How are the travelogue of foreign visitors helpful in understanding the history of Medieval period??
Answers
Accounts of foreign travellers play an important part, particularly during medieval & ancient India in the determination of Indian history. During their tour, they have been able to explain many things such as management & common practises.
Some examples for accounts by foreign travellers
Fa Hein
Fa Hein visited the zenith of Gupta's rule in India during the reign of Chandragupta-2. His accounts tell of the economic growth of Gupta period, where he claims people paid less tax. He also claims he had no issues with law or order. His accounts are of Gupta Era administration
Hiuen Tsang
During Harshavardhana 's rule, he visited India. In the book 'Si-u-kyi,' he chronicled his encounters and described his visit to pilgrimage sites of Buddhists. He visited universities in ancient India , particularly the University of Nalanda & described the prevailing education systems in India.
Al Baruni
Al Baruni was India's 1st Islamic chronicler, & with Mahmoud Ghazni he toured India. By studying Sanskrit, he learned Indian way of living. Vedas & other holy scriptures he could recognise. On his visit to the town of Varanasi he explained the religious situations. The book 'Kitab Al Hind' references his studies.
Ibn-e- Batuta
During the Tuglaq dynasty Ibn-e- Batuta visited the Sultanate era. He particularly explores the law &order in the Kingdom at the time of Mahmud Bin Tughlaq. At his stay in Delhi, he also served as Chief Qazi. He travelled across India & specifically mentioned about the life in the deep south, in particular about the Pallavas. In his book 'Rihala' he describes his impressions.
Abdur Razak
During the reign of Devaraya 2, he visited the kingdom of Vijayanagara. It explains the prosperity and system of revenues of the kingdom as well. He was especially appreciative of his explanation of trade in Vijayanagara. The architecture & glory of Hampi City is defined as well.
In describing the political, economic and social circumstances of ancient India, travelers' accounts play a significant role. This allows scholars to better coordinate the chronicling of Indian history.