UPSC Prelims 2018 GS Paper I · Q73 of 100 History medium

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

  1. (a) Francois Bernier
  2. (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) Jean de Thevenot
  4. (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Why the answer is (b)

• Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French gem merchant who made six voyages to India (1630s–1660s), described the Golconda diamond mines (Kollur) in detail in his 'Six Voyages' and is credited with bringing the Tavernier Blue (later the Hope Diamond) to Europe — option (b).

• Bernier (a) wrote on Mughal politics and society; Thevenot (c) on Surat, Ahmedabad and Golconda society; Carré (d) on the Deccan and Company affairs.

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Francois Bernier
Bernier wrote on Mughal court and society, not diamonds.
(c) Jean de Thevenot
Thevenot described cities and customs, not mines in detail.
(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre
Carré wrote on Deccan politics, not diamond mines.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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