontinent. ( 2019)

Ans.

1. Al-Biruni identified three barriers to understanding Indian society:
   • Language: Sanskrit differed greatly from Arabic/Persian, making translation difficult.
   • Religion: Differences in religious beliefs and rituals.
   • Social isolation: Indians’ absorption in their own traditions.
2. He relied primarily on Brahmanical texts like the Vedas and Puranas.
3. He tried to explain the caste system by comparing it to Persian society, which also had four classes.
4. He noted that Islam advocated equality, unlike the caste-based division in India.
5. He disapproved of the idea of social pollution in caste, considering it unnatural.
6. He stated that impurity in nature is reversible—like air cleansed by the sun or sea by salt.
7. He explained the Varna system:
   • Brahmans – from Brahma’s head
   • Kshatriyas – from shoulders/hands
   • Vaishyas – from thighs
   • Shudras – from feet

Q4. Describe Bernier’s views on land ownership in India and its influence on Western theorists. (2019)

Ans.

🟠 Bernier’s Description:

1. Claimed no private property existed under the Mughals.
2. Believed all land was crown-owned, which discouraged investment.
3. Landholders couldn’t inherit or develop their land.
4. Led to decline in agricultural productivity and uniform poverty.
5. He saw this system as harmful to both state and people.

🟠 Influence on Western Theorists:

1. Montesquieu used Bernier’s views to propose the idea of Oriental Despotism, where Eastern rulers held absolute power.
2. This theory argued private property was absent, and subjects were impoverished.
3. Karl Marx later developed the concept into the Asiatic Mode of Production, claiming that in pre-colonial Asia, the state appropriated all surplus.

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PYQs asked in 2018

Q1. “Ibn Battuta found cities in the Indian subcontinent full of exciting opportunities.” Explain the statement with reference to the city of Delhi. (Delhi 2018)

Ans.
Ibn Battuta found cities in the Indian subcontinent, especially Delhi, full of excitement and opportunity due to the following reasons:

1. Vast and populous – Delhi covered a large area and was densely populated.
2. Massive fortifications – The city had an extensive rampart with 11-cubit-wide walls. Night sentry and gate-keepers had quarters within.
3. Numerous gates – The city had 28 gates (darwazas); the Budaun Darwaza was the largest.
   • The Mandwi Darwaza had a grain market nearby.
   • Gul Darwaza was close to an orchard.
4. Impressive cemeteries – Delhi had well-constructed cemeteries with domed graves.
5. Vibrant urban life – The streets were crowded, markets were bright and full of variety.
6. Cultural centers – Bazaars were hubs of social life; they had mosques, temples, and hosted public performances of music, dance, and drama.
7. Economic activity – Cities gained wealth by appropriating surplus from villages.
8. Musical atmosphere – Some market areas like Tarababad were known for music.
9. Efficient communication – Unique systems like uluq (horse relay system) and dawa (message carriers) operated.
10. Exotic goods – Items like coconuts and paan fascinated Ibn Battuta.

Q2. Why did Bernier describe Mughal cities as “camp cities”? (Compartment Exam 2018)

Ans. Bernier described Mughal cities as “camp cities” for the following reasons:

🟠 Explanation of “Camp Towns”:

1. These cities owed their existence to imperial camps.
2. Their growth and activity depended on the movement of the royal court.
3. They flourished only when the court was present and declined when it moved away.
4. Bernier believed these towns lacked stable social and economic foundations.
5. He viewed them as products of imperial patronage, not independent economic centers.

🟢 Conclusion / Critical View:

1. Bernier’s view was oversimplified.
2. In reality, India had diverse towns:
   • Manufacturing towns
   • Trading centers
   • Port towns
   • Religious/pilgrimage towns
3. These towns reflected the prosperity of merchants, artisans, and professionals, not just royal dependency.

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PYQs asked in 2017

Q1. Examine the causes that made Al-Biruni visit India. (CBSE 2017)

Ans. The following causes led to Al-Biruni’s visit to India:

1. Invasion of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni
   • When Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Al-Biruni’s homeland Khwarizm, he took many scholars and poets to his capital at Ghazni, including Al-Biruni.
2. Interest in Indian culture
   • From Ghazni, Al-Biruni developed an interest in Indian culture, science, and society.
   • After Punjab became a part of the Ghaznavid Empire, he travelled widely in Punjab and northern India.
3. Pursuit of knowledge
   • Al-Biruni was deeply interested in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
   • He spent years in the company of Brahmana priests and scholars, learning Sanskrit to study Indian religious and philosophical texts.
   • He studied:
     • The Vedas
     • The Puranas
     • The Bhagavad Gita
     • Works of Patanjali
     • The Manusmriti, etc.

Q2. Explain why Bernier described Mughal cities as ‘Camp Towns’. (CBSE 2017)

Ans.
Bernier described Mughal cities as “Camp Towns” due to the following reasons:

1. Imperial dependency
   • He believed that towns in Mughal India owed their existence to the imperial camp.
   • These cities flourished only when the royal court was present, and declined once it moved away.
2. Lack of permanent urban infrastructure
   • Bernier saw Mughal towns as transient settlements, not stable urban centers with strong economic foundations.
3. Poor urban conditions
   • He observed that cities had polluted air, overgrown fields, dirty stagnant water, and unhealthy surroundings.
4. Lack of independent economic activity
   • Bernier felt that these towns were not economically viable on their own, and survived only due to imperial patronage and protection.

🔎 Note: Bernier’s view was limited and somewhat biased. In reality, India had various vibrant cities including trading ports, manufacturing canters, and pilgrimage towns.

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PYQs asked in 2016

Q.1. State the inherent problems faced by Al-Biruni in the task of understanding Indian social and Brahmanical practices. Mention any two sources that provided him the support. (CBSE 2016)

Ans. The inherent problems faced by Al-Biruni in the task of understanding Indian social and Brahmanical practices were:

(i) He found it difficult to translate the contents to Arabic or Persian as he did not understand Sanskrit.
(ii) He found it difficult to understand the caste system that was prevailing.
(iii) He found that self-absorption and consequent insularity of the local population constituted another barrier.

Two sources that provided Al-Biruni support were:
(i) Al-Biruni depended exclusively on the Vedas, the Puranas and the Bhagavad Gita.
(ii) Al-Biruni also mentioned the support from the works of Patanjali and Manusmriti to understand Indian society.

Q2. Analyse the evidence for slavery provided Ibn Battuta.

Ans. According to Ibn Battuta, slavery was a widespread and accepted institution in the Indian subcontinent. His writings provide the following evidence for the practice of slavery:

1. Slaves as Commodities:
   • Slaves were openly bought and sold in markets, just like any other commodity.
2. Slaves as Gifts:
   • They were regularly exchanged as gifts, both as a sign of goodwill and political alliance.
   • When Ibn Battuta reached Sindh, he purchased horses, camels, and slaves to offer them as gifts to Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
   • Upon reaching Multan, he gifted slaves along with horses, almonds, and raisins to the local governor.
3. Royal Patronage of Slavery:
   • Ibn Battuta recounts that Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq rewarded a preacher, Nasiruddin, with a hundred thousand tankas and 200 slaves for delivering an impressive sermon.
4. Use of Female Slaves:
   • Female slaves were employed by the Sultan for various purposes, including watching over the nobles, thus playing important roles in intelligence gathering and palace surveillance.
5. Domestic Work and Transport:
   • Slaves were used for domestic labor, but their wages were extremely low.
   • They were considered essential for transporting men and women on palanquins (dola), indicating their utility in elite lifestyles.

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