Whose kingdom was visited by Al-Masudi, an Arab traveller of the early...
A is the correct option.The Arab traveller, al Masudi, visited Kannauj in the early tenth century and wrote that "the king of Kannauj was the natural enemy of the king of the Deccan : that he kept a large army and was surrounded by smaller kings always ready to go to war."
Whose kingdom was visited by Al-Masudi, an Arab traveller of the early...
Al-Masudi was an Arab traveller of the early 10th century A.D. who visited several kingdoms during his travels. One of the kingdoms he visited was that of Indra-III.
Details of Indra-III's Kingdom:
- Indra-III was a ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty which ruled parts of present-day India from the 6th to the 10th century A.D.
- His kingdom was located in the Deccan plateau region of southern India.
- The Rashtrakutas were known for their patronage of art, architecture, and literature, and their empire was a melting pot of various cultures and religions.
- Indra-III was a powerful ruler who expanded his kingdom through conquests and alliances with other regional powers.
- He is said to have defeated the Chalukyas of Badami and the Ganga dynasty of Orissa, among others.
- Indra-III was also known for his religious tolerance and patronage of Jainism and Buddhism, in addition to Hinduism.
Al-Masudi's Visit to Indra-III's Kingdom:
- Al-Masudi was a prolific traveller and writer who recorded his observations and experiences in his book "Muruj adh-dhahab wa-ma'adin al-jawhar" (The Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems).
- In his book, Al-Masudi describes his visit to Indra-III's kingdom, which he calls "Hind".
- He notes the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom, which he attributes to its fertile lands, abundant resources, and skilled artisans.
- Al-Masudi also comments on the cultural diversity of the Rashtrakuta empire, which he describes as a "cosmopolitan society".
- He notes the presence of various religious communities, including Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Muslims, and their coexistence in peace and harmony under the rule of Indra-III.
Conclusion:
Indra-III's kingdom was visited by Al-Masudi, an Arab traveller of the early 10th century A.D. Al-Masudi's account of his visit provides valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and political landscape of the Rashtrakuta empire.