Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador of the ruler of Persia, was sent to Calicut in the fifteenth century. He was greatly impressed by the:
Fortifications of Calicut
Abdur Razzaq's Visit to Calicut in the 15th Century
Abdur Razzaq, whose full name was Abdur Razzaq Samarqandi, was a Persian traveller and historian. He served as an ambassador for the ruler of Persia, Shah Rukh, who was the son of Timur (Tamerlane). In the mid-15th century, specifically from 1442 to 1445, Abdur Razzaq undertook a journey as an envoy to the court of the Zamorin of Calicut in present-day Kerala, India.
During his time in Calicut, Abdur Razzaq meticulously recorded his observations in his travelogue, Matla'-us-Sadain wa Majma'-ul-Bahrain. His account provides valuable insights into the political, social, and economic conditions of the region during that period.
What Impressed Abdur Razzaq in Calicut?
Abdur Razzaq was a keen observer of the places he visited. While Calicut was known for many things, including its thriving spice trade and coastal location, historical accounts from his travelogue indicate that one particular aspect greatly impressed him:
- The defenses and protective structures of the city, known as fortifications, stood out to him.
Travellers often noted features related to trade, administration, or military strength. For an ambassador, assessing the power and security of the state they were visiting would be a crucial part of their mission. The fortifications of Calicut would have represented the city's ability to defend itself and its wealth, which could certainly leave a strong impression on a foreign dignitary.
Let's briefly consider the other options in the context of a 15th-century Persian ambassador's likely primary interests:
- Climatic conditions: While noticeable, it's less likely to be the primary aspect that "greatly impressed" an ambassador focused on state affairs compared to strategic infrastructure.
- High quality spices: Calicut was indeed famous for spices, and the spice trade was vital. This would certainly be noted, but accounts often highlight physical or administrative marvels as particularly impressive.
- Musical traditions: Cultural aspects like music might be observed, but typically, accounts of this nature from ambassadors prioritize elements related to governance, economy, and military strength like fortifications.
Based on interpretations of historical records from Abdur Razzaq's visit, the fortifications of Calicut were a noteworthy feature that he commented upon favourably, indicating they made a significant impression.
Conclusion on Abdur Razzaq's Impression
Therefore, during his ambassadorship to Calicut in the fifteenth century, Abdur Razzaq was greatly impressed by the fortifications of the city, recognizing their importance for its security and strength.
Revision Table: Key Details
| Traveller | Origin | Century | Visited | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdur Razzaq Samarqandi | Persia (Timurid Empire) | 15th century (c. 1442-1445) | Calicut (Zamorin's court) | Ambassador |
Additional Information: Medieval Foreign Visitors to India
Medieval India saw many foreign visitors, including merchants, scholars, and ambassadors, who left behind valuable accounts of the sub-continent. These travelogues are crucial primary sources for reconstructing the history of the period. Some other famous visitors include:
- Ibn Battuta (14th century): A Moroccan traveller who visited the Delhi Sultanate and various other regions.
- Marco Polo (13th-14th century): A Venetian merchant who travelled through parts of India on his way back from China.
- Nicolo de' Conti (15th century): An Italian merchant who travelled through southern India.
These accounts, including that of Abdur Razzaq, provide external perspectives on Indian societies, economies, and polities, often highlighting aspects that native chroniclers might have taken for granted.
Similar Questions
Which of the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire is/are true?
1. The kings claimed to rule on behalf of the God Virupaksha.
2. Rulers used the title “Hindu Suratrana” to indicate their close links with the Gods.
3. All royal orders were signed in Kannada, Sanskrit and Tamil.
4. Royal portrait sculpture was now displayed in temples.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :Name the platform used for ritual purposes by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period:
1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava.
2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind.
3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Who among the following was not a court poet of king Krishnadevaraya?
Which one of the following works was composed by Krishnadevaraya on statecraft in Telugu?
The ruins of Hampi were brought to light by which of the following British officers of the East India Company?
Man Kautuhal, a work on music, was prepared under the aegis of
Domingo Paes, the medieval traveller, has described the city of
What do you think the titles of Mahendravarman-I like 'Vichitrachitta', 'Chaityakari' and 'Chitrakarapuli' seem to suggest?
Important Questions from Southern Dynasties
According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which emperor of Vijayanagara Empire earned the title of 'Kannada kingdom Rama Ramana'?
Which of the following statement is correct?
I. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
II. In 1687, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb annexed Golconda to the Mughal Empire.
Where is the Golconda Fort situated?
Which city was the capital of Pallavas?
