What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian history that James Mill offers
Answers
The problem with the periodisation of Indian history by James Mill is that he divided the Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It has been argued by many historians that it is not correct to periodise the Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. Similarly, it was not correct to periodise medieval India as Muslim History since people belonging to different faiths coexisted during this time. Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, practices and the culture of the other people do not matter. Mill also sought to show that before the advent of the British, all the Asiatic societies were at lower level of civilisation.
Answer:
James mill divided indian history into three periods-Hindu,muslim and British. But this periodisation is not proper.
There are some problems with this periodisation as follow:
(i) It is improper to refers any period of history as 'muslim' and 'hindi' because a variety of faiths existed simultaneously.
(ii)It is also not justified to characterise an age through the religion of the rulers of the time. During ancient period,all the rulers did not share the same faiths l.
(iii) Mill, through his periodisation suggested that only British rule could civilize India. He suggested that the British should conquer all the territories in India to ensure the enlightenment as if india was not capable of progress without British help.