Understanding Tavernier's Account of 17th Century Varanasi

The question asks about the primary building materials used for houses in Varanasi during the 17th century, as observed by the famous French traveller, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. Tavernier visited India multiple times in the mid-17th century and documented his observations in detail, including descriptions of cities, trade, and daily life.

Tavernier's Observations on Varanasi Houses

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier's travelogue provides valuable insights into various Indian cities during his time. When describing Varanasi (then known as Benares), he noted several aspects of the city's structure and appearance.

According to Tavernier, while some houses might have been made of other materials, the majority of houses in Varanasi during the 17th century were constructed using a combination of brick and stone. These materials were durable and commonly available in the region, contributing to the solid structure of the buildings.

Analyzing the Building Materials Mentioned

• Brick: Bricks were a common building material across India for centuries, known for their ease of production and structural integrity.
• Stone: Varanasi is located in a region where stone was accessible, and its use in construction provided strength and longevity to buildings, especially larger or more prominent structures, but also for the majority of houses as noted by Tavernier.
• Wood and Thatch: While wood might have been used for internal structures or specific parts like roofs or doors, and thatch for roofs in simpler dwellings, Tavernier specifically identifies brick and stone as the primary materials for the majority of houses, suggesting they were more prevalent for substantial construction in the urban area he described.
• Mud: Mud, often combined with other materials like straw, was also used in construction, particularly in rural areas or for less permanent structures. However, for a significant city like Varanasi described by a foreign traveller focusing on notable features, brick and stone houses would have been more characteristic of the urban landscape, and Tavernier's account reflects this.

Based on Tavernier's detailed records of his travels, the material he observed as being used for the majority of houses in 17th-century Varanasi was brick and stone.

Revision Table: Key Details from Tavernier's Account

Additional Information on Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) was a renowned French gem merchant and traveller. He made six voyages to Persia and India between 1630 and 1668. His extensive travels covered vast distances across the Mughal Empire and other parts of India.

• His travel narrative, "Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier," published in the late 1670s, is a significant historical source.
• It provides detailed descriptions of trade routes, cities, markets, rulers, customs, and economic conditions in 17th-century India.
• He is particularly famous for his accounts of the diamond mines of India and his trade in precious stones, including the potential acquisition of the diamond that would later become the Hope Diamond.
• His observations on architecture, urban life, and the materials used for building in various cities like Agra, Delhi, and Varanasi offer valuable insights for understanding the history and material culture of the period.

Tavernier's writings are considered a crucial primary source for understanding the socio-economic landscape of 17th-century India through the eyes of a European merchant.