The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Medieval history is significantly reconstructed through the accounts of foreign travelers. Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta are two of the most prominent travelers who documented the socio-political conditions of Asia during the 13th and 14th centuries, respectively.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: While Marco Polo visited China during the Yuan Dynasty, it is factually incorrect to state that Ibn Battuta never traveled beyond India. Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveler, visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and was later sent as the Sultan’s envoy to China. He traveled extensively across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Marco Polo was a merchant and explorer from Venice, Italy. He traveled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295, which places his journey in the late 13th century. He spent several years at the court of Kublai Khan in China.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Ibn Battuta’s travelogue, the Rihla, is frequently compared to The Travels of Marco Polo. Both accounts provide extensive details on the trade, culture, and administration of the medieval world, earning them the reputation of being the two greatest travelers of the pre-modern era.
Key Takeaway:
Ibn Battuta (14th century, Morocco) traveled more extensively than Marco Polo (13th century, Venice), covering lands from North Africa to China, whereas Marco Polo is primarily known for his detailed accounts of China under Mongol rule.