The correct option is
1 and 3 only
.Explanation
Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler who visited India during the 14th century. His travelogue, Kitab-ul-Rihla (The Book of Travels), written in Arabic, serves as a vital source of information regarding the social, cultural, and political life of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Unlike some travelers who arrived directly by sea, Ibn Battuta took an overland route to reach India. After visiting Mecca, Syria, and Iraq, he travelled through Central Asia and Afghanistan before entering the Indian subcontinent.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ibn Battuta reached the river Indus (Sind) in the year 1333 CE. The year 1296 CE is historically significant for the ascension of Alauddin Khalji to the throne of Delhi, not for Ibn Battuta’s arrival.
- Statement 3 is Correct: In his accounts, Ibn Battuta provides specific details regarding travel distances and times between cities. He explicitly mentions that the journey from Multan to Delhi took forty days. He contrasts this with the efficiency of the spy and postal system, which could transmit news over the same distance in just five days.
Key Takeaway:
Ibn Battuta arrived in India in 1333 CE via Central Asia during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His work, Rihla, provides precise observations on the communication systems (postal system) and travel logistics of the period.