Question

How did Bernier’s account highlight the positive role of Indian women ? Explain.

Hint:

Bernier wrote "Travels in the Mogul Empire". His account is often used by historians to balance the purely patriarchal view of medieval Indian history. He was particularly struck by the skill of Indian female artisans.

Answer 1

Concept:

• Francois Bernier was a French physician and traveller who lived in the Mughal Empire for 12 years (1656–1668).
• While many European travellers focused on sensationalist topics like Sati, Bernier's detailed observations also shed light on the economic and social participation of women.
• His accounts provide a rare glimpse into the daily lives and productive roles of women in medieval India.

Step 1: Participation in the production process
Bernier observed that Indian women were not merely domestic figures but were an integral part of the labor force.
He noted that women were heavily involved in agricultural tasks alongside men in the villages.
In urban areas, he described women as being essential to the textile industry, participating in spinning, weaving, and fine embroidery work for the royal workshops (Karkhanas).

Step 2: Presence in administrative and noble circles
Bernier’s account of the Mughal court highlights that noblewomen often wielded significant influence.
He mentioned the role of imperial ladies in court politics and their ownership of property and trade ventures.
Some women from commercial families were literate and involved in keeping business accounts, showcasing a level of intellectual and administrative participation that is often overlooked.

Step 3: Social resilience and agency
Even when discussing the practice of Sati, Bernier occasionally noted the extreme courage and firm conviction shown by some women.
While he viewed the practice with horror, his detailed descriptions sometimes revealed the strength of character and the sense of duty that these women possessed within their cultural framework.
His observations suggest that women were active participants in shaping the social and economic fabric of the Mughal Empire.