UPSC CSE Prelims
Foreign Travellers and Accounts Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) was a French gem merchant and traveller who made six voyages to India between 1630 and 1668. He is particularly renowned for his elaborate descriptions of Indian diamond mines, especially the famous Golconda mines, and the diamond trade. His work Travels in India provides the most detailed account among the given travelers about diamonds and their mining in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Francois Bernier was primarily a physician and wrote about Mughal politics, society, and economy but not specifically about diamonds.
• Jean de Thévenot traveled to India but his accounts focused on general observations rather than detailed diamond trade descriptions.
• Abbe Barthelemy Carre was an envoy whose writings dealt with religious and diplomatic matters rather than diamonds.
📝 Short Notes: European Travellers in Medieval India
| Traveller | Period | Key Focus/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Baptiste Tavernier | 1605–1689 | Gem merchant; detailed accounts of diamond mines (Golconda) and diamond trade |
| Francois Bernier | 1625–1688 | Physician to Aurangzeb; wrote on Mughal administration, land revenue system, and society |
| Jean de Thévenot | 1633–1667 | General observations on Indian culture, customs, and geography |
| Abbe Barthelemy Carre | Late 17th century | French envoy; focused on religious and diplomatic matters |
| Niccolao Manucci | 1653–1717 | Italian; Storia do Mogor - detailed account of Mughal court life |
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