Revision Notes for Class 12 History Chapter 5 Free PDF Download

Through the Eyes of Travellers – Class 12 History Chapter 5 Revision Notes

The period from the 10th to 17th centuries witnessed significant travels to India by many foreign travellers. Their writings, observations, and enquiries provide valuable insights into the Indian society, cultures, political conditions, and economy during these times. Most available travel accounts come from men, often focusing on remarkable customs, court life, religious issues, or monuments. Prominent among these travellers were Al-Biruni of Khwarizm (Uzbekistan), Ibn Battuta of Morocco, and François Bernier of France, whose records are the focus of this chapter.

Al-Biruni and Kitab-ul-Hind

Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE) was a renowned Persian scholar versed in languages like Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. After being brought to Ghazni (now in Afghanistan) by Mahmud of Ghazni, he developed an interest in Indian culture. Al-Biruni’s seminal work, the “Kitab-ul-Hind,” presents a deep study of Indian society, philosophy, festivals, sciences, customs, and law, structured by posing questions, describing Indian traditions based on Sanskrit sources, and often comparing with other cultures. His objective was to create a resource for those seeking to understand or debate with Indians. His knowledge of Sanskrit enabled him to translate significant works and provide an outsider’s perspective on Indian traditions.

Overcoming Barriers and Studying Caste

Al-Biruni identified key barriers to understanding Indian society: language, religious differences, and a degree of insularity among Indians. He admired Sanskrit for its complexity and range. While comparing the caste (varna) system to similar social divisions elsewhere, Al-Biruni described the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, emphasizing both the rigidity and philosophical justifications of caste as seen by Brahmanical elites. He was critical of the lack of social mobility and the exclusion practiced along these lines.

Ibn Battuta and the Rihla

Ibn Battuta (1304–1377 CE), a Moroccan traveller, arrived in India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His travelogue “Rihla” in Arabic is a rich source regarding the culture, urban centres, social life, festivals, and communication systems of the subcontinent. Ibn Battuta emphasised the value of practical experience over bookish knowledge. He served as a qazi (judge) in Delhi for several years. His vivid accounts include descriptions of cities like Delhi and Daulatabad, social customs such as betel (paan) chewing, coconut use, and the postal relay system with both horse and foot couriers.

François Bernier’s Observations

François Bernier (1620–1688 CE), a French physician, spent twelve years at the Mughal court and provided detailed comments on Indian society. Bernier’s writings are distinctive for their systematic comparison of India and Europe, often perceiving India as “backward” in social, economic, and political terms compared to Europe. He discussed land tenure, especially the Mughal system where the king was the supreme landowner, which he saw as stifling private property and economic progress. Bernier’s narrative also highlighted urban crafts, the production skills of Indian artisans, and the diversity of Indian cities like Bengal.

Women and Social Customs

The travellers’ accounts also shed light on the position of women in society. Ibn Battuta mentions the presence of female slaves in households and their function in courtly espionage. Bernier, on the other hand, provides poignant descriptions of the practice of “sati” and records instances such as the immolation of young widows. However, these practices did not define all of women’s lives: women contributed significantly to agriculture, crafts, and even commercial activities. Their roles went beyond domesticity and included economic and legal spheres.

Urban Centres, Communication, and Artistic Production

Ibn Battuta was impressed by the size, population, and fortifications of Delhi, and Daulatabad’s market for musicians. He described India’s highly organised postal relay system, which facilitated quick communication across large distances. Bernier highlighted the skill of Indian artisans and the productivity of workshops and karkhanas, admiring Indian craftsmanship, gold jewelry, weapons, and painting. He also underscored both the fertility and challenges of Indian rural life.

Travel Literature and its Importance

Travel accounts represent unique, independent insights into Indian history, supplementing local records. From Al-Biruni’s translations to Bernier’s critiques and Ibn Battuta’s enthusiastic curiosity, such works reveal the diversity and complexity of the Indian subcontinent. The comparative approaches, limitations, and cultural biases of these authors provide lessons on perspective, evidence, and the nature of historical enquiry. The accounts also capture significant individuals, customs, urban centers, and patterns of communication during a vibrant period of Indian history.

Timeline of Major Travellers

Notable travellers discussed in this chapter and their timelines include Al-Biruni (Uzbekistan, 973–1048), Marco Polo (Italy, 1254–1323), Ibn Battuta (Morocco, 1304–1377), Abdur Razzaq Samarqandi (Samarqand, 1413–1482), Afanasii Nikitin (Russia, 1466–1472), Duarte Barbosa (Portugal, 1518–1521), Seydi Ali Reis (Turkey, 1562), Antonio Monserrate (Spain, 1536–1600), Mahmud Wali Balkhi (Balkh, 1626–1631), Peter Mundy (England, 1600–1667), Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (France, 1605–1689), and François Bernier (France, 1620–1688). Their writings are invaluable for reconstructing and understanding Indian society through non-native perspectives.

CBSE Class 12 History Chapter 5 Notes – Through the Eyes of Travellers: Key Facts for Quick Revision

Class 12 History Chapter 5 explores India from the perspectives of foreign travellers such as Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and François Bernier. Their writings offer detailed insights into social customs, urban life, and economic practices between the 10th and 17th centuries.

Students benefit from learning how these visitors observed Indian society—covering topics like caste, religious beliefs, artisan skills, and the role of women—adding depth to textbook understanding and supporting exam preparation for CBSE board exams.

These revision notes for CBSE Class 12 History Chapter 5 summarise key points, examples, and traveller viewpoints, equipping students for quick revision and comprehensive grasp of “Through the Eyes of Travellers.”