The correct Answer is A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
Explanation
This question requires matching prominent foreign travellers to India with the century of their visit, testing knowledge of historical timelines and significant foreign accounts of India.
Statement-wise Analysis
- A. Francois Bernier: Francois Bernier was a French physician and philosopher who travelled to India during the Mughal period. He arrived in India around 1658 and stayed for about twelve years. This places his visit in the 17th Century. Therefore, A matches with 3.
- B. Ibn Battuta: Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveller who visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He arrived in India in 1333 CE and stayed for several years, serving as a qazi (judge) in Delhi. This places his visit in the 14th Century. Therefore, B matches with 4.
- C. Abdur Razzaq: Abdur Razzaq was a Persian scholar and ambassador who visited the Vijayanagara Empire. His visit occurred in the 1440s, specifically around 1442-1443 CE, during the reign of Devaraya II. This places his visit in the 15th Century. Therefore, C matches with 2.
- D. Al-Biruni: Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions of India. He arrived in the subcontinent in the early 11th Century, around 1017 CE, and spent many years studying Indian society, philosophy, and sciences. This places his visit in the 11th Century. Therefore, D matches with 1.
Matching these pairs: A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1.
Key Takeaway
Knowledge of the chronological order of visits by prominent foreign travellers to India is essential for understanding historical periods and their associated accounts.