Question

Explain the barriers that Al Biruni felt obstructed his understanding.

Answer 1

Al-Biruni was aware of the problems that he could face during his travels. He felt that many barriers obstructed his understanding. These barriers can be studied as under:

• The first barrier was that of the language. Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concepts could not be easily translated from one language into another.
• The second barrier, he found a lot of difference in religious beliefs and practices.
• The third barrier was the self-absorption and insularity of the local population.