Describe the experiences of Al-Biruni in the Indian Subcontinent

Experiences of Al biruni in the Indian Subcontinent

The inherent problems faced by Al-Biruni in the task of understanding Indian social and Brahminical practices were:

First language, Sanskrit was so different from Arabic and Persian that ideas and concepts could not be easily translated from one language to another. Second  was difference  in  religious  beliefs  and practices. Third was self-absorption and consequent intolerance of the local population.

The main sources that provided him the support are the Vedas, the Puranas, the Bhagavad Gita, the works of Patanjali, the Manusmriti, etc to provide an understanding of Indian society.