Nitin Singhania Summary: India through the Eyes of Foreign Travellers | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

• Persian, Timurid chronicler, and scholar.
• Visited the Vijayanagara kingdom during Deva Raya II's reign.
• Ambassador of Shah Rukh, the Timurid dynasty ruler of Persia, to the court of King Zamorin of Calicut in 1442.
• Detailed the mission to India in a 45-page narrative in his book Matla-us-Sadain-wa-Majma-ul-Bahrain.

Afanasy Nikitin | The Journey Beyond Three Seas

• Russian merchant from Tver.
• One of the first Europeans to visit India after Niccolo de’ Conti.
• Describe the Indian population, social system, economy, military, religion, lifestyles, government, and natural resources.
• Detailed the condition of the Bahmani kingdom under Muhammad I (1463-82).
  Afanasy Nikitin

Duarte Barbosa | Book of Duarte Barbosa

• Portuguese voyager who stayed in India for 16 years (1500-1516).
• Spent most of his time in Kerala and the Vijayanagara kingdom.
• Studied Malayalam and wrote about caste culture and social life in India.

Domingo Paes | Chronica Dos Reis De Bisnaga

• Portuguese merchant, writer, and explorer.
• Visited India between 1520 and 1522 AD.
• Provided detailed information about the Vijayanagara Empire, especially during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.

Ceasar Frederick

• Also known as Ceasar Frederick.
• Visited the Vijayanagara Empire in 1567, two years after its ruin.
• Described the ruins of Vijayanagara as still standing but inhabited only by wild animals.
  Achyutdeva Raya

Fernao Nuniz | Chronica Dos Reis De Bisnaga

• Portuguese merchant who visited during Achyutdeva Raya's reign.
• Noticed women in the kingdom who were astrologers, soothsayers, wrestlers, and accountants.
• Co-authored Chronica dos reis de Bisnaga with Domingo Paes.

• 16th-century Dutch traveler.
• Provided valuable accounts of social and economic life in South India, mainly Goa.
• Included detailed maps of voyages to the East Indies, particularly India.

William Hawkins

• Representative of the English East India Company and ambassador of King James I.
• Arrived in India in 1608 and negotiated with Mughal Emperor Jahangir for a factory at Surat.
• Permission granted by Jahangir marked the recognition of English commerce in the East.

Antonio Monserrate | The Commentary of Father Monserrate: S. J., on His Journey to the Court of Akbar

• Spanish explorer who traveled to India in the 16th century.
• Arrived in Goa in 1578 and journeyed to cities like Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Lahore.
• Describe Akbar's administration, religious policies, and cultural practices.
  Antonio Monserrate

Sir Thomas Roe

• English diplomat during Queen Elizabeth I's reign.
• Stayed at the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir from 1615 to 1619.
• Journal of the Mission to the Mughal Empire is a valuable contribution to the history of India.

Peter Mundy

• 17th-century British merchant trader, traveler, and writer.
• Traveled to India, China, and Japan.
• Described Banjara community and their importance in trade during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal times.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

• 17th-century French gem merchant and traveler.
• Made six voyages to Persia and India.
• Described Varanasi's structures and visited the court of Shah Jahan and diamond mines.
  Shah-Jahan

Niccolao Manucci | Storia do Mogor

• Italian writer, doctor, and traveler.
• Arrived in India in 1653 and spent his life there.
• Described the reign of Mughal emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb in Storia do Mogor.

Francois Bernier | Travels in the Mughal Empire

• Frenchman, doctor, and historian.
• Criticized the Mughal Empire and compared it with contemporary Europe.
• Wrote about social and economic aspects of Mughal India, including artisans, cities, and merchants.

Jean-Antoine Dubois | Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies

• French Catholic missionary known as Dodda Swami.
• Adopted the Hindu way of life, clothing, food, and language.
• The book contains insights into Indian society, caste system, religious practices, and women's freedom.