CBSE Class 12 History – Through the Eyes of Travellers

Chapter Overview

This chapter examines how foreign travellers from the 11th to 17th century—like Al‑Biruni, Ibn Battuta, and François Bernier—described India. Their writings offer us windows into courtly life, urban centres, trade, women’s status, slavery, land systems, and social habits, helping historians reconstruct medieval Indian society. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important Keywords

• Rihla: Ibn Battuta’s travelogue in Arabic describing his journeys. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Kitāb‑ul‑Hind: Al‑Biruni’s detailed study of India’s religion, science, and culture. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Crown‑land ownership: Land held by Mughal rulers, criticized by Bernier. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Sati: The practice of widow immolation, observed by Bernier. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Uluḳ and Dāwa: Horse‑post and foot‑post systems noted by travellers. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Camp‑towns: Military encampments that shaped some Mughal towns. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}