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CDS 2021 (I)

European Observers of Mughals

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Francois Bernier was physician to:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept European physicians were prized in the Mughal court for their scientific knowledge. Bernier's association with the elite family gave him a front-row seat to the empire's greatest tragedy: the War of Succession.

Explanation François Bernier was a French physician who lived in India from 1658 to 1670. He was the personal physician to Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan. After Dara's defeat and execution, Bernier continued in the Mughal service under Aurangzeb.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: His famous book, 'Travels in the Mogul Empire,' provides a critical Western perspective on the decay of the Mughal state and the lack of private property.
Logic 2: While other Europeans were present, Bernier is specifically identified in all primary texts as the doctor who accompanied Dara Shikoh during his flight after the Battle of Samugarh.

Active Recall

Question

What was Bernier's opinion on the Mughal land system?

Answer

He believed that because the King owned all the land, the peasants had no incentive to improve it, leading to widespread poverty and decay.

Core Insight

Bernier was not just a doctor but a political analyst who used his time in Dara Shikoh's court to theorize about why European states were surpassing Asian empires.

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