Travels in the Mogul Empire 1656 to 1668

Based on the English translation of the French work, Voyage dans les Etats du Grand Mogol by Archibald Constable, Travels in the Mogul Empire covers a significant part of the Mughal period. This French travelogue is based on Bernier’s expedition to Mughal India. Much of this work covers the period of Mughal emperors Shah Jahan (r.1628-1658) and Aurangzeb (r.1658-1707). This volume is marked with various distinct themes, as Bernier writes this book with astute obser­vation, critical inspection, and reflection on various things during his visit to India. The author compares it with the economy, society, polity, and other social aspects of contemporary Europe. He generally presents India in a pessimistic manner in terms of economic and social con­ditions. The book covers the first hand accounts of different regions of Mughal India, such as Delhi, Agra, Bengal, Kashmir, etc., its topography, climate, and ethnography.