Question

Mention three problems with the periodisation of James mill regarding the periodisation of Indian history

Answer 1

Answer:

James Mill, Scottish philosopher, in his three volume book, divides Indian history into three periods -Hindu, Muslim and British.

Explanation:

the problems with the periodisation by James Mill are:

i) the history cannot be divided into Hindu and Muslims as variety of faiths existed simultaneously. We cannot refer a period by the religion of the ruler.

ii)The periodisation by James Mill , what it emphasises that life and practices of others do not really matter. It emphasises the livelihood of the kings and rulers of the time not of the common people living on the streets or poor people like peasants etc.

iii) The third problem was that not all the rulers of the time did share the same faith..

Answer 2

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.