Insights into Mughal Empire: François Bernier’s Observations

Introduction

François Bernier, a French doctor and philosopher, ventured to the Mughal Empire seeking opportunities. Spending over a decade there, he served as a physician and chronicler, sharing his insights in “Travels in the Mughal Empire.” Comparing East to West, he noted social complexities and influenced thinkers like Montesquieu.

Exploring the Mughal Empire: Insights from François Bernier

1. About François Bernier 

• Birthplace: Born in France, he was a doctor, political philosopher, and historian. 
• Arrival in the Mughal Empire: He arrived in the Mughal Empire in search of opportunities under the protection of Daneshmand Khan (an important official at the court of Aurangzeb).
• Years in India: He spent 12 years in India (1656-1668) and served as a physician to Prince Dara Shukoh, and often travelled with the Mughal army. 
• Travels in the Mughal Empire: He presented detailed observations and critical insights in his work  “Travels in the Mughal Empire”.
  • His major work was dedicated to Louis XIV, King of France 

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2. François Bernier’s Comparative Analysis: East vs. West

• Comparison with Europe: He documented his travel experiences and drew comparisons with Europe, where he found India lagging behind it, often calling it the degenerate East.
• Women’s Status and Participation: He highlighted the treatment of women -the practise of Sati , participation in commercial activities like  agricultural and non-agricultural labour. 
  • Overall, women were not confined to the private spaces of their homes.
• Land Ownership Dynamics: The absence of private ownership of land in Mughal India was fundamentally different from that of Europe.
• Impact and Influence: He influenced Montesquieu, who developed the idea of oriental despotism.
• Complex Social Reality: Artisans lacked incentives to improve their products as state-appropriated profits hindered progress.
  • There was a decline in manufacturing.
  • Existence of a prosperous merchant community engaged in long-distance trade.
• Precious Metals Trade: Significant quantities of precious metals flowed into India in return for exports.
• Urban Population: During the 17th century, approximately 15% of the population lived in towns, a higher proportion than in Western Europe during the same period.
• Mughal Cities: Bernier described Mughal cities as “camp towns” that relied on imperial patronage, i.e., they rapidly declined when the imperial court moved out indicating that they lacked viable social and economic foundations.
• Types of Towns: Various types of towns existed, including manufacturing towns, trading towns, port towns, sacred centres, and pilgrimage towns.
• Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (France) was a well-known gem trader and traveller. The Tavernier Blue diamond, which Tavernier discovered or bought in 1666, is what made him most famous. 
  • He went into great detail on Indian diamonds and diamond mines. [UPSC 2018]. He visited India atleast six times.

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Conclusion

Bernier’s observations shed light on the Mughal Empire’s social, economic, and cultural landscape. His comparisons with Europe highlighted disparities while also revealing India’s unique attributes. Despite challenges like state control hindering innovation, India’s vibrant merchant communities and urban populations indicate a rich tapestry of historical dynamics.

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