With reference to Al-Biruni’s study of Indian society, consider the following statements: 1. He believed that Sanskrit texts were superior to Greek texts in every aspect. 2. He translated the works of Patanjali on grammar into Arabic. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct Answer is 2 only Explanation Al-Biruni's observations on Indian society, as documented in his work "Kitab-ul-Hind," provide a significant historical account of the intellectual and social landscape of India during the 11th century. His approach involved studying Sanskrit texts and engaging with Indian scholars to understand various aspects of Indian life, including philosophy, religion, sciences, and social customs. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Statement 1: He translated the works of Patanjali on grammar into Arabic. Correct. Al-Biruni was a polymath who studied Sanskrit and translated several Sanskrit works into Arabic. Among his notable translations was Patanjali's work on grammar, which demonstrates his deep engagement with Indian intellectual traditions, particularly in linguistics and philosophy. 2. Statement 2: He believed that Sanskrit texts were superior to Greek texts in every aspect. Incorrect. Al-Biruni held a nuanced view regarding different intellectual traditions. While he deeply respected Indian knowledge systems and acknowledged their advancements in various fields, he did not consider Sanskrit texts universally superior to Greek texts in "every aspect." He was familiar with Greek philosophy and science and often drew comparisons, appreciating the strengths of both traditions. His work reflects an attempt to synthesize knowledge from various cultures rather than asserting the absolute superiority of one over another. Key Takeaway Al-Biruni's scholarly work involved translating Sanskrit texts, including Patanjali's grammar, into Arabic, reflecting his comprehensive study of Indian knowledge systems without asserting the absolute superiority of Sanskrit over Greek intellectual traditions.

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 1: Through the Eyes of Travellers - Perceptions of Society (c. 10th - 17th centuries)

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With reference to Al-Biruni’s study of Indian society, consider the following statements:

He believed that Sanskrit texts were superior to Greek texts in every aspect.
He translated the works of Patanjali on grammar into Arabic.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is 2 only

Explanation

Al-Biruni's observations on Indian society, as documented in his work "Kitab-ul-Hind," provide a significant historical account of the intellectual and social landscape of India during the 11th century. His approach involved studying Sanskrit texts and engaging with Indian scholars to understand various aspects of Indian life, including philosophy, religion, sciences, and social customs.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: He translated the works of Patanjali on grammar into Arabic.
Correct. Al-Biruni was a polymath who studied Sanskrit and translated several Sanskrit works into Arabic. Among his notable translations was Patanjali's work on grammar, which demonstrates his deep engagement with Indian intellectual traditions, particularly in linguistics and philosophy.
Statement 2: He believed that Sanskrit texts were superior to Greek texts in every aspect.
Incorrect. Al-Biruni held a nuanced view regarding different intellectual traditions. While he deeply respected Indian knowledge systems and acknowledged their advancements in various fields, he did not consider Sanskrit texts universally superior to Greek texts in "every aspect." He was familiar with Greek philosophy and science and often drew comparisons, appreciating the strengths of both traditions. His work reflects an attempt to synthesize knowledge from various cultures rather than asserting the absolute superiority of one over another.

Key Takeaway

Al-Biruni's scholarly work involved translating Sanskrit texts, including Patanjali's grammar, into Arabic, reflecting his comprehensive study of Indian knowledge systems without asserting the absolute superiority of Sanskrit over Greek intellectual traditions.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Through the Eyes of Travellers - Perceptions of Society (c. 10th - 17th centuries)

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The correct Answer is 2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: He translated the works of Patanjali on grammar into Arabic.
Correct. Al-Biruni was a polymath who studied Sanskrit and translated several Sanskrit works into Arabic. Among his notable translations was Patanjali's work on grammar, which demonstrates his deep engagement with Indian intellectual traditions, particularly in linguistics and philosophy.
Statement 2: He believed that Sanskrit texts were superior to Greek texts in every aspect.
Incorrect. Al-Biruni held a nuanced view regarding different intellectual traditions. While he deeply respected Indian knowledge systems and acknowledged their advancements in various fields, he did not consider Sanskrit texts universally superior to Greek texts in "every aspect." He was familiar with Greek philosophy and science and often drew comparisons, appreciating the strengths of both traditions. His work reflects an attempt to synthesize knowledge from various cultures rather than asserting the absolute superiority of one over another.