UPSC Prelims 2018 · Question 73 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2018 question on Tavernier Diamonds
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2018
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectMedieval History
- TopicMiscellaneous Medieval History
- DifficultyHard
- TypeDirect
Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
Show answer
Answer: B. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Analysis
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier is the traveller in question, so the answer is (b).
Tavernier was a French gem merchant, and his connection to Indian diamonds is documented through the Hope Diamond, said to have been mined at the Kollur mines in Andhra Pradesh and acquired by him in 1666. He purchased the stone, of about 112 carats, and sold it to King Louis XIV of France.
The other three were also foreign travellers to Mughal India, which is what makes the question demanding. Francois Bernier, a physician, is known for his account of Mughal court politics and Indian society; Jean de Thevenot and Abbe Barthelemy Carre also left travel accounts, but none of them is associated with the diamond trade.
Source
The Hindu feature on the secret lives of Indian jewels.
How to crack it
Attach one distinguishing occupation or theme to each foreign traveller, because UPSC lists several from the same period and expects you to separate them. Tavernier was a merchant in gems, so diamonds follow from his trade. When you cannot recall the account, ask which traveller's profession would have taken him to mines, and the merchant is the natural answer while the physician is not.