Question

1. “James Mills division of Indian history has Criticism”. Explain.

Answer 1

James Mill divided history according to the religion or view of the most dominant and powerful ruler in India at the time. The problem with the periodization of James Mill is that he only looks at Indian history from the point of the rulers, and doesn't think about the views of the people. He divides in his own way of understanding

Answer 2

James Mill, the author of "History of British rule in India" divided the Indian history into three periods-Ancient, Medieval and Modern Period. His division of Indian history can be criticized on the following points :

1. He divided the Indian history on the basis of religion i.e Ancient period was affliated to Hindus, Medieval to Muslims but Modern period to British not Christians.

2.  He did not affliated the British period to Christian period.

3.  While periodising the history on the basis of religion, he took into consideration of religion of ruling classes, not of common masses.

4.  He affliated the Hindu period to Indian rule and the Muslim period to foreign rule.

5.  His division of history was colonial in nature.

So this division of Indian history is not only incorrect but politically dangerous as well.