All questions of Foreign Travellers/Envoys for UPSC CSE Exam

Marco Polo, an Italian explorer, visited Southern India during the reign of Rudramma Devi and the Pandyan ruler Madverman. His book, "The Book of Sir Marco Polo," offers invaluable insights into the economic history of India during that period.

Foreign Traveller during Harsha Vardhana's Reign:
Foreign traveller who visited India during the reign of Harsha Vardhana was Faxian.

Author of "Si-Yu-Ki":
Faxian authored "Si-Yu-Ki", which is also known as "Record of Buddhist Kingdoms" or "Memoirs of the Buddhist Kingdoms".

About Faxian:
Faxian was a Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled to India in the 5th century AD. He undertook his journey to India in search of Buddhist scriptures and to study Buddhism at its roots.

Significance of "Si-Yu-Ki":
"Si-Yu-Ki" is an important historical and travel account that provides valuable insights into the political, social, and religious conditions of India during the reign of Harsha Vardhana. It describes the regions, customs, and the state of Buddhism in India during that period.

Legacy of Faxian:
Faxian's journey and writings have contributed significantly to the understanding of the spread of Buddhism and the cultural exchanges between India and China. His work remains an important source for historians studying ancient India and Buddhism.
In conclusion, Faxian's visit to India during the reign of Harsha Vardhana and his authorship of "Si-Yu-Ki" have left a lasting impact on our knowledge of Indian history and Buddhism.

Al-Beruni, a Persian scholar, is regarded as the "Father of Indology." He wrote "Tahqiq-i-Hind," a pioneering study of India that delves into its history, culture, and society. Al-Beruni made significant contributions to cross-cultural understanding between the Muslim and Indian worlds.

Exploration by Pietra Della Velle:
Pietra Della Velle, an Italian traveller, explored India during Jahangir's reign in the early 17th century. His travels provided valuable insights into the socio-cultural aspects of India during that period.

Insights into Socio-Cultural Aspects:
- Cultural Exchange: Della Velle's exploration shed light on the cultural exchange between Italy and India, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two regions.
- Religious Practices: He documented various religious practices observed in India, showcasing the diversity and tolerance prevalent in the society.
- Art and Architecture: Della Velle's accounts also delved into the art and architecture of India, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of the country.
- Social Customs: His observations on social customs in India offered insights into the daily lives of people during Jahangir's reign.
- Political Landscape: Della Velle's exploration also touched upon the political landscape of India at that time, giving a glimpse into the governance and administration of the region.

Significance of Della Velle's Exploration:
- Della Velle's detailed accounts provided a valuable historical record of India during Jahangir's reign, offering researchers and historians a deeper understanding of the period.
- His exploration helped bridge the gap between Italy and India, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
- Della Velle's insights into socio-cultural aspects offered a nuanced perspective on Indian society, enriching the global discourse on the country's history and heritage.

In conclusion, Pietra Della Velle's exploration of India during Jahangir's reign was instrumental in providing insights into the socio-cultural aspects of the country during that period, contributing to a deeper appreciation of India's rich history and heritage.

William Hawkins led the first expedition of the English East India Company to India and visited the Mughal palace of Emperor Jahangir. His interactions with Jahangir laid the foundation for early English trade relations with India.

Megasthenes, a Greek ethnographer, is renowned for his book "Indika," which vividly describes ancient Indian society, geography, and customs. He served as an ambassador for Seleucus Nicator and chronicled his experiences during his time in the court of Chandragupta Maurya. This work provides valuable insights into India's past and is often referred to as "The Father of Indian history."

Al Samudi, an Arab traveller, documented India's political, economic, and religious history in his book "Muruj-ul-Zehab." This work sheds light on various aspects of Indian society and provides insights into its past.

Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveller, visited India during the reign of Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq and was appointed as a judge by the Sultan. His detailed work "The Travels" provides insights into the administrative reforms of Delhi Sultanate under Tughlaq's rule.

Sir Thomas Roe served as an ambassador of King James I of England to the Mughal Empire during Jahangir's rule. His efforts aimed at securing protection for an English factory in Surat and his journal "Journal of the Mission to the Mughal Empire" provides valuable historical insights into this period.

John Albert de Mandesto, a Dutch traveller, offered valuable accounts of South India's social and economic life. His observations provide insights into the cultural and economic dynamics of the region during his travels.