Question

DESCRIBE JAMES MILL'S PERIODISATION OF INDIAN HISTORY? WHY WAS IT UNACCEPTABLE TO HISTORIANS OF INDEPENDENT INDIA? ON WHAT BASIS THEY PERIODISED INDIAN HISTORY?

Answer 1

It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time. Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, practices and culture of the other people do not matter.

Answer 2

Answer:

In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist and a political philosopher, published A History of British India in three volumes. He divided Indian history into three periods—Hindu, Muslim and British. It has been argued by many historians that it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time. Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, practices and culture of the other people do not matter.