Who among the following European travellers never returned to Europe and settled down in India?
Manucci
Identifying European Travellers Who Settled in India
The question asks us to identify which among the given European travellers made India their permanent home and did not return to Europe. Many European adventurers, merchants, and scholars visited India during different periods, especially during the Mughal era, but most eventually returned to their native lands. Let's look at the options provided.
| Traveller | Origin | Period in India | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duarte Barbosa | Portuguese | Early 16th Century | Returned to Portugal, later died on Magellan's voyage. |
| Manucci (Niccolao Manucci) | Italian | Mid to late 17th Century | Settled in India, died in India. |
| Tavernier (Jean-Baptiste Tavernier) | French | Mid 17th Century (multiple voyages) | Returned to France between voyages, eventually died in Russia. |
| Bernier (François Bernier) | French | Mid 17th Century | Returned to France in 1669. |
Analysing the Options:
Let's examine each traveller's time in India and their ultimate destination:
- Duarte Barbosa: He was a Portuguese writer and officer who worked for the Portuguese in India in the early 1500s. While he spent significant time here, he did return to Portugal before embarking on other voyages. He did not settle permanently in India.
- Manucci: Niccolao Manucci was an Italian who arrived in India around 1653. He served in various capacities, including in the Mughal court and later as a physician. He spent the rest of his life in India, living in different places like Delhi, Agra, and finally settling in Madras (present-day Chennai) in South India, where he passed away. He is known for his detailed account of Mughal India, 'Storia do Mogor'.
- Tavernier: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a famous French gem merchant who made several trips to India to trade. These were voyages for commerce, and he would return to France between his journeys. He did not establish a permanent residence or settle down in India.
- Bernier: François Bernier was a French physician and philosopher who came to India in 1658. He worked as a physician and travelled with the Mughal court. Bernier returned to France in 1669 after spending about 12 years in India. He wrote extensive accounts of his experiences. He did not settle permanently in India.
Based on the historical information, Niccolao Manucci is the only one among the given options who settled down in India and did not return to Europe.
Conclusion
The European traveller who never returned to Europe and settled down in India was Manucci.
Revision Table: European Travellers and Their Fate
| Traveller | Settled in India? | Returned to Europe? |
|---|---|---|
| Duarte Barbosa | No | Yes |
| Manucci | Yes | No |
| Tavernier | No (visited) | Yes (between visits) |
| Bernier | No | Yes |
Additional Information on European Travellers in India
Many European travellers visited India from the 15th century onwards for various reasons, including trade, missionary work, exploration, or simply adventure. Their writings provide valuable insights into the political, social, and economic conditions of India, particularly during the Mughal period. Some notable examples include:
- Marco Polo: Though earlier (13th century), he visited parts of South India.
- Vasco da Gama: The first European to reach India by sea (1498), opening direct trade routes.
- Sir Thomas Roe: English ambassador to the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir (early 17th century).
- Pietro della Valle: Italian traveller who visited India in the early 17th century.
These travellers' accounts are crucial primary sources for historians studying the history of India and Indo-European relations.
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