It was in 1017 AD, at the behest of Sultan Muhmud of Persia, Alberuni, aka Al-Biruni, travelled to India to learn about the Hindus, and to discuss with them questions of religion, science, and literature, and the very basis of their civilisation. He remained in India for 13 years, studying and exploring. Alberuni's scholarly work has not been given the due recognition it deserves. Not for nearly 800 years would any other writer match Alberuni's profound understanding of almost all aspects of Indian life.
About the Author
Dr. Edward C. Sachau was a professor in the Royal University of Berlin and the Principal of the Seminary for Oriental Languages.
