The correct option is
1 and 3 only
Explanation
The question pertains to the intellectual exchange between Indian scholars and foreign travellers (European and Central Asian) during the medieval and early modern periods, specifically focusing on the translation of texts.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Italian Jesuit Roberto Nobili (17th Century) lived in South India and mastered Sanskrit and Tamil. He is known for adopting Indian customs to preach Christianity. He translated Indian texts into European languages to facilitate a better understanding of Indian culture and philosophy in the West.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Francois Bernier was a French physician and traveller associated with the Mughal court, but he did not translate the Upanishads. The translation of the Upanishads into Persian (titled Sirr-i-Akbar) was commissioned by the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. These were later translated into Latin by Anquetil-Duperron in the early 19th century.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Al-Biruni, a scholar from Central Asia (11th Century), engaged deeply with Indian Brahminical scholars. He translated several Sanskrit works, including Patanjali’s work on grammar and yoga, into Arabic to make them accessible to the Islamic world.
Key Takeaway:
Al-Biruni translated Patanjali's works into Arabic; Dara Shikoh is credited with the Persian translation of the Upanishads; Roberto Nobili facilitated the translation of Indian texts into European languages.