Question

Discuss the extent to which Bernier's accounts enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society

Answer 1

Bernier's assessment about Indian rural society was not correct. It was far away from the truth, but it is not acceptable. There are some truth in his description which are evident from the following facts.

(i) According to his account, mughal empire was the owner of the land and distributed among its nobles. It had a disastrous impact on the society.

(ii) According to him the system of crown of ownership of land was good. It was because, the land holders could not pass on their land to their children. They did not make any long term investment on the land.

(iii) As there was no private property in land, there was not any improvement in the landlord class. This system ruin agriculture and led to opinion of peasants