Home
NCERT Soltions
Class 12
History - Themes in Indian History - II
Through the Eyes of Travellers
Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.

Analyse the evidence for slavery provide | Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II Chapter Through the Eyes of Travellers, Through the Eyes of Travellers NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II - Chapter Through the Eyes of Travellers. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 4: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 4:

Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.

Answer:

Battuta has given a detailed description on the practice of slavery prevalent in India. Delhi Sultan-Muhammad bin Tughlaq had a large number of slaves. Most of these slaves were forcibly captured during the aggressions. Many people sold their children as a slave, because of acute poverty. Slaves were also offered as a gift during this time. Battuta when visited him, also brought many horses, camels and slaves for the Sultan to present him. Sultan Muhammad bin Tuglaq, himself had presented two hundred slaves to Nasiruddin a religious preacher. Nobels are used to keep slave those days. Through these slaves, the Sultan used to get information about the activities of the noble and all other important events of the empire. The woman slaves served as servants in the house of the rich (nobles). These women informed the Sultan about the activities of their masters (i.e., nobles). Most of the slaves used to do domestic works and there was a lot of difference between the status of these slaves and the court slaves.

Other Questions of Chapter Through the Eyes of Travellers

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

Read this excerpt from Bernier:

Numerous are the instances of handsome pieces of workmanship made by persons destitute of tools, and who can scarcely be said to have received instruction from a master. Sometimes they imitate so perfectly articles of European manufacture that the difference between the original and copy can hardly be discerned. Among other things, the Indians make excellent muskets, and fowling- pieces, and such beautiful gold ornaments that it may be doubted if the exquisite workmanship of those articles can be exceeded by any European goldsmith. I have often admired the beauty, softness, and delicacy of their paintings.

List the crafts mentioned in the passage. Compare
these with the descriptions of artisanal activity in
the chapter.

Do you think Ibn Battuta’s account is useful in arriving at an understanding of life in contemporary urban centres? Give reasons for your answer.

What were the elements of the practice of sati that drew the attention of Bernier?

On an outline map of the world mark the countries visited by Ibn Battuta. What are the seas that he may have crossed?

Discuss Al-Biruni’s understanding of the caste system.

Discuss the extent to which Bernier’s account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.

Compare and contrast the perspectives from which Ibn Battuta and Bernier wrote their accounts of their travels in India.

Discuss the picture of urban centres that emerges from Bernier’s account.

Popular questions of class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

How were the lives of forest dwellers transformed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

Discuss the ways in which panchayats and village headmen regulated rural society.

On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.

Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.

Discuss the ways in which the Alvars, Nayanars and Virashaivas expressed critiques of the caste system.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

What were the distinctive features of the Mughal nobility? How was their relationship with the emperor shaped?

To what extent do you think caste was a factor in influencing social and economic relations in agrarian society?

How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Fig. 7.33 is an illustration of another pillar from the Virupaksha temple. Do you notice any floral motifs? What are the animals shown? Why do you think they are depicted? Describe the human figures shown.

Recently Viewed Questions of Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - II

Discuss, with examples, the distinctive features of Mughal chronicles.

On an outline map of India, plot three major sufi shrines, and three places associated with temples (one each of a form of Vishnu, Shiva and the goddess).

How were the water requirements of Vijayanagara met?

Discuss the major features of Mughal provincial administration. How did the centre control the provinces?

On an outline map of the world, mark the areas which had economic links with the Mughal Empire, and trace out possible routes of communication.

Describe the major teachings of either Kabir or Baba Guru Nanak, and the ways in which these have been transmitted.

What do you think was the significance of the rituals associated with the mahanavami dibba?

Examine the evidence that suggests that land revenue was important for the Mughal fiscal system.

What were the concerns that shaped Mughal policies and attitudes towards regions outside the subcontinent?

What impression of the lives of the ordinary people of Vijayanagara can you cull from the various descriptions in the chapter?

Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Through the Eyes of Travellers.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Simple and Compound Interest Formulas with Questions

Interest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more

Spoken English Course Topics for Beginners in 2026

In 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more

Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the most sought-after technologies in today’s digital era. Although these terms are often used together, they are not the same. Machine Learning is, in fact, a component of Artificial Intelligence that enables systems to learn and enhance on their own, without direct programming. AI is … Read more

Time, Speed and Distance Formulas

Time, Speed, and Distance are some of the most important concepts in mathematics and aptitude. These are the concepts which are used to calculate the speed of an object, time taken for an object to move and the distance traveled during the motion. Questions from this topic are frequently seen in School Tests, Competitive Tests, … Read more

View All Blog Posts