Travels in the Mogul Empire AD 1656-1668

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About the Book

The present work continues to remain as important and as popular as it was in 1671, when its English edition was published. John Dryden, the famous poet and dramatist, drew his inspiration from his last and prefect 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 event 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 condition in the cities of Agra, Delhi and Lahore; flattery in Mughal and condition of the peasants, etc. This 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.

List of Illustrations

Preface

Chronicle of some of the principal events in the life and times of Francois Bernier

Bibliography of the writing of Francois Bernier

Translation of Bernier's Dedication to King Louis xiv. of France , from the 1670 Paris edition

Translation of Bernier's Address to the Reader, from the1670 Paris edition

An extract of a letter to Mr. H. O., from M. de Monceaux the younger, from the 1671 London edition

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 Delhi 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 question put by M. Thevenot regarding:-

1. Jews in Kachemire
2. The Moisson or periodical rains in the Indics
3. The regularity of the Winds and Currents in the Indies
4. The fertility, wealth and beauty of the Kingdom of Bengal
5. 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:-

1. Regarding Dryden's Tragedy of AURENG-ZEBE
2. On the identity of the 'Great Mogul's diamond' with the Kohi-i-nur
3. Tavernier's description of the Peacock Throne of the Great Mogul
4. Note on the letter to Monsigneur Colbert concerning the absorption of the precious metals in India
5. Some particulars relating to Mr. H[enry] O[uldinburgh]

INDEX