Question 82 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Medieval India

Question

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

Strategy: To identify the correct traveller, focus on the unique association of diamonds and diamond mines in descriptions of foreign accounts about India. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier is renowned for his extensive writings on diamonds and his direct association with significant gems such as the 'Hope Diamond.' The other personalities are known for broader accounts of Indian society or different aspects of their travels. Thus, matching the keyword 'diamond mines' with Tavernier is decisive.

Key Info: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) was a French gem merchant and traveller who made six voyages to India in the 17th century. He extensively documented Golconda's diamond mines, notably the Kollur mine on the Krishna River in present-day Andhra Pradesh, which was India's most famous diamond source during the Mughal period. Tavernier's detailed accounts in his book 'Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier' remain among the richest primary sources on India's diamond trade, mining techniques, and the gem market of his era. He also acquired several notable diamonds, including the Tavernier Blue, later recut and known as the Hope Diamond, which he sold to King Louis XIV of France.

Francois Bernier (1625–1688), another French traveller, is best known for his political and social commentary on Mughal India, especially Aurangzeb's reign, and does not focus specifically on diamond mines. Jean de Thevenot wrote general travel accounts of India but with limited or no details on diamond mining. Abbe Barthelemy Carre's observations relate more to politics and trade than to mineral wealth.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Francois Bernier

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Jean de Thevenot

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Abbe Barthelemy Carre