Marco Polo was a trader and adventurer from Venice who journeyed from Europe to Asia. In the 13th century, he went through Asia on the Silk Road. The account of his voyages is told in 'Travels of Marco Polo'. Here we will discuss more Marco Polo, which will be useful to understand how foreigners viewed India from their perspective during ancient times. This article will help the UPSC Civil Service aspirants to cover ‘India through the eyes of Foreign Travellers’ in detail.

Marco Polo (1254 - 1324)

• Marco Polo was born on September 15, 1254, in Venice, Italy.
• His father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo were successful gem traders who traveled far, establishing trading operations.
• Marco Polo's voyage began in 1271 when he traveled to Kublai Khan's court in China with his father and uncle. Marco was 17 years old.
• Marco immersed himself in Chinese culture and became a four-language master, which made him envoy of Kubla Khan, his father’s friend.
• Marco rose up the ranks to become the governor of a major Chinese city, a tax inspector in Yanzhou, and an official member of the Khan's Privy Council.
• In 1292, they returned to Venice after spending 17 years in China
• They escorted Mangol's Princess to Persia.

Marco Polo’s Visit to India

• Marco Polo landed on the Coromandel Coast of India in AD 1292 after a two-year trip by sea across the Indian Ocean on his way home from China.
• He joined the Tamil Pandya kingdom around Tanjore.
• During the reign of Rudramma Devi of the Kakatiya Dynasty, he traveled to Southern India.
• Rudramadevi, one of the few queens in Indian history, ruled from 1261 until 1295 CE. Polo came to a halt in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• The book titled ‘Description of the World’ better known as ‘The Travels of Marco Polo’ was written by Marco Polo.

Marco Polo - Additional Facts

• Marco Polo arrived at Venice in 1295 after completing a two-year expedition that began in 1292 and ended in 1294.
• Venice was at war with the Republic of Genoa at the time. In a fight against Genoa, he took command of a Venetian ship.
• Polo was apprehended and imprisoned in Genoa in 1298 when he met Rustichello, a fellow prisoner and writer from Pisa.
• Polo was convinced to write about his 24 years in Asia by this cellmate. The book was written in a Franco-Italian style popular in the 13th and 14th centuries.
• Polo returned to Venice after his release from jail in 1299 when he married Donata Badoer and reared three daughters.
• Polo died on January 8, 1324, at his house in Venice and was buried at the Church of San Lorenzo in northern Italy.

Conclusion

The recordings by Marco Polo hold key points to the history of early Indian society, especially South Indian society. He also mentions Rudramadevi, who is one of the few female rulers in the History of India.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Marco Polo was a famous explorer from which region?

A) Venice, Italy
B) Genoa, Italy
C) Spain
D) Portugal

2. Who was the ruler that Marco Polo served during his travels in China?

A) Genghis Khan
B) Kublai Khan
C) Tamerlane
D) Emperor Yang

3. Which book is Marco Polo famous for?

A) The Travels of Marco Polo
B) The Silk Road Diary
C) The Journey to the East
D) Marco Polo’s Adventures

4. Which of the following did Marco Polo NOT introduce to Europe?

A) Paper money
B) Gunpowder
C) Coal
D) Tea

5. What is the main reason for doubt regarding the accuracy of Marco Polo’s accounts?

A) No archaeological evidence of his travels
B) No historical documents about Polo
C) Polo’s accounts were likely exaggerated or fabricated
D) Polo never visited China

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the contributions of Marco Polo’s travels to the European Renaissance. How did his accounts influence European exploration?

Answer: Marco Polo’s travels significantly contributed to the European Renaissance by introducing new ideas, cultures, and technologies from Asia. His accounts of the vast wealth of China, the Mongol Empire, and technological advances such as paper money and gunpowder inspired curiosity and a desire to explore further. Polo’s stories increased European interest in trade with the East, particularly along the Silk Road, and provided important geographical knowledge that later explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, relied on. His observations helped bridge the gap between the Western world and the rich civilizations of the East, fueling the Age of Exploration.

Q2: Evaluate the significance of Marco Polo’s account of the Mongol Empire and its influence on subsequent historical narratives of Asia.

Answer: Marco Polo’s account of the Mongol Empire, particularly under Kublai Khan, provided one of the earliest detailed descriptions of Mongol rule, Chinese governance, and Asian trade networks. His writings shaped Western perceptions of Asia by detailing the vastness and sophistication of the Mongol Empire, which was largely unknown in Europe at the time. Polo’s descriptions of the Khan’s court, the use of paper money, and the bustling trade routes were groundbreaking and influenced European attitudes towards Asia for centuries. His account also laid the groundwork for future European explorations into the East, contributing to the later development of global trade routes and diplomatic relations between the East and the West.

Q3: Critically analyze the historical significance of Marco Polo’s travels and their place in the broader context of global exploration during the 13th century.

Answer: Marco Polo’s travels are historically significant as they represent one of the earliest and most influential explorations of Asia during the 13th century. His journeys bridged the gap between Europe and Asia, providing valuable insights into the cultural, economic, and political dynamics of the time. Polo’s interactions with Kublai Khan’s court and his observations of Mongol society offered a unique perspective that was largely unknown in Europe. Although the authenticity of his accounts is debated, his travels sparked interest in the East and influenced the development of trade routes and exploration, culminating in the Age of Discovery. Polo’s influence is seen not just in the Renaissance but also in the later European expeditions that helped to shape the modern world.

Previous Year Questions on Marco Polo

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Which of the following was Marco Polo known for?

A) Mapping the Indian Ocean
B) Establishing trade routes between Europe and Asia
C) Writing about the history of the Mongol Empire
D) Serving as a diplomat for the Roman Empire

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Marco Polo is known for establishing and documenting trade routes between Europe and Asia, particularly along the Silk Road, and his accounts of Mongol and Chinese culture.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Analyze the impact of Marco Polo’s travel narratives on European exploration and the perception of the East during the Renaissance."

Answer: Marco Polo’s travel narratives played a pivotal role in shaping European exploration by providing one of the first comprehensive descriptions of Asia. His accounts, though sometimes questioned for their accuracy, highlighted the wealth and advanced technologies of China and the Mongol Empire, which inspired future explorers like Christopher Columbus. Polo’s writings fueled curiosity and paved the way for the Age of Exploration, which expanded European influence and led to the eventual global trade networks that shaped the modern world.