Question

what is the problem with the periodisation of indian history that james mill offers

Answer 1

James Mill divides Indian history into three periods − Hindu, Muslim 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 practises, etc. However, the periodisation of Indian History on the basis of 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 the time. To do so would suggest that the lives and the practises of the others do not really matter. Another point to keep in mind is that all rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.

Answer 2

Answer :

James mill divided Indian history into Hinduism and Muslim and British periods.

This periodisation is based on the religious line that there was a face for which the Hindu were the rulers and other work ruled.

Then came the face of the Muslims and Britishers i.e. Christians. He had a colonial mind and thought asians to have poorly civilized. He felt Europeans to be superior.

So , infact, through this periodisation he tried to divide the people with their own specific identity which was not a correct.

During the Muslim and British they were were thousands of Hindu and Muslim princely states.

So , this is not a proper periodisation of Indian history.

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