UPSC CAPF 2017

Southern Commerce in Medieval India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Critical historical analysis requires verifying the specific observations made by foreign chroniclers. Marco Polo’s account is one of the richest sources for the commercial history of the Far South.

Explanation In his travelogue, Marco Polo explicitly describes the Pearl Fishery of Tuticorin (in the Pandya kingdom) in great detail, including the seasonal diving and the immense profits gained by the kings. Thus, Option D is the incorrect statement.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements A, B, and C are historically accurate regarding the Khalji and Tughluq administrations.
Logic 2: Option D is false because Marco Polo is precisely the primary source we use to confirm the global importance of the Tuticorin pearl trade during that era.

Active Recall

Question

Why were the Pandyas so wealthy according to travelers?

Answer

Their wealth was primarily derived from their monopoly over the pearl fisheries of the Gulf of Mannar and their role in the horse trade from Arabia.

Core Insight

Marco Polo's detailed reporting on pearls highlights how integrated South India was into the global luxury commodity markets.