1.3. François Bernier A Doctor with a Difference

Once the Portuguese arrived in India in about 1500, a number of them wrote detailed accounts regarding Indian social customs and religious practices. A few of them, such as the Jesuit Roberto Nobili, even translated Indian texts into European languages. Among the best known of the Portuguese writers is Duarte Barbosa, who wrote a detailed account of trade and society in south India. Later, after 1600, we find growing numbers of Dutch, English and French travellers coming to India. One of the most famous was the French jeweller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who travelled to India at least six times. He was particularly fascinated with the trading conditions in India, and compared India to Iran and the Ottoman empire. Some of these travellers, like the Italian doctor Manucci, never returned to Europe, and settled down in India. François Bernier, a Frenchman, was a doctor, political philosopher and historian. Like many others, he came to the Mughal Empire in search of opportunities. He was in India for twelve years, from 1656 to 1668, and was closely associated with the Mughal court, as a physician to Prince Dara Shukoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, and later as an intellectual and scientist, with Danishmand Khan, an Armenian noble at the Mughal court.

François Bernier was a French traveller who visited India during the Mughal Empire. He spent twelve years there and worked closely with the Mughal court. He was originally a doctor and had a keen interest in philosophy and history. During his travels, he observed and recorded the differences between Indian society and that of Europe, especially focusing on social customs and political structures. This period also saw many Europeans coming to India, often in search of trade opportunities. His writings provide insights into the experiences of 17th-century Europe, illustrating how foreign perceptions shaped understandings of Indian society.

Think of François Bernier like a contemporary travel vlogger who goes to a new country, documents what he sees, and compares it to his home. The accounts he shares help others understand life in that new place through his eyes, just like Bernier's writings offer a glimpse into Mughal India from a European perspective.

Bernier travelled to several parts of the country, and wrote accounts of what he saw, frequently comparing what he saw in India with the situation in Europe. He dedicated his major writing to Louis XIV, the king of France, and many of his other works were written in the form of letters to influential officials and ministers. In virtually every instance, Bernier described what he saw in India as a bleak situation in comparison to developments in Europe. As we will see, this assessment was not always accurate. However, when his works were published, Bernier’s writings became extremely popular.

Bernier's writings often highlighted the contrasts between India and Europe. He believed that many aspects of Indian society were lacking when compared to European standards, presenting a rather pessimistic picture of India. This tendency to focus on the negative aspects of what he observed made his accounts notorious but also popular. His observations were important as they influenced how Europeans understood and interacted with the Mughal Empire even after his time.

Imagine a student who visits a new school and only focuses on what they think is wrong, such as the lack of modern facilities compared to their old school. Their stories might make it seem like the new school is terrible, even though it has many strengths. Similarly, Bernier's focus on India's flaws shaped a negative image in European minds, despite the rich culture and advancements present in India.

Bernier often travelled with the army. This is an excerpt from his description of the army’s march to Kashmir: I am expected to keep two good Turkoman horses, and I also take with me a powerful Persian camel and driver, a groom for my horses, a cook and a servant to go before my horse with a flask of water in his hand, according to the custom of the country. I am also provided with every useful article, such as a tent of moderate size, a carpet, a portable bed made of four very strong but light canes, a pillow, a mattress, round leather table-cloths used at meals, some few napkins of dyed cloth, three small bags with culinary utensils which are all placed in a large bag, and this bag is again carried in a very capacious and strong double sack or net made of leather thongs. This double sack likewise contains the provisions, linen and wearing apparel, both of master and servants. I have taken care to lay in a stock of excellent rice for five or six days’ consumption, of sweet biscuits flavoured with anise (a herb), of limes and sugar. Nor have I forgotten a linen bag with its small iron hook for the purpose of suspending and draining dahi or curds; nothing being considered so refreshing in this country as lemonade and dahi.

In this excerpt, Bernier details the specific arrangements he made while travelling with the Mughal army, including the horses and supplies he took with him. This insight highlights the logistical aspects of travel in the 17th century and suggests that equipped and well-prepared travellers could have more enjoyable and safer journeys. It reflects the customs and expectations of the time, showcasing how travel was embedded in the social and political practices of the Mughal Empire.

Think of going on a camping trip today where you need to pack all essentials like food, shelter, and personal items for a comfortable stay outdoors. Just like modern campers must plan extensively, Bernier’s detailed packing and preparation were similar efforts, ensuring his needs were met during his travels across the vast Mughal Empire.

Bernier’s works were published in France in 1670-71 and translated into English, Dutch, German and Italian within the next five years. Between 1670 and 1725 his account was reprinted eight times in French, and by 1684 it had been reprinted three times in English. This was in marked contrast to the accounts in Arabic and Persian, which circulated as manuscripts and were generally not published before 1800.

The widespread publication and translation of Bernier's works allowed a large audience in Europe to engage with his perspectives on India, influencing European views on the Mughal Empire and Indian society. This rapid dissemination showcased the demand for accounts of foreign lands and helped shape narratives about India in European culture. It contrasts sharply with other travel accounts recorded in languages like Arabic and Persian, which had limited access due to their manuscript format.

Imagine how popular novels or movies can shape public perceptions about cultures. If a book is adapted into multiple languages and reaches diverse audiences quickly, it can influence how people think about that culture. Similarly, Bernier's translations allowed his observations on India to reach a much broader audience, impacting European ideas about Indian society.

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