Ancient History Chapter 2

Which of the following was *not* a language known to Al-Biruni?

• Syriac

• Sanskrit

• Greek

• Hebrew

Answer explanation

Al-Biruni was proficient in several languages, including Syriac, Sanskrit, and Hebrew. However, there is no evidence that he knew Greek, making it the correct answer as the language he did not know.

What was the primary purpose of Al-Biruni’s *Kitab-ul-Hind*?

• To write poetry about Indian culture

• To aid those who wanted to associate with or understand Hindus

• To criticize Indian beliefs

• To compile a travelogue of his journey

Answer explanation

Al-Biruni's *Kitab-ul-Hind* aimed to provide insights into Indian culture and beliefs, helping those who wished to understand or connect with Hindus, rather than criticizing or merely documenting his travels.

Ibn Battuta was appointed as a qazi in which of the following cities?

• Multan

• Ghazni

• Delhi

• Lahore

Answer explanation

Ibn Battuta was appointed as a qazi in Delhi during his travels in the 14th century. This position allowed him to influence legal matters in the region, highlighting the significance of Delhi in his journey.

François Bernier visited India during the reign of which Mughal emperor?

• Babur

• Akbar

• Shah Jahan

• Aurangzeb

Answer explanation

François Bernier visited India during the reign of Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal emperors, known for his long rule and significant impact on the empire's administration and culture.

What does the term “al-Hind” refer to in Persian and Arabic usage?

• The religious beliefs of Hindus

• A historical empire

• The region east of the Indus River

• A caste group in India

Answer explanation

The term "al-Hind" refers to the region east of the Indus River, historically encompassing parts of present-day India and Pakistan. It does not denote religious beliefs, an empire, or a caste group.

Al-Biruni was taken to Ghazni as a hostage after the invasion of Khwarizm by:

• Genghis Khan

• Sultan Mahmud

• Muhammad Ghori

• Alauddin Khalji

Answer explanation

Al-Biruni was taken to Ghazni as a hostage after the invasion of Khwarizm by Sultan Mahmud, who was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, known for his military campaigns and cultural patronage.

Ibn Battuta began his travels from which city?

• Baghdad

• Mecca

• Cairo

• Tangier

Answer explanation

Ibn Battuta began his travels from Tangier, which is located in present-day Morocco. This city served as his starting point before he embarked on his extensive journeys across the Islamic world and beyond.

Which of the following texts did Al-Biruni translate into Sanskrit for his Brahmana friends?

• Patanjali’s grammar

• The Quran

• Euclid’s Elements

• Aristotle’s works

Answer explanation

Al-Biruni translated Euclid’s Elements into Sanskrit for his Brahmana friends, as it was a significant work in mathematics and geometry, which he wanted to share with them. The other options were not translated by him.

According to Ibn Battuta, how many days did it take to travel from Multan to Delhi?

• 20 days

• 40 days

• 60 days

• 15 days

Answer explanation

Ibn Battuta noted that the journey from Multan to Delhi took 40 days, highlighting the extensive travel time during that period. Therefore, the correct answer is 40 days.

Which of the following was *not* a subject covered in Al-Biruni’s *Kitab-ul-Hind*?

• Philosophy

• Festivals

• Architecture

• Weights and measures

Answer explanation

Al-Biruni's *Kitab-ul-Hind* covers various topics about India, including philosophy, festivals, and weights and measures. However, architecture is not a subject discussed in this work, making it the correct answer.