Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2018 · Medieval History · Question 73

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

  1. Francois Bernier
  2. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
  3. Jean de Thevenot
  4. Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Answer

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

  • (a) Francois Bernier: Bernier wrote on Mughal India, especially politics, economy and society, but he is not known for an elaborate account of Indian diamond mines. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: Tavernier was a French jeweller-traveller who gave detailed descriptions of Indian diamonds and the diamond mines, especially in the Deccan/Golconda region. Verdict: Correct.
  • (c) Jean de Thevenot: Thevenot travelled in the East and wrote travel accounts, but not the standard elaborate discussion on Indian diamond mines associated with UPSC history questions. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre: Carre described India and trade conditions, but he is not specifically known for a detailed treatment of Indian diamond mines. Verdict: Incorrect.

Answer: (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.

  1. Consider the following statements : I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g.,…
  2. Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India : 1. The earliest…
  3. Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns : I. There is wide…
  4. Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct ?
  5. Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period : I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to…
  6. Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are **not**…