Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R): Nanadesi trading corporation claimed to have wandered in several countries. Assertion (R): They are mentioned in a fragmentary Tamil inscription of the eleventh century from Lobu Tuwa Sumatra.
Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Understanding the Nanadesi Trading Corporation and Historical Evidence
This question asks us to evaluate two statements about the Nanadesi trading corporation: their claim of widespread travel and the existence of an eleventh-century Tamil inscription in Sumatra mentioning them. We need to determine if both statements are true and if the second statement explains the first.
Analyzing Assertion (A): Nanadesi's Claim of Widespread Travel
Assertion (A) states that the Nanadesi trading corporation claimed to have wandered in several countries. The Nanadesis were a prominent merchant guild from South India during the medieval period. Historical sources, including inscriptions from various regions in India and Southeast Asia, confirm that these guilds were actively involved in long-distance trade. They established trading networks across different kingdoms within India and also ventured overseas to places like Southeast Asia. Their very nature as a powerful, pan-regional (and eventually international) trading body supports the idea that they would claim or be known for traveling widely. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.
Analyzing Reason (R): The Sumatra Inscription
Reason (R) states that the Nanadesis are mentioned in a fragmentary Tamil inscription of the eleventh century from Lobu Tuwa, Sumatra. Historical and archaeological evidence confirms the existence of Tamil inscriptions in Southeast Asia, indicating the presence and activities of South Indian traders and guilds in these regions. The inscription from Lobu Tuwa, Sumatra, specifically refers to a trading body and is indeed considered evidence of South Indian merchant activity, potentially involving guilds like the Nanadesi, in the region during that period. Therefore, Reason (R) is true.
Evaluating the Relationship Between Assertion (A) and Reason (R)
We have established that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. Now we need to consider if Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
Assertion (A) is about the Nanadesis' claim of having traveled widely. Reason (R) provides evidence of their presence in one specific location outside India (Sumatra) through an inscription. While the existence of the inscription in Sumatra supports the *truth* of their claim of widespread travel, the inscription itself is not the *reason* why they made the claim. The claim was likely based on their actual, extensive trading voyages and activities across numerous locations. The inscription is a piece of historical evidence found later that helps modern historians confirm the extent of their travels and validate their claims.
Think of it this way: A famous explorer claims they have traveled around the world. Finding a photograph of them in Paris provides evidence that supports their claim of traveling widely, but the photograph itself isn't the *reason* they traveled or the *reason* they made the claim. Similarly, the Sumatra inscription is evidence of the Nanadesi's widespread travel, but it is not the cause or explanation for their claim.
Therefore, both statements are true, but Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A).
| Statement | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Assertion (A): Nanadesi trading corporation claimed to have wandered in several countries. | True. Nanadesis were involved in extensive inland and overseas trade. |
| Reason (R): They are mentioned in a fragmentary Tamil inscription of the eleventh century from Lobu Tuwa Sumatra. | True. Such an inscription exists and provides evidence of South Indian trading presence in Sumatra. |
| Is (R) the correct explanation of (A)? | No. The inscription is evidence supporting the claim, but not the reason for the claim itself. |
Revision Table: Key Facts about Nanadesi
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity | A powerful merchant guild from South India. |
| Period of Activity | Active during the medieval period (roughly 9th to 14th centuries). |
| Trade Routes | Involved in extensive trade within India and overseas (Southeast Asia). |
| Evidence of Overseas Trade | Inscriptions and artifacts found in regions like Sumatra, Java, etc., confirm their presence. |
| Nature of Business | Dealt in various goods; played a significant role in economic and cultural exchange. |
Additional Information: South Indian Trading Guilds and Overseas Connections
South Indian trading guilds, such as the Manigramam and the Nanadesi, were crucial players in the economic history of medieval South India and its interactions with the wider world. These guilds were well-organized and powerful, often having their own militias to protect their trade caravans and establishments.
Their overseas activities were part of a larger network of Indian Ocean trade. They facilitated the exchange of goods like spices, textiles, precious stones, and horses between South India, Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East. The presence of inscriptions in regions like Indonesia (Sumatra, Java) and Thailand testifies to the long-lasting impact of these trading connections.
The Lobu Tuwa inscription is particularly significant as it indicates the presence of Tamil-speaking communities or trading groups in Sumatra during the 11th century, suggesting established trading posts or settlements. Such findings reinforce the historical accounts of South Indian merchants' extensive maritime activities and their role in connecting different parts of Asia.
Important Questions from Kingdoms in South India - Teaching
Given below are two statements - one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R)
Assertion (A): Rajasekhara wrote a drama entitled Balaramayana
Reason (R): He was the teacher of Pratihara king Rambhadra
Int he context of the above two statements which of the following is correct?
Arrange the following Chola kings in chronological order:
(A) Kulotunga I
(B) Rajaraja I
(C) Rajendra I
(D) Virarajendra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Given below are twos statements- one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R):
Assertion (A) : It is argued that eulogy of poets was not the basis of legitimation of political power in early historical South India.
Reason (R): The poets of the period were dependent on kings for their material well-being
In the context of the above two statements, which of the following is correct?
Who founded the city of Burhanpur around 1400 on the bank of river Tapti?
Under the Cholas land-revenue was collected through the:
