Making Sense of an Alien World Al-Biruni and the Sanskritic Tradition

Al-Biruni described Sanskrit as If you want to conquer this difficulty to learn Sanskrit you will not find it easy because the language is of a large range both in words and inflections something like Arabic.

• India, with its unique culture, religion, and philosophy, presented a world different from Al-Biruni’s background.

• The Sanskritic tradition, with its ancient texts and complex concepts, becomes a significant barrier to understanding.

• Kitab al-Hind (Book written by Al-Biruni on Indian Culture): This magnum opus became a landmark work in the field of Indology. It documented Indian mathematics, astronomy, religion, philosophy, customs, and social structures.

Overcoming Barriers to Understanding

He discussed several “barriers” that he felt obstructed understanding. The first amongst these was language.

• The first barrier Al-Biruni faced was language. According to him, Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concepts could not be easily translated from one language into another.

• The second barrier he identified was the difference in religious beliefs and practices.

• The self-absorption and consequent insularity of the local population according to him, constituted the third barrier. What is interesting is that even though he was aware of these problems.

• He depended almost on the works of Bramanas, often citing passages from the Vedas, the Puranas, the Bhagavad Gita, the works of Patanjali, the Manusmriti etc provide an understanding of Indian society.

• For him, Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concepts could not be easily translated from one language into another.

Al-Biruni’s Description of the Caste System

Al-Biruni tried to explain the caste system by looking for parallels in other societies. He noted that in ancient Persia, four social categories were recognised first those of knights and princes second monks, fire-priests and lawyers third physicians, astronomers and other scientists and finally, peasants and artisans.

• In other words, he attempted to suggest that social divisions were not unique to India. At the same time, he pointed out that within Islam all men were considered equal, differing only in their observance of piety.

• He accepted the Brahmanical description of the caste system but disapproved of the notion of pollution.

• He remarked that everything that falls into a state of impurity strives and succeeds in regaining its original condition of purity.

• The conception of social pollution, intrinsic to the caste system, was according to him, contrary to the laws of nature.

• Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system was deeply influenced by his study of normative Sanskrit.

Al-Biruni’s description of the caste system was deeply influenced by his study of normative Sanskrit texts which laid down the rules governing the system from the point of view of the Brahmanas.

However, In real life, the system was not quite as rigid. For instance, the categories defined as antyaja (literally, born outside the system) were often expected to provide inexpensive labour to both peasants and zamindars.

In other words, while they were often subjected to social oppression, they were included within economic networks.

Al-Biruni came to India in 1017 AD. Despite the circumstances of his arrival, he developed a deep fascination with Indian culture. He also learned Sanskrit to better understand the Indian Culture and Religion.

He documented his observations in his magnum opus, “Kitab al-Hind” (Book of India). This book is a treasure of information on ancient India covering everything from mathematics and astronomy to religion, customs, and social structures.

In this article, You will get the Notes of Class 12 History Notes Chapter 5 Making Sense of an Alien World Al-Biruni and the Sanskritic Tradition.