Question

Identify the foreign traveller with the help of the following information:
-- He was Moroccan traveller of the $14^{\text{th}$ century.
-- He had the expertise of Islamic religion law.
-- He was appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

• A. Al-Biruni
• B. Seydi Ali Reis
• C. Ibn Batuta
• D. Mahmud Ali Balkhi

Hint:

Ibn Battuta recorded his extensive travels in a famous book written in Arabic called the Rihla, which provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and political life of $14^{\text{th}}$-century India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Alyzing the Biographical Clues:
The description points directly to Ibn Battuta, a famous traveler and scholar:
• Moroccan Origin: Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier, Morocco, in northwest Africa, and traveled over 73,000 miles across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
• Expertise in Islamic Law: He received a comprehensive education in Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) and Islamic law in his hometown, which allowed him to find employment in many Muslim kingdoms.
• Appointed as Qazi of Delhi: When he arrived in Delhi in 1333, the Sultan of Delhi, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, was impressed by his scholarship and appointed him as the Qazi (judge) of Delhi. He served in this role for several years.

Step 2: Evaluating Other Options:

• (A) Al-Biruni was an $11^{\text{th}}$-century Persian polymath from Khwarizm who came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni and authored Kitab-ul-Hind.
• (B) Seydi Ali Reis was a $16^{\text{th}}$-century Ottoman admiral and writer.
• (D) Mahmud Ali Balkhi was a $17^{\text{th}}$-century traveler from Balkh (Central Asia). Therefore, the correct answer is (C).