2018 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 73: History and Culture
Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India ?
aFrancois Bernier
bJean-Baptiste Tavernier
cJean de Thevenot
dAbbe Barthelemy Carre
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French jeweller and traveller who visited India several times in the 17th century, wrote Travels in India, which discusses in detail the diamond mines of Golconda and Kollur and the diamond trade. Bernier wrote mainly on Mughal society and politics, and Thevenot and Carre also left travel accounts but are not known for their writing on diamonds.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Bernier wrote about Mughal administration and society.
- (b) Right: Tavernier described diamonds and diamond mines.
- (c) Thevenot wrote general travel accounts.
- (d) Carre wrote general travel accounts.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.