The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveler who visited India during the 14th century (reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq), recorded extensive observations on the social and cultural life of the Sultanate period in his book Rihla. His accounts provide specific details regarding the social stratification and the roles assigned to women and slaves.
Statement 1 is Correct: Ibn Battuta noted that slavery was an established institution, and slaves were openly sold in markets. He observed that female slaves were employed for domestic labour and sexual service. Specifically, he mentions that female slaves were indispensable for carrying men and women in palanquins (dolas). They were also employed in the royal court for entertainment and intelligence gathering (spying for the Sultan).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The statement that women were strictly confined and did not participate in commercial activities is factually inaccurate for the period as a whole. While the purdah system was prevalent among the elite, women from agrarian and artisan classes actively participated in economic activities. Ibn Battuta himself describes Tarababad (The Abode of Pleasure) in Daulatabad, a marketplace where female singers and dancers practiced their trade. Furthermore, he observed regional variations, such as in Malabar, where women enjoyed greater social freedom.
Key Takeaway: Ibn Battuta’s account highlights a differentiated society where female slaves performed menial and specialized tasks (like carrying palanquins), and women’s participation in public or commercial spheres varied by class and region, contradicting the notion of total confinement.