Question

Who called Mughal cities as 'Camp towns'?

• A. Ibn Battuta
• B. Bernier
• C. Tavernier
• D. Barbosa

Hint:

Bernier’s “Camp town” observation shows how Mughal cities were linked to the movement of the emperor and lacked permanent infrastructure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Context of Mughal cities.
During the Mughal period, major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Lahore developed as important centers. However, their urban structure was different from modern planned cities.
Step 2: Bernier’s observation.
Francois Bernier compared Mughal cities to “Camp towns.” According to him, these cities lacked permanent civic infrastructure. Instead, they grew around royal camps and shifted in importance based on where the Mughal emperor stayed.
Step 3: Elimination of other options.
- (A) Ibn Battuta: 14th-century traveler, but he did not describe Mughal towns.
- (C) Tavernier: Another European traveler, but he did not use the phrase “Camp towns.”
- (D) Barbosa: Portuguese traveler, but much earlier than the Mughal period.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, Bernier was the one who described Mughal cities as “Camp towns.”
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: Bernier}} \]