Sources of Ancient Indian History:

Que. Foreign accounts as a source of ancient Indian history may have some advantages but also have a few shortcomings. Citing appropriate examples, examine the statement. [UPSC CSE, 2022]

Approach:

(1) Introduce the importance of the Foreign accounts.

(2) Mention the different foreign accounts.

(3) Mention the various information from foreign sources.

(4) Conclude by stating how it helps in the comprehensive understanding of ancient Indian history.

Introduction:

The exploration of foreign accounts as sources for understanding ancient Indian history unveils a dual-sided narrative. These accounts, penned by travelers, merchants, and observers from distant lands, offer a unique and often enlightening perspective on India’s bygone eras. Yet, they simultaneously harbor limitations and biases intrinsic to their origins. In this examination, we will delve into the advantages and shortcomings of foreign accounts as historical sources for ancient India, drawing upon pertinent examples to illuminate the multifaceted nature of these narratives. India was visited by many foreign travellers from Greece, China, Turkey, etc.

Different Foreign Accounts:

(1) Greeks:

1. Herodotus: He mentions Indian soldiers fighting in Persian wars during 6th BC.

2. Megasthenes: His Indica gives information about the Maurya dynasty.

3. Economic history of 2nd BC 2nd AD is available in Pliny’s Natural Historica, Ptolemy, and Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, etc.

(2) Chinese:

1. Fa Hien: He visited India during Chandragupta II’s period in order to visit places associated with Buddha.

2. Hiuen Tsang: He visited during the reign of Harshavardhan. Although he was a student, he wrote a lot about India.

3. I-Tsing: He also came as a student at Nalanda and then wrote many informative instances about that period of India.

(3) Arabs:

1. Suleiman: He basically came from Iran to India in 9th AD. He was a traveller, merchant and writer and. He came to the court of Amoghavarsha. He gave information about Pala and Pratihara.

2. Al Masudi: He talked about Rashtrakutas during 941-943 AD.

Information from Foreign Sources:

(1) Political:

1. Neutrality: Hiuen Tsang’s visit to Pulakeshin II when he says Harsha couldn’t defeat him, whereas Banabhatta’s Harshcharit didn’t mention it. However, Aihole inscription supports Hiuen Tsang.

2. Policies: Fahien accounts that Gupta administration was mild in comparison to Mauryas.

(2) Social:

1. Composition of Society: Megasthenes mentions 7 castes in Mauryan society.

2. Religious Ideas: Foreigners were getting themselves converted into indigenous religion. Example: Besanagar pillar inscription of Heliodorous.

(3) Economical:

1. Decline of Trade: In Natural Historica, Pliny criticized Roman trade with India as unnecessary, as all the gold Roman Empire was draining in India merely for cotton and spices.

2. Trade Routes: All the trade happened between Red Sea and Bharuch was given wholesomely. Example: Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

Advantages of Foreign Sources:

(1) Unbiased Opinion: Mostly they were not patronized by the kings of that time, so these sources are bias-free in nature mostly. Example: Robbery across the empire was mentioned by Hiuen Tsang, but Banabhatta writes that the empire was safe.

(2) Corroboration: It means the similarity and differences between indigenous sources and foreign sources. Example: Evidence for Mauryan Empire from Indica as well as Arthashastra.

(3) Informative in Nature: Provide sufficient informa- tion about that period. Example: Purushpur (modern Peshawar) has 13 storeyed Buddhist hub writes Fahien.

(4) Geographical Knowledge: People of the subcontinent at that time had elaborative geographical knowledge. They also sent embassies to countries like China. Example: Overland and overseas trade routes by Pliny.

(5) Diverse Perspectives: Foreign accounts, particularly those written by travelers, traders, or emissaries, provide valuable insights from outsiders who observed and interacted with ancient India. These accounts offer a fresh perspective, often free from local biases, and can provide a more comprehensive view of the region’s history. Example: The accounts of Chinese Buddhist pilgrims like Faxian and Xuanzang, who traveled extensively in ancient India, offer rich details about Indian society, culture, and religious practices. Their writings provide unique insights into the historical context of ancient India, especially regarding Buddhism.

(6) Cross-Cultural Exchange: Foreign accounts can shed light on the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions, including trade, diplomacy, and the spread of ideas. These interactions played a crucial role in shaping India’s history. Example: Greek accounts, such as those by Megasthenes and Strabo, provide information about the relationship between the Mauryan Empire and the Hellenistic world. These accounts contribute to our understanding of the cultural exchanges that occurred during that period.

Disadvantages of Foreign Sources:

(1) Hearsay: Foreign writers also wrote hearsays in their description which were nowhere to be found. Example: Megasthenes’ version of gold digging ants.

(2) Interpretation: These refer to later on added versions means not completely eye saw details and not on a daily basis. Example: Accounts of Hiuen Tsang were written after he went back to China.

(3) Questionable Veracity: Accounts were written for other purposes and derivatives and not objectively. Example: Hiuen Tsang while writing about Buddhism, gave information about politico-social information, not specifically writing politico-social information.

(4) Biases and Misinterpretations: Foreign travelers often had their own cultural biases and preconceptions, which could color their observations and interpretations of Indian customs and practices. These biases may lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies. Example: The Greek historian Herodotus, while providing valuable information about ancient India, also included some inaccuracies and fantastical stories in his accounts, which could mislead historians.

(5) Limited Scope and Perspective: Foreign accounts may focus on specific aspects of Indian society or regions, providing an incomplete picture. They might miss nuances and complexities present in the indigenous historical records. Example: Many foreign accounts of ancient India, such as those by Arab travelers, often focused on trade and Islamic influences in the western regions. While valuable, these accounts may not fully capture the diversity and complexity of Indian society.

(6) Language and Translation Issues: The language barrier can pose challenges in accurately translating and interpreting foreign accounts. Errors or misinterpretations in translation can distort the historical narrative. Example: Translations of ancient Sanskrit texts by early European scholars sometimes contained inaccuracies or cultural biases, which affected the understanding of Indian history.

Ancient India is decoded by archeological and literary sources and within this rill foreign accounts are one of the sources for their unbiased and corroborative nature providing evidence and facts.

Conclusion: 

Foreign accounts are valuable sources of ancient Indian history that offer diverse perspectives and insights into cross-cultural interactions. However, historians must approach them critically, considering potential biases, inaccuracies, and limitations in scope. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of ancient Indian history, it is essential to complement foreign accounts with indigenous sources and engage in meticulous research and cross-referencing.