Home
NCERT Soltions
Class 12
History - Themes in Indian History - II
Through the Eyes of Travellers
Read this excerpt from Bernier: Numerous are the instances of hands...

Read this excerpt from Bernier: Numer | 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 2, 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:

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.

Answer:

Names of the crafts mentioned in this passage. In this passage the crafts such as making of muskets and following pieces and making beautiful gold ornaments are mentioned. These products were beautifully made. Bernier was amazed to see these products.

II. Comparison of crafts referred in the passage with the description of artisanal activity in the chapter.

(i)In the chapter boat manufacturing and terracottan sculpture and temple architecture has been mentioned.

(ii)Art of painting has been referred.

(iii)Art of carpet manufacturing has been referred.

(iv)Art of dance, music and calligraphy have been referred in the chapter.

(v)Description about Rajal Khamos have also been mentioned

Other Questions of Chapter Through the Eyes of Travellers

Write a note on the Kitab-ul-Hind.

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.

Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.

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

Why Self-Discipline is More Important Than Motivation for Students

Have you ever noticed that doing activities such as playing outdoors, chilling with your friends, or using the mobile phone feels so effortless and fun? Whenever you might have played sports, you kept on playing even when it felt hard initially just so you could get that feeling after the game, a feeling of accomplishment, … Read more

How Visualization Strategies Can Improve Test Performance

Imagine this; You’re sitting in the test hall, pen in hand, and the question paper has been put in front of you. Rather than freezing, you feel calm, collected, and set. Why? As you have formerly been there in your mind. You’ve seen yourself sitting composibly, reviewing the question paper fluently, performing well in the … Read more

Smart Questions to Ask in a Parent-Teacher Meeting | PTM Made Easy

Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are more than quick updates on marks — they’re a chance to build a real partnership between home and school. A good Parent-Teacher Meeting conversation helps parents see beyond grades. It opens up insights about a child’s strengths, struggles, emotions and even hidden talents. When parents participate actively, they don’t just track … Read more

The Secret to Smarter Learning — Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills

In today’s world of endless information , knowing how to think is more important than knowing what to think . From school projects to real – life decisions , critical thinking helps students question ideas , analyze facts and form logical conclusions . But what exactly does critical thinking mean ? Simply put , it’s … Read more

View All Blog Posts