Answer: B

Explanation: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French gem merchant and traveller who visited India during the 17th century.

In his book, Tavernier describes the diamond mines of India, particularly the famous Kollur Mine in the Kingdom of Golconda (present-day Telangana). He provides information on the methods used to extract diamonds, the quality and characteristics of Indian diamonds, and the trade routes used to transport them to other parts of the world.

Tavernier’s account of Indian diamonds and diamond mines is considered one of the most authoritative and detailed of its time, making him a significant source of information on this topic.

Theme: Travellers.

Answer: A

Explanation: During the Sultanate period in India (1206-1526 CE), the Chaudhary was the supreme rural official responsible for collecting land revenue. The Chaudhary was a high-ranking official who oversaw the administration of group of villages, known as “Pargana”.

The Chaudhary’s primary responsibility was to collect land revenue, known as “Kharaj,” from the peasants and landowners within their jurisdiction. They were also responsible for maintaining law and order, administering justice, and overseeing the local administration.

The other options are not correct because:

• Ravat: A Ravat was a minor official responsible for collecting revenue from a small group of villages.
  
• Malik: A Malik was a noble or a high-ranking official, but not necessarily responsible for land revenue collection.
  
• Patwari: A Patwari was a village accountant responsible for maintaining land records and collecting revenue at the village level, but not the supreme rural official.
  

Theme: Terms.

Answer: C

Explanation: In the context of the Sultanate period, “Fawazil” referred to the excess amount paid to the exchequer by the Iqtadars.

Iqtadars were military officers who were granted control over a territory, known as an “Iqta”, in exchange for their military service. They were responsible for collecting revenue from their territory and submitting it to the central government.

Fawazil was the amount paid by the Iqtadars to the central government in excess of their assigned revenue targets. This excess amount was essentially a surplus payment made by the Iqtadars, which was then deposited into the royal treasury.

Theme: Terms.

Answer: A

Explanation: Balban, also known as Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban, was the ninth Sultan of Delhi, ruling from 1266AD to 1287AD. He is credited with introducing the Persian festival of Navroz in India.

Navroz, also known as Nowruz, is an ancient Persian New Year’s festival that marks the beginning of spring. It is celebrated on the spring equinox, typically around March 20-21.

Balban, who was of Turkic origin, was heavily influenced by Persian culture and traditions. He introduced Navroz as a way to promote Persian culture and festivities in India, which was then under Muslim rule. The festival was celebrated with great funfare at the Delhi court, and it became an important part of the cultural calendar in medieval India.

Theme: Delhi sultanate.

Answer: D

Explanation: Marco Polo’s travel accounts reveal a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich history. During his visit to India in the late 13th century, Polo described the thriving pearl fishing industry in Tuticorin, a port city under the Pandya kingdom. His writings provide valuable insights into the pearl trade and commerce of that era.

Theme: Travellers.