Question

Mention any one prominent contribution of Bernier.

Answer 1

One of the most prominent contributions of François Bernier, a French physician and traveller, was his detailed account of Mughal India titled ”Travels in the Mughal Empire”.

His writings provide valuable insights into the Mughal court, administration, social structure, and economic conditions during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.

Answer 2

Bernier drew a sharp contrast between the prosperity of European kingdoms and the perceived decay of Mughal territories. He claimed that while European cities were well-built, clean, and maintained by civic authorities, Mughal cities lacked public welfare, urban planning, and maintenance.

According to him:

• European kings were supported by organized institutions and governed flourishing, rich territories.
• Mughal rulers, in contrast, governed over “deserts and solitudes,” indicating a poor, uncared-for society.
• He criticized the Mughal model for its lack of private property and poor infrastructure, which led to economic stagnation and social backwardness.

Answer 3

Bernier was highly critical of the socio-economic conditions under Mughal rule. He believed that the absence of private property and a feudal-like system led to widespread poverty and inefficiency.

Key observations included:

• He observed that the peasantry was heavily taxed and had no incentive to improve productivity due to lack of ownership rights.
• Cities and agricultural lands were neglected and fell into decay. Fields became overgrown and villages abandoned.
• Bernier felt that the Mughal aristocracy was extravagant, but the common people were deprived and lived in miserable conditions.

Thus, Bernier viewed the Mughal socio-economic structure as exploitative and detrimental to long-term growth and public welfare.