Question

What are the drawbacks of James Mill’s periodisation​

Answer 1

James Mill was a Scottish economist and political philosopher, who in 1817 published the book, A History of British India, in three volumes. He classified Indian history into three periods—Hindu, Muslim and British.  

It has been reasoned by various historians that it is not correct to chronicle Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For instance, when the Hindu kings reigned in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. The same stands true for Medieval India as well.  

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

This was the problem In the classification of Indian history offered by James Mill.