Compare the objectives of Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta in writing their accounts.
Al-Biruni's objectives were scholarly and practical in nature. He described his work as "a help to those who want to discuss religious questions with them (the Hindus), and as a repertory of information to those who want to associate with them." His aim was to facilitate understanding and dialogue between different communities.
Ibn Battuta's objectives were different. He considered experience gained through travels to be a more important source of knowledge than books. His Rihla was meant to give "entertainment to the mind and delight to the ears and eyes" with "curious particulars" and "marvellous things" that would arouse interest and provide edification.
Thus, while Al-Biruni wrote for scholarly purposes to help people engage with Hindus, Ibn Battuta wrote to share his travel experiences and entertain readers with interesting details about places and peoples he encountered.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between the two travellers' objectives. Al-Biruni's work was intended as a scholarly resource for religious discussions and social interaction with Hindus. Ibn Battuta, however, viewed travel itself as a source of knowledge and his Rihla was designed to entertain and edify readers with marvellous stories and curious details about the places he visited.