Mains Daily Question
Dec. 1, 2023

Q.2) Assess the contributions of Greco Romans and the Chinese travellers accounts in reconstructing the social history of India. (10M/150W)

Model Answer

Approach to the answer: 

Understanding and structuring the answer: Write about Greco-Romans and Chinese travelers accounts. Mention the information provided by them about various dimensions of the Indian society.  


Introduction:  

Type 1: Give a brief about what attracted Greco-Romans and Chinese travelers to India.  

Type 2: Highlight importance of travel account in understanding culture, society, and religion.  


Body: Address the demand under two headings: 1) Greco-Roman travelers’ account highlighting social conditions 2) Chinese travelers’ account highlighting social conditions. We should write about various social dimensions - women, caste, religion etc while addressing the question.  


Conclusion:  

Type 1: Summarizes the contribution of travelers in reconstructing social history of India. 

Type 2: Conclude with importance of travel accounts in understanding history.  

 

Answer

The ancient Greco Romans and Chinese were fascinated by the Indian subcontinent, and many of them undertook perilous journeys to explore its geography, culture, religion and learning centers. Their writings provide valuable insights into the social and cultural practices of ancient India. 

 

Greco-Roman travelers' accounts highlighting social conditions:  

  • Megasthenes: In his book Indica he gave detailed descriptions of the Indian caste system. He mentioned 7 types of caste based on their occupation. He was the first outsiders to observe and document the complex hierarchy of castes that governed Indian society.  
  • Strabo: Greek traveler Strabo in his work Geographica described the Indian system of slavery in his account. He noted that slaves were owned by both the wealthy and the poor, and that they were used as household servants, farm laborers, and soldiers. 
  • Plutarch: Greek historian Plutarch in his work "Parallel Lives" described about the education of Indian princes and the role of women such as member of samities and sabha, etc in Indian society. He also provided information about the wealth and power of Indian kings and the use of elephants in warfare.  
  • Menander: He in his work Milinda Panho talks about Buddhism, its popularity in India. He recorded information about the cults of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism 
  • Deimachos: His accounts contain descriptions of various Hindu deities, Buddhist and Jain monasteries, and religious practices such as meditation, fasting, and pilgrimage.                

 

Chinese travelers' accounts highlighting social conditions:  

  • Fa Xian: He in his travelogue “Record of Buddhist Kingdom” noted that Indian society was deeply influenced by the caste system, with Brahmins occupying the highest social status. Hinduism was the dominant religion during the Gupta period and Buddhism and Jainism also continued to flourish. 
  • Hieun Tsang: His account of his travels, known as the "Record of the Western Regions," provides a detailed description of Indian society and culture. He mentioned that during Harsha period women were expected to be subservient to men whereas women enjoyed equality and dignified life in Pallavas kingdom.   
  • I-Tsing: His travel account, known as the "A Record of the Buddhist Religion sent Home from the Southern Sea,". He noted that there was a great deal of poverty and social inequality. He also observed that India was a land of great learning and scholarship, with many universities and centers of knowledge. 

 

In their accounts, Greco-Roman and Chinese travelers described Indian society as complex, diverse, and deeply religious. They noted the influence of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism on Indian culture, as well as the caste system and social inequality. Their accounts provide a valuable historical record of Indian society and culture and continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars today. 

Subjects : Art and Culture
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