Question

Read the following statements regarding Ibn Battuta’s description of Delhi :
I. Delhi was a vast city.
II. Delhi was a populous city.
III. Delhi had colourful markets.
IV. Delhi was isolated from Asian trade.

• A. I, II and III are correct.
• B. I, III and IV are correct.
• C. II, III and IV are correct.
• D. I, II and IV are correct.

Hint:

Ibn Battuta served as a Qazi or judge in the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His accounts provide a vivid picture of the sophisticated postal system in the Sultanate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler who visited India in the 14th century and wrote detailed accounts in his travelogue, the 'Rihla'.
• He documented the urban centers, political state, and socio-economic conditions of Delhi under the Delhi Sultanate.

Step 1: Verifying statements I, II, and III
Ibn Battuta described Delhi as a vast and populous city, bustling with people.
He wrote extensively about the vibrant markets, noting they were centers for both economic activity and social gatherings.

Step 2: Evaluating statement IV
He explicitly stated that India's markets were linked to international trade networks, with goods coming from across the globe (e.g., silk from China).
Therefore, the claim that Delhi was "isolated from Asian trade" is false.