importance of the Chinese and Arab travelers in the reconstruction of the history of India

Indian sub-continent from the earliest times has been an attractive destination for traders, travellers and pilgrims alike. These travellers often left a description of what they observed here. Such authoritative accounts are often used to reconstruct the ancient and medieval Indian history. 

Some of the most famous among them came from China and parts of Arabia. While the Arab travellers were curious about India’s riches and its distinct cultural traditions, the Chinese travellers were more motivated by their religious zeal. 

Factors underlining the significance of accounts by Chinese and Arab travellers 

•These accounts provided an outsider’s perspective to the contemporary issues. Thus, Fa Hien’s account of life in the 5th century Gupta empire was devoid of any biases. 

•Such accounts were taken by the travellers to their home countries, which enabled a better understanding about India, and consequently establishment of better diplomatic relations. 

•Accounts by Chinese travellers (Fe Hein, Hien Tsang and I-tsing) constitute an important element of Buddhist monastic doctrines, traditions and institutions. It explains the rise of Buddhism and subsequent decline from India. 

•Accounts by Arab travellers, went a long way in improvement of trade relations as well as development of science and mathematics. 

•Contrary to the works commissioned by the court which were more focussed on portraying the monarchs in good light, the accounts of foreign travellers focussed on the lives of ordinary people. Al Beruni’s ‘Taqiq-iHind’ and Ibn Battuta’s ‘Rihala’ are excellent examples. 

Thus, it may be concludes that though there are issues associated with the reliability of the accounts provided by these travellers owing to their personal biases, still they are key sources for finding out the missing links in the reconstruction of India history.