How did Bernier view India in relation to the western world?a)Superior...
- François Bernier, a French traveler and physician, often compared India unfavorably to Europe, particularly France, in his writings.
- He believed that India lagged behind Europe in various aspects, including political organization, social structure, and economic development.
- Bernier observed that in India, the Mughal Empire's system of crown land ownership discouraged private property and long-term agricultural investment, leading to economic decline.
- He noted the rigid social hierarchy and lack of political freedom, contrasting these with what he saw as more dynamic and progressive systems in Europe.
- His belief that these factors made India inferior to the Western world underpinned his overall negative assessment of the country. Thus, both assertion and reason are true and reason correctly explains the assertion. So, option A is correct.
How did Bernier view India in relation to the western world?a)Superior...
Understanding the Assertion and Reason
The assertion (A) indicates that Bernier viewed India as inferior to the Western world. The reason (R) elaborates on this by stating that he believed India's political organization, social structure, and economic development were less advanced compared to those in Europe.
Analysis of Assertion (A)
- Bernier, a French traveler and physician, is known for his observations on India in the 17th century.
- His writings often reflected a Eurocentric perspective, which led him to view Indian society through a lens of Western superiority.
Analysis of Reason (R)
- In his accounts, Bernier critiqued various aspects of Indian life, suggesting that the political systems and economic structures were not on par with European standards.
- He highlighted elements such as the lack of centralized governance and the perceived stagnation in economic development.
Conclusion
- Both the assertion and the reason are true: Bernier did perceive India as inferior (A), and he justified this view based on the political, social, and economic comparisons he made (R).
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A': Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
This understanding illustrates how historical perspectives can reflect biases and assumptions that shape the interpretation of different cultures.