Question

what is the problem with the periodisation of Indian history that James Mill offer?​( please give long answer).

Answer 1

James Mill thought that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilisation than Europe. In his prejudiced version of history, British rule represented all the forces of progress and civilisation while the period before British rule represents darkness, ignorance, despotism, religious intolerance, caste taboos, superstitious practices, etc. However, the periodisation of Indian history based only on religion is problematic for several reasons. A variety of faiths, apart from Hinduism and Islam, existed in the periods categorised as Hindu and Muslim by Mill. Also, it is not right to classify an age according to the religion of the rulers of that time. By doing so it suggests that the lives and practices of others did not matter. Another point to keep in mind is that all rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.

Answer 2

The problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill offers, is the superiority of British shown over Hindu and Muslim. James Bill has put Indian History into three periods – Hindu, Muslim and British, claiming that it was necessary to introduce European manners, arts, institutions and laws in India.

James Mill’s views have several defects given below:

a. He thought that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilisation when compared to Europe.

b. According to his telling of history, before the British came to India, Hindu and Muslim despots ruled the country.

c. Religious intolerance, caste taboos and superstitious practices dominated social life before the British came to India