Question

How did Indians like Shaikh Itsamuddin and Mirza Abu Talib contribute to the creation of a positive image of India in Europe?

Hint:

Engaging with European thought allowed Indian scholars to influence perceptions of their homeland, creating a more positive and informed image of India in the West.

Answer 1

Shaikh Itsamuddin and Mirza Abu Talib contributed to the positive image of India in Europe by directly engaging with European scholars and travelers and offering their own perspectives on India. They wrote books that described the grandeur of India’s history, its cultural achievements, and its rich traditions in art, science, and governance. Their works countered the European stereotypes of India as a backward society and presented India as a land of intellectual depth and historical significance. Their efforts were pivotal in shaping a more nuanced and respectful view of India in Europe.