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Afanasy Nikitin (Athanasius Nikitin)

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Afanasy Nikitin (Athanasius Nikitin)

1. Who was Afanasy Nikitin?

  • Born: Early 15th century in Tver, Russia
  • Profession: Merchant and traveler
  • Famous Work: “Voyage Beyond Three Seas” (Khozhdeniye za tri morya)
  • Visited India: 1469–1472 CE, during the Bahmani Sultanate rule
  • Purpose of Travel: Trade and commerce

2. Afanasy Nikitin’s Journey to India

  • He started his journey from Tver, Russia, in 1466 CE.
  • Traveled via Persia (Iran), the Caspian Sea, and the Arabian Sea.
  • Reached Chaul (Maharashtra) on the Konkan Coast in 1469 CE.
  • Visited several cities including Bidar, Golconda, and Daulatabad.
  • Stayed in India for three years (1469–1472 CE).
  • Left India in 1472 CE and died in 1474 CE on his way back to Russia.

3. Observations on India by Afanasy Nikitin

Political

  • India was divided into several kingdoms, with the Bahmani Sultanate ruling the Deccan region.
  • The rulers encouraged trade and foreign merchants.

Economic

  • India was rich and prosperous, with a strong trade network.
  • Major exports: Spices, textiles, gems, and precious stones.
  • Indian currency system was advanced, using gold and silver coins.
  • The markets were full of skilled artisans and traders.

Social

  • Nikitin described the coexistence of Hindus and Muslims in India.
  • He noted different marriage customs, caste divisions, and clothing styles.
  • Women had different customs compared to Russia.

Religious

  • Nikitin observed Hindu temples, religious festivals, and rituals.
  • He noted the spread of Islam in the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • He even attempted to adopt Indian customs during his stay.

4. Importance of Afanasy Nikitin’s Travel Account

✅ One of the earliest European accounts of India.
✅ Describes medieval Indian trade, society, and economy.
✅ Highlights Bahmani Sultanate’s prosperity.
✅ His work “Voyage Beyond Three Seas” is a key historical source.

5. MCQs on Afanasy Nikitin

  1. Which Russian traveler visited India in the 15th century?
  2. Which Indian kingdom did Afanasy Nikitin visit?
  3. What is the name of Afanasy Nikitin’s travel book?
    • (a) Indica
    • (b) Rihla
    • (c) Ain-i-Akbari
    • (d) Voyage Beyond Three Seas
    • Answer: (d) Voyage Beyond Three Seas
  4. Where did Afanasy Nikitin first arrive in India?
    • (a) Calicut
    • (b) Chaul
    • (c) Delhi
    • (d) Surat
    • Answer: (b) Chaul
  5. What was one of Afanasy Nikitin’s key observations about India?
    • (a) India had no foreign trade.
    • (b) India was an important center for spices and textiles.
    • (c) Indian rulers discouraged foreign merchants.
    • (d) Indian agriculture was underdeveloped.
    • Answer: (b) India was an important center for spices and textiles.

This fact-based, exam-focused guide on Afanasy Nikitin will help in UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and other competitive exams. Let me know if you need maps, mind maps, or timelines! 🚀

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