Francois Bernier was a Frenchman, a doctor, a political philosopher, and a historian. He came to the Mughal court in search of opportunities. He was in India for twelve years from 1656 to 1668. He was closely associated with the Mughal court as a physician to Prince Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan.

Let us learn more about François Bernier in details!

François Bernier

Following the arrival of the Portuguese in India around 1500, numerous accounts were written by them detailing Indian social customs and religious practices. Some, like the Jesuit Roberto Nobili, even undertook translations of Indian texts into European languages. Among the notable Portuguese writers was Duarte Barbosa, whose extensive work provided insights into trade and society in south India. Subsequently, from the early 1600s onwards, there was an increasing influx of Dutch, English, and French travelers to India. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a renowned French jeweler, made multiple visits to India and was particularly intrigued by its trading conditions, drawing comparisons with Iran and the Ottoman Empire. Notably, individuals like the Italian doctor Manucci chose to settle in India permanently, never returning to Europe.

François Bernier, a French polymath, spent twelve years in India from 1656 to 1668, seeking opportunities within the Mughal Empire. He was closely associated with the Mughal court, serving as a physician to Prince Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, Bernier established himself as an intellectual and scientist, collaborating with Danishmand Khan, an Armenian noble at the Mughal court.

Comparing “East” and ‘West”

Bernier extensively traveled across various regions of India and documented his observations, often drawing comparisons between India and Europe. His major work was dedicated to Louis XIV, the King of France, and he frequently wrote letters to influential officials and ministers. Despite portraying India in a negative light compared to Europe, Bernier’s writings gained widespread popularity upon publication.

Accompanying the Mughal army on their marches, Bernier meticulously described his travel arrangements and provisions. He mentioned being equipped with Turkoman horses, a Persian camel and driver, along with essential supplies such as tents, bedding, culinary utensils, and provisions like rice, biscuits, limes, and sugar. His accounts, initially published in France in 1670-71, were swiftly translated into several languages including English, Dutch, German, and Italian within the next five years. By 1725, his work had undergone numerous reprints in French and English, illustrating its enduring popularity. In contrast, Arabic and Persian accounts circulated mainly as manuscripts and were rarely published before 1800.

The Question of Landownership

• Bernier’s Travels in the Mughal Empire is marked by detailed observations, critical insights, and reflection.
• According to Bernier one of the fundamental differences between Mughal India and Europe was the lack of private property in land.
• He believed in the virtues of private property and saw crown ownership of land as harmful to both the state and its people.
• The empire owned all the land and distributed it among its nobles which had disastrous consequences for the economy and society.

A More Complex Social Reality

• He felt that artisans had no incentive to improve the quality of their manufactures.
• The profit was appropriated by the state.
• A vast quantities of the world’s precious metal flowed into India, as manufactures were exported in exchange for gold and silver.
• He also noticed the existence of prosperous merchant community, engaged in long-distance exchange.
• Merchants often had strong community or kin ties and were organized into their own caste-cum occupational bodies.
• Other urban groups included professional classes such as physicians (hakim or vaid), teachers (pundit or mulla), lawyers (wakil ), painters, architects, musicians, calligraphers, etc.
• Some depended on imperial patronage, many made their living by serving other patrons and some served ordinary people.

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Chapter 5 François Bernier- FAQs

What were the problems about cultivating the land according to Bernier?

According to Bernier, the problems about cultivating the land arose due to the following factors: Lands were little more than sand. Lands were in barren mountains. Lands were badly cultivated.

Who was Francois Bernier?

Francois Bernier was a French traveller who came to India in 17th century. Francois Bernier was a great French doctor, philosopher and an historian who remained in India from 1656 to 1688 and wrote his famous book entitled. “Travels in the Mughal court”. Francois has given great detail about Indian Kharkhenas.

What was Bernier’s view on Sati system?

The practice of sati according to Bernier showed the difference in the treatment of women in western and eastern society. He noticed how a child widow were forcefully burnt screaming on the funeral pyre while many of the older women were resigned their fate.

Why was Bernier opposed to land ownership in Mughal India?

Bernier was against the idea of crown ownership of land in Mughal India due to the following reasons: 1. Due to crown ownership of the land, the landholders had no right on the land. They could not pass on the land to their children.

 What according to Bernier were the problem faced by peasants in the subcontinent?

According to Bernier, the problems faced by peasants in the subcontinent were that peasants were treated badly by the governors or the revenue collectors.