Question

what is the problems with James mill periodisation of Indian history?​

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist and a political philosopher, published A History of British India in three volumes. He divided Indian history into three periods—Hindu, Muslim and British. It has been argued by many historians that it is not correct to periodise Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers. For example, when the Hindu kings ruled in ancient India, many religions existed peacefully. The same is also true for mediaeval India. It was not correct to periodise mediaeval India as Muslim History because people belonging to different faiths existed during this time. Such periodisation which was based on the religion of the rulers suggests that the lives, practices and culture of the other people do not matter.