Question

Describe the extent to which Bernier'* account enables historians to reconstruct contemporary rural society.

Answer 1

• In the Mughal Empire all land was owned by the emperor.
• Lack of Private property.
• Crown ownership was disastrous for both economy and society.
• Land couldn't be inherited by their heirs.
• Land holders ignored the improvement in land.
• Resulted - decline in agricultural yields, oppression of the peasantry, decline in living standards of all sections of society.
• There were only two classes - rich ruling class and poor class - no middle class existed in India.
• Many **** travellers were influenced by Bernier'* view. But this presents an erroneous picture.