Travels In The Mogul Empire : A. D. 1656-1668 (Hardcover)  | Released: 1989

The book Travels in the Mogul Empire A. D. 1656-68 by Francois Bernier continues to remain as important and popular as it was in 1671, when its English edition was published. John Dryden, the famous poet and dramatist, drew his inspiration for his last and perfect tragedy Aurang-zebe from the same book. Francois Bernier, being a physician, had an unlimited access. In Mughal India, he could go anywhere from South to North. This freedom of movement combined with his powers of observation adds authority to his narrative. His account of various events during Mughal regime is interesting, because it not only deals with Shah Jahan and his children, their intrigues and battles for the throne but it also deals with subjects like reception of ambassadors; upbringing of princes ; bravery of Uzbec women; beauty of Kashmiri women; fishes in the Verinag pool ; price of wine ; living conditions in the cities of Agra, Delhi and Lahore; flattery in Mughal court; corrupt officials ; wealth of the Mughals and condition of the peasants, etc. The translation by Archibald Constable is revised by the famous historian Vincent A. Smith. As a source book for the condition in India during the days of the Mughal rule, this book has no rival. Table of Contents: The History of the late Rebellion in the States of the Great Mogol Remarkable occurrences after the War Letter to Monseigneur Colbert concerning Hindoustan Letter to M. de la Mothe le Vayer, containing a description of Dehli and Agra Letter to M. Chapelain describing the Gentiles of Hindoustan Series of nine letters to M. de Merveilles, descriptive of a march made with the Camp of the Emperor Aureng-Zebe to Kachemire Replies to questions put by M. Thevenot regarding: i Jews in Kachemire ii The Moisson or periodical rains in the Indies iii The regularity of the Winds and Currents in the Indies iv The fertility, wealth and beauty of the Kingdom of Bengale v The periodical rising of the Nile A Memorandum, omitted to be inserted in my first Work, to complete the Map of Hindoustan, and make known the Revenues of the Great Mogol Abstract of the King's Licence, from the 1670 Paris edition Appendices: i Regarding Dryden's Tragedy of AURENG-ZEBE ii On the identity of the ' Great Mogul's diamond' with the Koh-i-nr iii Tavernier's description of the Peacock Throne of the Great Mogul iv Note on the letter to Monsigneur Colbert concerning the absorption of the precious metals in India v Some particulars relating to Mr. H[enry] O[uldin-burgh] INDEX