One traveller described everything that impressed and excited him because of its novelty; another kept comparing India with Europe, especially France, dwelling on depressing situations. Identify the two in that order.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Ibn Battuta and Francois Bernier
Option (1) Abdur Razzaq and Francois Bernier — Incorrect. Abdur Razzaq's travelogue is a mixture of emotions, dislike at Calicut and admiration near Mangalore. Describing everything for its novelty is Ibn Battuta's mark.
Option (2) Francois Bernier and Ibn Battuta — Incorrect. The order is reversed. Bernier was the one comparing India with France.
Option (3) Al-Biruni and Francois Bernier — Incorrect. Al-Biruni studied Sanskrit texts and Indian society to explain them to readers of Arabic. Describing every new thing that excited him is Ibn Battuta's way.
Option (4) Ibn Battuta and Francois Bernier — Correct. Ibn Battuta described what excited him by its novelty. Bernier belonged to a different tradition, always comparing India with Europe and focusing on what he found depressing.
NCERT (2026-27): “6. Bernier and the “Degenerate” East |