On this post, we provide AHSEC Class 12 History Chapter 6: Through The Eyes Of Travelers Notes and important question and answers for the 2025 examination.
After going through this unit you will be able: To know about India through the accounts of travelers. To trace from where and why the travelers came to India from a distant land. To discuss about the socio-economic, political, religious condition of the people of India during this period. To elaborate the accounts or books of the travelers, which were written on India. To examine the socio-economic condition of India with the European countries.
Chapter – 6
THROUGH THE EYES OF TRAVELERS PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIETIES (c. Tenth to Seventeenth Century)
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 6 Model questions and Answer for 1 mark: (very short type)
1. Name the Sultan at the time of Ibn Batuta’s India 1mark (2019)
Ans: Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq.
2. Who is the writer of the ‘Fathiyah-i-ibriyah? 1 (2018)
Ans: Shihabuddin Talish, who accompanied Mirjumla.
3. Who was Jean-Baptis Tavernier? 1mark (2018)
Ans: A French Marchant and Traveler, who visited in 17th century AD.
4. Who is the writer ‘Rihla’? 1mark (2017, 2015, 2013)
Ans: Ibn Batuta.
5. What was the name of Alberuni’s book in Arabic? 1mark (2016, 2014)
Ans: Kitab-ul-Hind.
6. What is Ulaq? 1mark
Ans: Horse postal system.
7. What was Dawa? 1mark
Ans: Dawa was Foot postal system.
8. When did Al-Beruni was born? 1mark
Ans: 973 CE at Tangier in Uzbekistan.
9. Name the languages, which were known to Al-Beruni? 1mark
Ans: Syriac, Arabic, Persian, Hebrew and Sanskrit were known to him.
10. Which language was not unknown to Al-Beruni? 1
Ans: Greek language.
11. Name one Sanskrit book, which was translated by Al- Beruni to Arabic. 1mark
Ans: Patanjali’s Grammar.
12. What is Metrology? 1mark
Ans: It is the science of measurement.
13. In which post Ibn Batuta was appointed by Sultan? 1
Ans: In the post of Kazi or Judge.
14. Name the traveler who visited South India in the early Medieval Period. 1mark
Ans: Abdur Razzaq, from Samarqand in 1440s.
15. Who was best known Portuguese writer who wrote on South India? 1mark
Ans: Duarte Barbosa.
16. Name the Italian Doctor, traveler who settled in India. 1mark
Ans: Manucci.
17. In which period Francois Barnier stayed in India? 1
Ans: He stayed in India from 1656 to 1668 CE.
18. Who appointed Francois Barnier as physician in Mughal Court?
Ans:- Emperor Sahjahan.
19. To whom Barnier dedicated his work?
Ans: Emperor Louis XIV of France. Imark
20. What do you mean by antyaja?
Ans: Literally it meant born outside the system.
21. Name the things which shocked to Ibn Batuta. 1
Ans: Coconut and the Paan.
22. Which famous Indian writer wrote the short story, “Kunti O Nishadi”? (HS 2024)
Ans:- The famous Indian writer who wrote the short story “Kunti O Nishadi” is Mahasweta Devi.
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 6 Model questions and Answer for 2 marks :
1. What did Bernier state regard land ownership in India? 2marks (2019)
Ans: (i) According to Bernier, one of the fundamental differences between Mughal India and Europe was the lack of private property in land in the former.
(ii) He thought that in the Mughal Empire the emperor owned all the land and distributed it among his nobles, and that this had disastrous consequences for the economy and society.
2. Name two travelers who visited India in the medieval age. Where from they came? 2marks (2016)
Ans: They were-
(i) Francois Bernier from France
(ii) Ibn Batuta from North western Africa, Morocco.
3. Mention two problems faced by Alberuni in writing an account on India. 2marks (2013)
Ans: Following were the barriers he faced in understanding India
(i) Problems of Language According to him, Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concept could not be easily translated from one language.
(ii) Difference of religion beliefs and practices He was Muslim and his religious beliefs and practices were quite different from India.
(iii) Self-absorption and insularity of the local population According to him the third barrier was the isolation policy of the Indians.
4. What was the Al-Biruni’s objective to came India? 2
Ans: Al-Biruni’s objective to came India were-
(i) To help those who want to discuss religious questions with them.
(ii) As a repertory of information to those who want to associate with them.
5. Do you think Al-Biruni depended only on Sanskrit texts for his information and understanding of Indian society? 2marks
Ans: Yes, Al-Biruni depended almost exclusively on the work of Brahmanas, often citing passages from the Vedas the Purana, the Bhagavad Gita the works of Patanjali the Manusmriti etc., to provide an understanding of Indian society.
6. Name the Plants found in India which amazed Ibn- Battuta. 2marks
Ans: Coconut He wrote that the nuts of coconut resemble a man’s head. Paan He wrote about Paan that the betel has no fruit and is grown only for the sake of his leaves.
7. What was the more complex social reality which Bernier’s notice in the Mughal Empire? 2marks
Ans: The complex social reality according to Bernier were-
(i) He felt that artisans had not incentive to improve the quality of their manufacturers because profits were appropriated by the state. Thus production was on the verge of decline.
(ii) At the same time, he conceded that vast quantities of the world’s precious metals (gold & silver) flowed into India in exporting manufactures.
8. How did the State encourage merchants in the 14th century? 2marks
Ans: In the 14th century, the state took special steps to encourage the traders. For Example, all the trade routes had serais and rest houses.
9. Write about the definition of the word” Hindu”. 2marks
Ans: The term Hindi derived from an old Persian word i.e used in c. sixth to fifth century BCE to refer to the region of the river Sindhu (Indus).
10. Write about the description Ibn Batuta on Delhi. 2
Ans: Ibn Battuta described Delhi as a vast city, with a great population, the largest in India.
11. Give an account on Bazaar given by Ibn Batuta. 2
Ans: The bazaars were not only places of economic transactions, but also the hub of social and cultural activities. Most bazaars had a mosque and a temple, and in some of them at least, spaces were marked for public performances by dancers, musicians and singers.
12. Give two characteristics of the writings of Alberuni. (HS 2024)
Ans:- 1. Al-Biruni wrote in the Arabic language. 2. He adopted a critical approach in his writings.
13. ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ was written in which language and how many chapters were there? (HS 2024)
Ans:- ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ was written in Arabic. It is divided into 80 Chapters.
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 6 Model questions and Answer for 3/4:
1. Who was Alberuni? What did he say about caste system in India? 4marks (HS 2024, 2017)
Ans: Alberuni was traveler, came from Khwarizm present Uzbekistan.
(i) According to him the social divisions were not unique to India.
(ii) At the same time he pointed out that within Islam all men were considered equal, differing only in their observance of piety.
(iii) In spite of his acceptance of the Brahmanical description of the caste system, Al-Biruni disapproved of the notion of pollution.
(iv) He remarked that everything which falls into a state of impurity strives and succeeds in regaining its original condition of purity.
2. What was Barnier’s view on Sati system. 4marks (2014)
Ans: His writing on Sati system is-
(i) It was a cruel practice in which the widow was made to sit the pyre of her husband alive.
(ii) She was forced to be sati.
(iii) The people had no sympathy even for the child widows.
(iv) The cries of the women going to be a sati did not move anyone.
(v) The Brahmans and the elderly women of the house participated in this practice.
3. According to Bernier, what were the evils-effects of the crown ownership of land? 4marks
Ans: These were-
(i) Absence of ownership of land, landholders could not pass on their land to their children. Thus they didn’t take any interest in increasing production.
(ii) It prevented the emergence of the “improving” landlords.
(iii) It led to the ruination of agriculture.
(iv) It brought a continuous decline in the living standard of all sections of society.
(v) It led to the excessive oppression of the peasantry.
4. Why does Ibn-Battua think that the postal system in India was efficient? 4marks
Ans: According to Ibn Battuta,
(i) The journey from Sindh to Delhi was completed in fifty days.
(ii) On the other hand, all the information’s given by the detectives reached the king within five days;
(iii) Ibn Battuta was quite amazed at their efficiency of the detectives reached the king within five days.
5. What were the elements of the practice of sati that drew the attention of Bernier? 4marks
Ans: The practice of sati according to Bernier showed the difference in the treatment of women in western and eastern society. He noticed how a child widow were forcefully burnt screaming on the funeral pyre while many of the older women were resigned their fate. The following elements drew his attention.
(i) Under this cruel practices an alive widow was forcibly made to sit on the pyre of her husband.
(ii) People had no sympathy for her.
(iii) The widow was an unwilling victim of the sati-practice. She was forced to be a Sati.
6. Write an account on Ibn Batuta’s journey to China. 4
Ans: (i) With the new assignment from Sultan in 1342, Ibn Battuta proceeded to the Malabar coast through central India.
(ii) From Malabar he went to the Maldives, where he stayed for eighteen months as the qazi, but eventually decided to proceed to Sri Lanka.
(iii) He then went back once more to the Malabar coast and the Maldives,
(iv) Before resuming his mission to China, visited Bengal and Assam as well.
(v) He took a ship to Sumatra, and from there another ship for the Chinese port town of Zaytun. He travelled extensively in China, going as far as Beijing, but did not stay for long deciding to return home in 1347.
7. What was the international trade of India recorded by Ibn Batuta?
Ans: According to him- (i) the subcontinent was well integrated with inter-Asian networks of trade and commerce, with Indian manufactures being in great demand in both West Asia and Southeast Asia, fetching huge profits for artisans and merchants.
(ii) Indian textiles, particularly cotton cloth, fine muslins, silks. brocade and satin, were in great demand.
(iii) Ibn Battuta informs us that certain varieties of fine muslin were so expensive that they could be worn only by the nobles and the very rich.
Ahsec Class 12 History Chapter 6 Model questions and Answer for 5 marks:
1. Who wrote ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’? Throw light in its main features? 5marks
Ans: The book ‘Kitab-ul-Hind’ was written by Al-Biruni. Its main features are –
(i) It is written in Arabic.
(i) Its language is simple and lucid.
(It is written on the subject such as regional, philosophy, astronomy, social life, laws etc.
(iv) It is divided into 80 chapters.
(v) Each chapter begins with a question and then description has given based in Sanskritic traditions.
2. Explain how the foot post worked. 5marks
Ans: (i) In the postal service on foot, there were three stages. They were called the Dawa.
(ii) It was one third part of a mile.
(There was a village with dense population at a distance of every three mile.
(iv) There were three centres outside it.
(v) The people used to sit in these centres to start their work.
(vi) Each one of them had a long rod having copper bells at its top.
(vii) Whenever a messenger started his journey, he held the letter in one land and this rod with copper bells in the other hand. He would run very fast.
3. Analyze the evidence for slavery provided Ibn-Battuta. 5marks
Ans: According to Ibn-Battuta
(i) Slaves like any other commodity, were openly sold in the markets.
(ii) They were also regularly exchanged as gifts.
(iii) When Ibn-Battuta reached Sindh, he purchased horses, camels and slaves. He wanted to offer them as gifts to sultan Muhammad Bin Tuglaq.
(iv) When he reached to Multan, he presented salves and horses with almonds and raisins to the Governor of Multan.
(v) Ibn-batuta says that Muhammad bin Tughlaq was so happy with the sermon of a preacher named Nasiruddin that he gave him”ahundred thousand tankas and two hundred slaves.
(vi) The sultan employed female slaves in his service and also to keep a watch on his nobles.
4. Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind. 5marks
Ans: Kitab-ul-Hind was written by Al-Biruni in 1031. It was considered with India and also known by the name of Tarikh- ul-Hind and Tahqiq-ma-ul-Hind. It was written in Arabic. It is divided into 80 Chapters. They have thrown a detailed light on Hindu religions and philosphy, festivals, customs and tradition, the social and economic as well as political life of the people. In each chapter he adopted a distinctive style and had a question in the beginning. It was followed by a description based on Sanskrit tradition, At last he compare the India culture with other culture. This geometric structure he followed is known for its precision and predictability. The main reason for this structure was Al-Biruni’s mathematical orientation.
5. Compare and contrast the perspectives from which Ibn Battuta and Bernier wrote their accounts of their travels in India. 5marks
Ans: Both have written them accounts in their different prospectives. While Ibn Battuta describe everything that impressed and excited him because of his novelty, Bernier had followed a different intellectual tradition. He wrote whatever he saw in India.
Bernier wanted to pin point the weakness of the Indian society and considered the Mughal India Inferior to European society. In his description Ibn Battuta recorded his observation about new culture, people, believes and values.
6. Discuss the picture of urban centres that emerges from Bernier’s account. 5marks
Ans: During the 17th century nearly 15% of population was living in town. This was average proportion of urban population of western Europe. Bernier described Mughal towns as court towns. By it he meant those towns which depended upon the imperial court for their existence and survival. These towns came into existence with the imperial court and declined with the impanel court when they moved to other places. In his travel accounts, Bernier described many big towns and cities such as Delhi, Mathura, Kashmir, Surat, Masulipatnam and Golconda. These gained importance as manufacturing centres, trading towns, and sacred towns. The merchant communities had deep influence in these cities. They remained organised due to their own caste and occupational bodies. These trading groups were known as Mahajans in western India. Their head was called Sheth. In Ahmedabad, the chief of Merchant community was known as nagarsheth. Besides the trading groups, musicians, architects, painters, lawyers, calligraphies, etc. lived in towns.
7. Discuss Al-Biruni’s understanding of the caste system. 5marks
Ans: Al-Biruni’s description about caste system as he understood. Al-Biruni tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies. He described that in ancient Persia, four social categorics were recognised.
(i) knight and princes.
(ii) Monks
(iii) fire-priests and lawyers; physicians, astronomers, other scientists;
(iv) Finally, peasants and artisans. Ile attempted to suggest that social divisions were not unique to India.
His description of the caste system in India was deeply influenced by his study of Sanskrit texts. According to these texts, the highest castes were the Brahmins as they were created from the head of the Brahmins. The Kshatriyas were the next caste created from the shoulders and hands of the Brahmin. The Vaishyas and Shudras were created from the thighs and feet of the Brahmin respectively.
8. Do you think Ibn Battuta’s account is useful in arriving at an understanding of life in contemporary urban centres? Give reasons for your answer. 5marks
Ans: Battuta’s observation about the cities of India.
(i) According to him, Indian cities had many exciting opportunities and are useful for those who had the necessary drive, skill and resources.
(ii) The Indian cities were prosperous and densely populated.
(iii) These cities had colourful market trading in different kinds of goods.
(iv) Delhi was the largest city of India and had a lot of population. Daultabad was an another important city of India which challenged Delhi in size.
(v) The cities were not only the centre of economic transactions but also the centres of! social and cultural activities.
(vi) Most of the bazars in the cities had temple and mosques.
9. Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s accounts enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society. 5marks
Ans: Bernier’s assessment about Indian rural society was not correct. It was far away from the truth, but it is not acceptable. There are some truth in his description which are evident from the following facts.
(i) According to his account, Mughal empire was the owner of the land and distributed among its nobles. It had a disastrous impact on the society.
(ii) According to him the system of crown of ownership of land was good. It was because, the land holders could not pass on their land to their children. They did not make any long term investment on the land.
(iii) As there was no private property in land, there was not any improvement in the landlord class. This system ruin agriculture and led to opinion of peasants. Bernier’s view regarding Indian society had the following features:
(a) The rich people Were in minority.
(b) It had the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich, no middle class existed there.
(c) All the cities and towns were reined and had contaminated air.
10. Read this excerpt from Bernier: 5marks
Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tools, and who can…
(i) List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare these with the descriptions of artisanal activity in the chapter.
Ans: Names of the crafts mentioned in this passage.
(i) In this passage the crafts such as making of muskets and following pieces and making beautiful gold ornaments are mentioned. These products were beautifully made. Bernier was amazed to see these products.
(ii) Comparison of crafts referred in the passage with the description of artisanal activity in the chapter.
(a) In the chapter boat manufacturing and terracottan sculpture and temple architecture has been mentioned.
(b) Art of painting has been referred.
(c) Art of carpet manufacturing has been referred.
(d) Art of dance, music and calligraphy have been referred in the chapter.
(e) Description about Rajal Khamos have also been mentioned.
11. On an outline map of the world, mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he might have crossed?5marks
Ans: Countries visited by Ibn Battuta:
(i) Morocco, (ii) Mecca, (iii) Syria (iv) Iraq, (v) Persia (vi) Yamen, (vii) Oman (viii) China (ix) India (x) Maldives, (xi)Sri Lanka (xii) Sumatra (Indonesia)
Name of Seas:
(1) North Atlantic Ocean (ii) South Atlantic Ocean, (iii) Indian Ocean (iv) Red Sea, (v)Arabian Sea (vi) Bay of Bengal (vii) South China Sea (viii) East China Sea.
12. Give an account on the cities described by Ibn Batuta. 5marks
Ans: (i) Ibn Battuta found cities in the subcontinent full of exciting opportunities, resources and skills.
(ii) Most cities had crowded streets and bright and colourful markets that were stacked with a wide variety of goods.
(iii) Ibn Battuta described Delhi and Daulatabad as vast cities, with a great population, the largest in India.
(iv) The bazaars were not only places of economic transactions, but also the hub of social and cultural activities. Most bazaars had a mosque and a temple, and in some of them at least, spaces were marked for public performances by dancers. musicians and singers.
(v) He also noted that the subcontinent was well integrated with inter-Asian networks of trade and commerce. Indian textiles, particularly cotton cloth, fine muslins, silks, brocade and satin, were in great demand.
13. How did François Bernier’s descriptions influence Western theorists from the eighteenth century?5marks
Ans: (i) Bernier’s Travels in the Mughal Empire is marked by detailed observations, critical insights and reflection. His account contains discussions trying to place the history of the Mughals within some sort of a universal framework.
(ii) Abu’l Fazl, the sixteenth-century official chronicler of Akbar’s reign, describes the land revenue as “remunerations of sovereignty”, a claim made by the ruler on his subjects for the protection to the crops he provided rather than as rent on land.
(iii) Bernier’s descriptions influenced Western theorists from the eighteenth century onwards.
(iv) The French philosopher Montesquieu, for instance, used this account to develop the idea of oriental despotism.
(v) This idea was further developed as the concept of the Asiatic mode of production by Karl Marx in the nineteenth century. He argued that in India wealth was appropriated by the state.
14. According to Bernier, what were the evils-effects of the crown ownership of land? 5marks
Ans: The evils-effects of the crown ownership of land were- (i) Absence of ownership of land, landholders could not pass on their land to their children. Thus they didn’t take any interest in increasing production.
(ii) It prevented the emergence of the “improving” landlords.
(iii) It led to the ruination of agriculture.
(iv) It brought a continuous decline in the living standard of all sections of society.
(v) It led to the excessive oppression of the peasantry.
Precis Writing:
Read the paragraph carefully and answer the following:
1. WIDESPREAD POVERTY (2018)
Pelsaert, a Dutch traveler, visited the subcontinent during the carly decades of the seventeenth century. Like Bernier, he was shocked to see the widespread poverty; “poverty so great and miserable that the life of the people can be depicted or accurately described only as the home of stark want and the dwelling place of bitter woe”. Holding the state responsible, he says” So much is wrung from the peasants that even dry bread is scarcely left to fill their stomachs.”
(i) Who was Pelsaert? Which country did he visit? 2marks
Ans: A Dutch Traveler. He visited India. 2marks
(ii) Why was he shocked?
Ans: He was shocked to see the widespread poverty; which was so great and miserable that the life of the people in terrible condition. There was no state policy to safeguard them.
(iii) Why were the people, according to him, poverty sticken? 2marks
Ans: The state used to collect taxes, but those were not used for redrssel of their miserable condition; the tax burden was so heavy on the poverty sticken people that even a dry bread was left to fill up their stomach.
2. THE BIRD LEAVES HIS NEST (2016, 2012)
This is an excerpt from the Rihla:
My departure from Tangier, my birth place, took place on Thursday……I set alone, having neither fellow traveler…..nor caravan whose party I might join, but swayed by an overmastering impulse within me and a desire long-cherished in my bosom to visit these illustrious sanctuaries. So I braced my resolution to quit all my dear ones, female and male, and forsook my home as birds forsake their nests……My age at that time was twety-two years. Ibn Batuta returned home in 1354 about 30 years after he had set out.
(i) Who was Ibn Batuta and in which language he wrote Rihla? 2marks
Ans: He was traveler, scholar from Tangier, Morocco. He wrote Rihla in Arabic language.
(ii) Where is Tangenier situated?
Ans: It is a city in Morocco.
(iii) Why did he prefer to travel alone than in a group? 2
Ans: He travel alone due to-
(i) Overmastering impulse within him and
(ii) Desire long-cherished in my bosom to visit these illustrious sanctuaries.
(IV) Which traveller is known as the ‘Bird leaves its nest’?(HS 2024)
Ans:- Ibn Batuta
3. AN EXCERPT FROM FRANCOIS BARNIER’S TRAVEL IN THE MUGHAL EMPIRE. (2015)
It is important to observe, that of this vast tract of country, a large portion is extremely fertile: the large kingdom of Bengalee for instance, surpassing Egypt itself, not only in the production of rice, corn, and other necessaries of life. But of immune able articles of commerce which are not cultivated in Egypt, such as silk, cotton and indigo. There are also many parts of the Indies, where the population is sufficiently abundant and the land although naturally indolent, is yet compelled by necessity or otherwise to employ himself in manufacturing carpets, brocades, embroideries, gold and silver clothes and the various sorts of silk and cotton goods, which are used in the country or exported: abroad.
It should not escape notice that gold and silver after circulating in every other quarter if the globe, come at length to be swallowed up, lost in some measures in Hindustan.
(i) What was Barnier’s view with regard to production in Bengal?ال 2marks
Ans: He compared Bengal with Egypt. He mentioned the goods which has been produced by the Bengal were rice, corn, indigo, cotton, silk and also manufactured carpets, brocades embroideries, gold and silver clothes and the various sorts of silk and cotton goods, which are used in the country or exported abroad.
(ii) What was the Barnier’s view regarding the system of agriculture in the Mughal period of India. 2marks
Ans: Land of other parts of India were properly tilled. The population of those places are sufficiently abundant but they were get themselves engaged for manufacturing carpet, brocades, embroideries, gold and silver clothes and the various sorts of silk and cotton goods, which are used in the country or exported abroad.
(iii) What did Barnier write about inflow of gold and silver in to India. Imark
Ans: Gold and silver which were circulated in every quarter of the globe came at length to be swallowed up, lost in some measures.
4. NUTS LIKE MEN’S HEAD (2014)
These trees are among the most peculiar trees in kind and most astonishing in habit. They look exactly like date palms, without any difference between them except that the one produces nut as its fruits and the other produces dates. The nut of a coconut trees resembles a man’s head, for in it are what look like two eyes, and a mouth, and the inside of it when it is green looks like the brain, and attached to it is a fiber which look like hair. They make from this cords with which they sew up ships instead of iron nails, and they make from it cables for vessels.
(i) What similarity and dissimilarity did Ibn Batuta find in the coconut and date plams trees? 2marks
Ans: They look exactly like date palms, without any difference between them except that the one produces nut as its fruits and the other produces dates.
(ii) How has he compared the coconut to a man’s head? 2marks
Ans: The nut of a coconut trees resembles a man’s head, for in it are what look like two eyes, and a mouth, and the inside of it when it is green looks like the brain, and attached to it is a fiber which look like hair.
(iii) According to Ibn Batuta, for what purpose are the fibres used by the people. 2marks
Ans: The fibres used by the people to make cables for vessels.
5. ON HORSE ON FOOT (2013)
This is how Ibn Battuta described the postal system:
In India the postal system is of two kinds: The horse -post called ‘Uluq’ is run by royal horses stationed at distance of every four miles. The foot post has three stations permit. It is called ‘dawa’, that is, one third of a mile Now, at every third of a mile there is well populated village, outside which are three pavilions in which sit men with girded loins ready to start. Each of them carries a rod, two cubits in length with cop copper bells at the top. When the courier starts from the city, he holds the letter in one hand and the rod with its bells on the other; and he runs as fast as he can. When the men in the pavilion hear the ringing of bell they get ready. As soon as the courier reaches them one of them takes the letter from his and runs at the top speed shaking the rod all the while until he reaches the next dawa. And the same process continues till the letter reaches its destination. This foot-person is quicker than the horse- post; and often it is used to transport the fruit of Khurasan which are much desired in India.
(i) Whar were the two kinds of postal system described by Ibn Batuta? 2marks
Ans: There were two kinds of postal system the horse postal system and the postal system on foot.
(ii) Which one of the two kinds potal system was quicker? 2marks
Ans: This foot-person is quicker than the horse-post; and often it is used to transport the fruit of Khurasan which are much desired in India.
(iii) How was it operated? 2marks
Ans: When the courier starts from the city, he holds the letter in one hand and the rod with its bells on the other; and he runs as fast as he can. When the men in the pavilion hear the ringing of bell they get ready. As soon as the courier reaches them one of them takes the letter from his and runs at the top speed shaking the rod all the while until he reaches the next dawa. And the same process continues till the letter reaches its destination.
(iv) Explain how the foot post worked.
Ans: In the postal service on foot, there were three stages. They were called the Dawa. It was one third part of a mile. There was a village with dense population at a distance of every three mile. There were three centres outside it. The people used to sit in these centres to start their work. Each one of them had a long rod having copper bells at its top. Whenever a messenger started his journey, he held the letter in one land and this rod with copper bells in
6. THE SYSTEM OF VARNAS
This is Al-Biruni’s account of the system of varnas: The highest caste is the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman. And as the Brahman is only another name for the force called nature, and the head is the highest part of the 30……body, the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus. Therefore, the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste is the Kshatriya who was created, as they say, from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman. The Sudra who were created from his feet. Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance. Much, however, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the same towns and villages, mixed together in the same houses and lodgings.
(i) Explain Al-Biruni’s account of the system of varnas. 2marks
Ans: According to Al-Biruni, the higher caste is the Brahmana who were created from the head of brahaman. Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The second caste is the Kshatriya who was created from the shoulders and hands of Brahman. They are followed by the vaishya, who are created from the thigh of Brahman. Last caste was the Shudra who were created from his feet.
(ii) Do you consider this type of division justified? Explain with reasons. 2marks
Ans: No, such type of division is not justified because no one is high or low by birth. Men became high or low by his own karma.
(iii) How was the system not quit rigid in the real life? Explain. 2marks
Ans: It is right that this system was not quite rigid in the real life because these castes live together in the same towns and villages, mixed together in the same house and lodgings.
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ACCESS ALL CHAPTER NOTESAdvantages of AHSEC Class 12 History Solutions 2025 by The Treasure Notes:
- Mastery of the Subject: AHSEC Class 12 History Solutions provided by The Treasure Notes help you gain a thorough understanding of the subject, enabling you to master historical concepts and facts.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The solutions are organized chapter-wise, allowing you to clear all your queries systematically and revise the entire syllabus effectively.
- Efficient Homework and Assignment Completion: With these solutions, you can complete your homework and assignments on time, ensuring that you stay on track with your studies.
- Confidence Building: The step-by-step approach provided in the solutions boosts your confidence by making it easier to tackle complex exam questions.
- Strong Foundation: Using The Treasure Notes, you can build a strong foundation in history, which is essential for higher secondary Exam.
FAQs
Are there any chapter-wise solutions and important question answers available for AHSEC Class 12 History 2025?
Yes, chapter-wise solutions and important question answers for AHSEC Class 12 History Notes 2025 are available on The Treasure Notes website. These resources cover every aspect of the topic, including important question answers for exams as well as previous year question answers.
Where can I find the AHSEC Class 12 History-Solved question papers for 2012-2024?
You can find the AHSEC Class 12 History-Solved question papers for 2012-24 on The Treasure Notes educational websites that provide detailed analysis and explanations for all the questions.
Can I download AHSEC Class 12 History notes and question papers in PDF format?
Yes, you can download AHSEC Class 12 History notes and question papers in PDF format from The Treasure Notes online educational platform.
Last Words
We hope you liked AHSEC Class 12 History Important Notes, Solution Based on AHSEC 2024-2025 Syllabus. For more such Notes, Solved Question papers, and Study Materials you can visit our AHSEC PAGE through the menu bar. If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment below or contact us at thetreasurenotes@gmail.com.
