Francois Bernier | Travels in the Mughal Empire | A Review
Travels in the Mughal Empire
Francois Bernier’s ‘Travels in the Mughal Empire’-A Review
“Travels in the Mughal Empire” is a book written by Francois Bernier, a French physician and traveler who visited India during the Mughal era in the late 17th century. The book is an account of his experiences in India, which he visited between 1659 and 1669.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book provides a detailed description of the Mughal Empire, its history, culture, and society. Bernier describes the various provinces of the empire, the cities, the palaces, the markets, and the people. He also provides insights into the Mughal court, its hierarchy, and its customs. Bernier’s descriptions of the Mughal court, its opulence, and its rituals are particularly fascinating.
The second part of the book is a personal account of Bernier’s travels through India. He provides a detailed description of his journey from Surat to Delhi and his interactions with the people he meets along the way. He describes the cities he visits, the monuments he sees, and the various aspects of Indian society that he observes.
Bernier’s account of India is notable for its objectivity and lack of bias. He provides a balanced perspective on Indian society, its customs, and its religion. His observations are based on careful observation and analysis, rather than preconceived notions or stereotypes. He also criticizes the European traders who came to India, describing their corrupt practices and their exploitation of the local people.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Bernier’s descriptions of the Mughal court and its rulers. He provides a vivid account of the life and times of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, whom he met personally. Bernier’s description of Aurangzeb is particularly interesting because it challenges the prevailing European view of the Mughal emperor as a fanatic and a tyrant. Bernier portrays Aurangzeb as a cultured and intelligent ruler who was deeply committed to his people and his religion.
Overall, “Travels in the Mughal Empire” is a fascinating account of India during the Mughal era. Bernier’s descriptions of Indian society, culture, and religion are insightful and informative, and his observations on the Mughal court and its rulers are particularly fascinating. The book is an important historical document that provides a window into a world that is long gone, but still exerts a powerful influence on the world today. 0 0 0.
Francois Bernier Travels in the Mughal Empire A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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