Question

1. What is the problem with the periodization of indian history that james mill offers?
2. Why did the british preserve official documents?​

Answer 1

Question:- What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill offers?

Answer:- James Mill divided his book into three period, namely: Hindu Muslims and British. According to his prejudiced version of Indian history, the British rule represents all the forces of progress and civilisation, while the period before British rule represents darkness, ignorance, despotism, religious intolerance, caste taboos, superstitious practices, etc.The view of Mill has several problems which is not acceptable due to reasons:

A variety of faiths existed simultaneously in these periods.

All rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.So naturally there wouldn't be religious tolerance.This will be a hindrance to the progress, enlightenment and happiness of the nation. 

So we cannot characterise an age only through the religion of the rulers of the time.

Thus the problem with the periodisation of Indian history that James Mill offers is that the subjective account of a historian distorts the facts. 

Question:- Why did the British preserve official documents?

Answer:- The British preserved the important official documents and letters because these served as records of what the officials thought, what they were interested in and what they wished for. According to the British, writing was more important than speaking as the documents in archives and museums could be utilized for reference at a much later period whenever required for studying or debating. These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision or action taken earlier on some matter.