AM

Aditya MathurAIR 98

Question 12CommentGS1GS1

European travellers' accounts in the medieval period have played an important role in shaping our understanding of the empires and people of that period in India. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.29)

Introduction

European travellers came to India as travellers, scholar, guides & wanderer & left deep impact by their accounts.

18 words

Main Body

1Understanding of Empire

1.1. Francois Bernier - travelled to India from France and stated India was a compensation aunty with no private property as harmful.

1.1.1. Physician to Dara Shiloh

1.1.2. Stated India decadent compared to Europe & reason was no private property

1.2. Domingo Paes - Travelled to court of Krishna Deva Raya's Vijaynagar

1.3. Temple Architecture - Mentored by Nicolo Canti (Venice) in Hampi! mentioned Dibbas & Vitpalakhe temple in Ujayanagl

1.4. History of Reign of many kings like Abbar told by Father Aquante

2Understanding of People

2.1. Life of common subjects - Explained in detail by traveller Nuns during 16th centy.

2.2. Obsession with Precious Metals:

& people told by Sean Bophile Taverner who mention India as

2.3. Flourishing Silk Trade - Carried on by businessman explained by Carrua who came to study India's silver economy

2.4. Court's Courier - Illustrated by Sir Thoma Roe & Hawkins during Mughal Empire.

155 words10 paragraphs

Conclusion

Travellers played critical role in our understanding of Medieval India, as recently seen in discovery of Domingo Paes account of Vijaynagar empire

22 words

  • Identifies specific European travellers
  • Names their positions and roles
  • Attempts to evaluate their perspective critically
  • Notes both primary sources and their interpretations

Topper

Aditya Mathur

AIR 98

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History

Medieval Period

European Accounts of Medieval India

Writing Stats

195

Total words

10

Paragraphs