Travellers to India in the 17th century

During the 17th century, several travellers visited India to explore its rich culture, trade opportunities, and understand the socio-political landscape of the time. One such traveller was Francois Bernier, who is the correct answer in this case. Let's explore in detail the other options and why they are not the correct answers.

a) Marco Polo: Marco Polo was an Italian explorer who traveled to Asia, including China, in the 13th century. While he embarked on a remarkable journey, he did not visit India during the 17th century, making this option incorrect.

b) Antonio Monserrate: Antonio Monserrate was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and traveler who visited India in the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. His travel accounts provide valuable insights into the Mughal Empire. However, he did not visit India during the 17th century, making this option incorrect.

c) Ibn Battuta: Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan explorer who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world in the 14th century. While he did visit India during his travels, his explorations occurred much earlier than the 17th century, making this option incorrect.

d) Francois Bernier: Francois Bernier was a French physician and traveler who visited India during the 17th century. He arrived in India in 1656 and spent several years exploring the country and studying its culture and society. Bernier's travel accounts provide valuable insights into the Mughal Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. He documented his observations on various aspects of Indian society, including religion, politics, and everyday life. His writings are considered an important historical resource for understanding India during the 17th century.

In conclusion, while Marco Polo, Antonio Monserrate, and Ibn Battuta were notable travelers during different time periods, it was Francois Bernier who visited India during the 17th century. His travel accounts have contributed significantly to our understanding of India's history during that era.