Jharkhand PCS (Pre) 2016

Medieval Scholarship

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: **List-I** A. Haqaiq-i-Hindi B. Tahdhibul Akhlaq C. Kunzal Tijar D. Jawamiul Hikayat **List-II** 1. Ibn Miskawayh 2. Sadruddin Muhammad 'Aufi' 3. Abdul Wahid Bilgrami 4. Bailaq al Qabayaki

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Medieval literature in India and the Islamic world covered diverse fields: ethics (Akhlaq), maritime technology, Sufi-Hindu synthesis, and historical anecdotes.

Explanation
Haqaiq-i-Hindi (Bilgrami): Explains Krishna Bhakti poetry within a Sufi framework.
Tahdhibul Akhlaq (Miskawayh): A foundational text on ethical conduct.
Kunzal Tijar (Qabayaki): One of the earliest records mentioning the magnetic compass.
Jawamiul Hikayat (Aufi): A collection of historical anecdotes including Iltutmish’s reign.

Logical Breakup
A-3: Bilgrami's work is a vital evidence of the 'Muraqqa' or cultural synthesis in the 16th century.
B-1: Miskawayh is the father of Islamic philosophical ethics.
C-4: This text proves that the merchant class was a driver of scientific documentation.
D-2: Aufi provides an eyewitness account of Iltutmish’s military success.

Active Recall

Question

What is the historical significance of Kunzal Tijar?

Answer

It is one of the first Arabic texts to describe the use of a floating magnetic needle for navigation at sea.

Core Insight

Texts like Haqaiq-i-Hindi show that medieval scholars were actively looking for spiritual commonalities between the Quran and Bhakti poetry.