Alberuni's India An Account of the Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Geography, Chronology, Astronomy, Customs, Laws and Astrology of India about A.D. 1030 An English Edition, With Notes and Indics (Set of 2 Vols).(Paperback, Edward C. Sachau)
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Alberuni’s India, translated and introduced by Edward C. Sachau, is a detailed exploration of India through the lens of the 11th-century scholar Al-Biruni (Ab?Ray??nMu?ammadibnA?mad al-B?r?n?). Originally written in Arabic as Ta?q?qm? li-l-Hind (meaning "Verifying All That the Indians Recount, the Reasonable and the Unreasonable"), this work offers a rare glimpse into the society, religion, science, and culture of medieval India from an outsider’s perspective.Al-Biruni, a Persian polymath, was invited to India during the conquest of parts of the region by Mahmud of Ghazni. His work is notable for its objective approach; unlike many travelers and historians of the time, he sought to understand rather than judge the practices and beliefs of the people he encountered. His commitment to accuracy and depth of study makes this work a unique historical source on India during the 11th century.Edward C. Sachau’s translation and analysis provided the Western world with one of the earliest academic windows into Al-Biruni’s scholarship. Sachau preserved Al-Biruni’s observations, which included discussions of Hindu philosophy, mathematics, astrology, astronomy, geography, and social customs. Notably, Al-Biruni’s work addressed Sanskrit texts and teachings and offered comparisons between Indian and Greek thought, showing a level of respect for Indian intellect and traditions that was unusual for his time.