[Solved] Marco Polo and Tuticorin Pearl Fishery | UPSC History

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

[UPSC CAPF 2017]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why were the Pandyas so wealthy according to travelers?"

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.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Analysing authentic UPSC CAPFprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Southern Commerce in Medieval India helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Marco Polo Tuticorin and Pandya pearl fishery builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →