• ISBN13: 9788171561278
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: History
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd
• Publisher Imprint: Atlantic
• Publication Date: July 14, 2023
• Pages: 428
• Original Price: INR 1195.0
• Language: English
• Edition: N/A
• Item Weight: 540 grams
• BISAC Subject(s): N/A

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.

• CONTENTS
• List of Illustrations v
• Preface vii
• Chronicle of some of the principal events in the life and times of François Bernier xiii
• A Bibliography of the writings of François Bernier xvii
• Translation of Bernier’s Dedication to King Louis XIV. of France, from the 1670 Paris edition xli
• Translation of Bernier’s Address to the Reader, from the 1670 Paris edition xliii
• An extract of a letter to Mr. H. O., from M. de Monceaux the younger, from the 1671 London edition xlv
• The History of the late Rebellion in the States of the Great Mogol 3
• Remarkable occurrences after the War 87
• Letter to Monseigneur Colbert concerning Hindoustan 149
• Letter to M. de la Mothe le Vayer, containing a description of Dehli and Agra 178
• Letter to M. Chapelain describing the Gentiles of Hindoustan 223
• Series of nine letters to M. de Merveilles, descriptive of a march made with the Camp of the Emperor Aureng-Zebe to Kachemire 260
• Replies to questions put by M. Thevenot regarding:—
• i. Jews in Kachemire 321
• ii. The Moisson or periodical rains in the Indies 323
• iii. The regularity of the Winds and Currents in the Indies 325
• iv. The fertility, wealth and beauty of the Kingdom of Bengale 327
• v. The periodical rising of the Nile 334
• 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 341
• Abstract of the King’s Licence, from the 1670 Paris edition 346
• Appendices:—
• i. Regarding Dryden’s Tragedy of Aureng-Zebe 347
• ii. On the identity of the ‘Great Mogul’s diamond’ with the Koh-i-núr 352
• iii. Tavernier’s description of the Peacock Throne of the Great Mogul 354
• iv. Note on the letter to Monsigneur Colbert concerning the absorption of the precious metals in India 356
• v. Some particulars relating to Mr. H[enry] O[uldinburgh] 360
• Index 363