Jahangir, the Mughal emperor (1605-1627), banned tobacco in the Mughal Empire due to concerns over its health effects and rapid spread in India. Despite his ban, tobacco became widely popular and continued to be used.
The imperial karkhanas
Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:
Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …
The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.
How did Bernier’s description reflect the economic significance of the karkhanas in the Mughal empire?
The imperial karkhanas
Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:
Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …
The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.
Analyse the relationship between the Mughal empire and its artisans.
The imperial karkhanas
Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops:
Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins …
The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.
How did the crafts in the karkhanas reflect the cultural diversity of the Mughal empire?