Who among the following travellers tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies.

Al-Biruni

The correct answer is Option (3) → Al-Biruni

Al-Biruni tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies. He noted that in ancient Persia, four social categories were recognised: those of knights and princes; monks, fire-priests and lawyers; physicians, astronomers and other scientists; and finally, peasants and artisans. In other words, he attempted to suggest that social divisions were not unique to India. At the same time he pointed out that within Islam all men were considered equal, differing only in their observance of piety. Despite his acceptance of the Brahmanical description of the caste system, Al-Biruni disapproved of the notion of pollution.