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

This question requires identifying a historical figure based on the provided description. Let's break down each part of the given information to identify the correct option:

1. Moroccan Traveller of the 14^th Century: Among the options, Ibn Batuta is well-known to be a Moroccan explorer and traveller from this period. He is famous for his extensive travels, documented in his work "Rihla (The Journey)".
2. Expertise in Islamic Religious Law: Ibn Batuta had extensive knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, which is evident from his educational background and his work.
3. Appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad bin Tughlaq: This specific point is a direct indicator. Ibn Batuta was indeed appointed as a Qazi (judge) of Delhi by the Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq when he visited India.

Given these descriptions, the correct answer is Ibn Batuta. Let's rule out the other options for clarity:

• Al-Biruni: He was a scholar and polymath who visited India earlier than the 14^th century and wasn't a Moroccan traveller.
• Seydi Ali Reis: A Turkish admiral and traveller from the 16^th century, hence, does not match the timeline.
• Mahmud Ali Balkhi: Not a known figure with direct association similar to the described account.

Therefore, based on the information given, the traveller described is Ibn Batuta.