With reference to the Kitab-ul-Hind, consider the following statements: 1. It was written in Persian by Al-Biruni. 2. It is divided into 80 chapters covering subjects like astronomy and alchemy. 3. Each chapter typically concludes with a dedication to Sultan Mahmud. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only . Explanation Kitab-ul-Hind, also known as Tahqiq-i-Hind, is a comprehensive encyclopedic work written by Al-Biruni in the 11th century. It serves as a critical source for understanding the social, religious, and scientific landscape of early medieval India. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kitab-ul-Hind was written in Arabic, not Persian. Al-Biruni’s language was simple and lucid, intended for scholars familiar with Arabic scientific literature. - Statement 2 is Correct. The text is voluminous and divided into 80 chapters. It covers a wide array of subjects, including religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws, and metrology. - Statement 3 is Incorrect. Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive and methodological structure for each chapter. He typically began with a question, followed by a description based on Sanskrit traditions, and concluded with a comparison with other cultures (such as Greek), rather than a dedication to Sultan Mahmud. Key Takeaway: Kitab-ul-Hind is an Arabic text by Al-Biruni consisting of 80 chapters that utilizes a comparative method to study Indian sciences, religion, and society against Greek and other 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 the Kitab-ul-Hind, consider the following statements:

It was written in Persian by Al-Biruni.
It is divided into 80 chapters covering subjects like astronomy and alchemy.
Each chapter typically concludes with a dedication to Sultan Mahmud.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Kitab-ul-Hind, also known as Tahqiq-i-Hind, is a comprehensive encyclopedic work written by Al-Biruni in the 11th century. It serves as a critical source for understanding the social, religious, and scientific landscape of early medieval India.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kitab-ul-Hind was written in Arabic, not Persian. Al-Biruni’s language was simple and lucid, intended for scholars familiar with Arabic scientific literature.
Statement 2 is Correct. The text is voluminous and divided into 80 chapters. It covers a wide array of subjects, including religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws, and metrology.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive and methodological structure for each chapter. He typically began with a question, followed by a description based on Sanskrit traditions, and concluded with a comparison with other cultures (such as Greek), rather than a dedication to Sultan Mahmud.

Key Takeaway: Kitab-ul-Hind is an Arabic text by Al-Biruni consisting of 80 chapters that utilizes a comparative method to study Indian sciences, religion, and society against Greek and other traditions.

Your note

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Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Kitab-ul-Hind was written in Arabic, not Persian. Al-Biruni’s language was simple and lucid, intended for scholars familiar with Arabic scientific literature.
Statement 2 is Correct. The text is voluminous and divided into 80 chapters. It covers a wide array of subjects, including religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws, and metrology.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive and methodological structure for each chapter. He typically began with a question, followed by a description based on Sanskrit traditions, and concluded with a comparison with other cultures (such as Greek), rather than a dedication to Sultan Mahmud.