Analyse the evidence for slavery provided by Ibn Battuta.
Ibn Battuta's account provides evidence that slaves were openly sold in markets like any other commodity and regularly exchanged as gifts. He himself purchased "horses, camels and slaves" as gifts for Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq and presented a slave to the governor of Multan.
There was considerable differentiation among slaves. Some female slaves were experts in music and dance, performing at royal weddings. Others were employed by the Sultan to spy on nobles. Slaves were mainly used for domestic labour, particularly for carrying people on palanquins.
The price of slaves was very low, especially for female slaves. Most families who could afford it kept at least one or two slaves, showing slavery was a widespread practice.
Explanation
This 3-mark question requires students to analyse the evidence of slavery from Ibn Battuta's writings. The answer draws directly from the textbook context which mentions: (1) slaves sold in markets and exchanged as gifts, (2) differentiation among slaves - skilled female slaves in music/dance vs domestic labourers, (3) female slaves used for surveillance, (4) low prices making slaves accessible to many households. The answer is structured in 3 paragraphs covering trade/treatment, types/roles, and economic aspects.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify evidence about how slaves were traded - sold in markets, exchanged as gifts
Step 2: Note the differentiation among slaves - skilled female slaves vs domestic labourers
Step 3: Mention the low price and widespread prevalence of slavery in households