Ibn Battutah's Maldives Account

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Questions and Answers

What is the practice when someone meets the qádi or preacher?

They greet him with a bow.

They present a gift.

They wear a specific garment.

They uncover their back. (correct)

What is required of every person entering a house?

To present their identity.

To wash their feet. (correct)

To bring a gift.

To remove their shoes.

What material is used to make cords for sewing ships together?

Coconut integument. (correct)

Cotton threads.

Hemp fibers.

Animal hides.

Which of the following items is NOT exported from the islands mentioned?

Gold coins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cowrie shells in the economy of these islands?

They are used as currency. Signup and view all the answers

How did the inhabitants react to the qádí's orders regarding clothing for women?

They ignored his orders. Signup and view all the answers

What ratio of cowrie shells to gold dinar is typically used in trade?

400,000 shells for one dinar. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Ibn Battutah's extensive travels?

A pilgrimage to Mecca Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of their attire do the women of these islands typically avoid?

Covering their hands. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary living conditions of the people in the Maldive Islands according to Ibn Battutah?

They are upright and pious. Signup and view all the answers

Which material is predominantly used in the construction of buildings in the Maldive Islands?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What unique aspect of the Maldive Islanders is highlighted by Ibn Battutah regarding their approach to cleanliness?

They bathe twice a day. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ibn Battutah support his travels within the Islamic world?

Through his profession as a religious lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of Ibn Battutah's memoirs?

They were extraordinary records drawn from various travelers. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual fact did Ibn Battutah note about the local response to crime?

The people were shocked by harsh punishments. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Ibn Battutah's style of writing in his travelogue?

It is lively and orderly with few digressions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ibn Battutah's Account of the Maldives

Ibn Battutah, a 14th-century Muslim traveler, described the Maldives in his account of travels.
He observed the islanders as upright, pious, and peaceful, relying on prayer as defense.
Their physical attributes were weak, suggesting a non-warlike culture.
The people maintained exceptional cleanliness, bathing frequently.
Their clothing was exceptionally simple, utilizing mostly aprons and cloths.
Islanders treated religious leaders with respect, uncovering their backs.
They were barefoot and meticulously maintained their streets.

Maldivian Economy and Culture

The Maldives exported fish, coconuts, cloth, cotton turbans, brass utensils, cowrie shells, and ganbar (coconut fiber).
Ganbar, a tanned coconut fiber, was highly valued for its superior strength in ship-repairing and was exported to India, China, and Yemen.
Cowrie shells served as currency. Prices varied greatly, from 400,000 shells per gold dinar, to 1,200,000 per dinar.
Shells were traded with neighboring regions, including Bengal and Yemen.
The women of the Maldives wore only aprons. Ibn Battutah's attempts to compel them to wear more clothing were unsuccessful.

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Description

Explore Ibn Battutah's observations of the Maldives through his 14th-century travels. This quiz delves into his accounts of the islanders' culture, economy, and lifestyle, highlighting their piety and remarkable cleanliness. Test your knowledge of the rich history and economic trades of the Maldives as noted by this legendary traveler.