Now that you’ve had a chance to explore the evidence, write a short essay (four to five paragraphs) on the following topic:

How would you explain Al-Biruni’s decision to write a book on Indian ideas and beliefs? Given his many direct and indirect criticisms of Indian culture, what value might he have seen in such a project?

You may find it helpful to review the section “India, Islam, and the Development of Regional Cultures, 300–1400” in Chapter 12 of your textbook before you begin.