Question

Analyse the observations, critical insights, and reflections provided by Bernier while he travelled in Mughal India.

Answer 1

François Bernier, a French physician, traveled to India during the Mughal period in the 17th century. He wrote a detailed account of his observations and reflections in his travelogue titled \textit{Voyage en Inde}. His work provides valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural conditions of Mughal India. Here are some key observations and reflections provided by Bernier:
1. Observations on the Mughal Empire:
Bernier was highly critical of the Mughal Empire's political structure, particularly the weaknesses in the administration and the disorganized nature of the empire. He observed the fragility of the Mughal central authority, especially under the reign of Aurangzeb, whose focus on religious orthodoxy and wars in the Deccan weakened the empire's overall control. He reflected that the empire’s vast size created logistical challenges in maintaining a strong central government, and he noted the inefficiency of local officials and the lack of proper coordination across regions.
2. The Role of Religion:
Bernier's views on religion in Mughal India were influenced by his European perspective. He criticized the religious intolerance and the imposition of strict Islamic laws under Aurangzeb, particularly in comparison with the earlier Mughal emperors like Akbar, who had adopted a more inclusive approach to governance. Bernier observed the tension between different religious communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, and lamented the growing intolerance in the society.
3. Social Inequality and Caste System:
Bernier was struck by the rigid caste system and the social stratification present in Mughal India. He observed the deep divisions between the various social classes, particularly the distinction between the high nobility and the common people. He was especially critical of the oppression faced by lower castes, including the untouchables, who were subjected to severe discrimination. In his account, Bernier often highlighted the disparities in wealth and status, pointing out the extravagant lifestyles of the Mughal elite, in contrast with the poverty and hardship experienced by the majority of the population.
4. Cultural Practices:
Bernier provided detailed descriptions of Mughal court life, including the luxury, lavishness, and the obsession with opulence. He was particularly fascinated by the Mughal court’s display of wealth, noting the grandeur of the royal palace, the magnificent attire of the nobles, and the extravagant cultural rituals. At the same time, he noted the lack of intellectual life in the Mughal court, as the rulers and their courtiers seemed more focused on luxury than the pursuit of knowledge.
5. Reflections on the Decline of the Mughal Empire:
In his reflections, Bernier saw the Mughal Empire as being in a state of decline during his visit. He argued that the empire was weakening due to the combination of political disarray, military overextension, and religious intolerance. Bernier predicted that the empire would eventually crumble under its own contradictions, with the disintegration of central authority and the fragmentation of regional power.
6. Insights into the Economy:
Bernier also commented on the economy of Mughal India. He noted the significant role of agriculture in sustaining the empire, but also criticized the excessive taxation on peasants, which he believed led to widespread suffering. He reflected on the economic disparities in the empire, where the wealth of the nobility contrasted sharply with the poverty of the rural population. Additionally, he observed the flourishing of trade and the commercial networks that spanned across India and beyond, especially in cities like Surat.