Q.Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1+1+2=4) A strange nation?
The travelogue of Abdur Razzaq written in the 1440s is an interesting mixture of emotions and perceptions. On the one hand, he did not appreciate what he saw in the port of Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) in Kerala, which was populated by "a people the likes of whom I had never imagined", describing them as "a strange nation". Later in his visit to India, he arrived in Mangalore, and crossed the Western Ghats. Here he saw a temple that filled him with admiration:
"Within three leagues (about nine miles) of Mangalore, I saw an idol-house the likes of which is not to be found in all the world. It was a square, approximately ten yards a side, five yards in height, all covered with cast bronze, with four porticos. In the entrance portico was a statue in the likeness of a human being, full stature, made of gold. It had two red rubies for eyes, so cunningly made that you would say it could see. What craft and artisanship!" (32.1) Why did Abdur Razzaq call India a 'strange nation'?

The key idea here is Historical Interpretation, specifically analyzing a primary source to understand the author's perspective, emotions, and descriptions.

(32.1) Why did Abdur Razzaq call India a 'strange nation'? (1)

Abdur Razzaq's initial experience in Calicut was marked by unfamiliarity and a lack of appreciation for the local people and customs. He described encountering "a people the likes of whom I had never imagined," indicating a significant cultural shock and difference from his own background. …

Historical Interpretation: Understanding a Traveler's Gaze

When we read historical accounts from travelers like Abdur Razzaq, it is crucial to understand that their observations are filtered through their own cultural lens, experiences, and expectations. A traveler's "emotions and perceptions" are not just incidental details; they are central to how they interpret and describe a foreign land. What seems "strange" to one person might be ordinary to another, and what evokes "admiration" speaks volumes about the values and aesthetics of both the observer and the observed.

This passage offers a glimpse into Abdur Razzaq's subjective experience in 15th-century India. His initial reaction in Calicut highlights cultural differences and perhaps a sense of alienation, while his later awe at the temple in Mangalore reveals a capacity for appreciation when encountering something that aligns with or surpasses his own standards of beauty and craftsmanship. We must read such sources not just for factual descriptions, but also for the underlying sentiments that shape those descriptions.

1. Why did Abdur Razzaq call India a 'strange nation'?

   The passage states that Abdur Razzaq "did not appreciate what he saw in the port of Calicut" and encountered "a people the likes of whom I had never imagined," leading him to describe them as "a strange nation." This indicates that his initial impression of India, specifically in Calicut, was one of unfamiliarity and perhaps cultural shock. The customs, appearance, or general environment of the people and the port city were so different from what he was accustomed to that he found them perplexing and alien.

2. How do emotions and perceptions reflect in this source?

   Abdur Razzaq's account is explicitly described as "an interesting mixture of emotions and perceptions," and this is clearly reflected in the text:

   • Negative Emotions/Perceptions: His initial experience in Calicut is marked by a lack of appreciation ("he did not appreciate what he saw") and a sense of alienation, leading him to label the people as "a strange nation" and "a people the likes of whom I had never imagined." This shows his discomfort and unfamiliarity.
   • Positive Emotions/Perceptions: Later, upon seeing a temple near Mangalore, his emotions shift dramatically to admiration. Phrases like "filled him with admiration," "the likes of which is not to be found in all the world," and "What craft and artisanship!" clearly convey his awe and appreciation for the architectural and artistic skill he witnessed.

   Thus, the source reflects a journey from initial bewilderment and disapproval to profound admiration, showcasing a range of emotional responses to different aspects of India.

3. How did Abdur Razzaq describe the temples of the Western Ghats in Mangalore?

   Abdur Razzaq described a specific temple near Mangalore with great detail and admiration: …