Travels in the Mogul Empire

In Travels in the Mogul Empire, François Bernier recounts his experiences in 17th-century India, offering insights into its culture and society while highlighting British imperial interests.

In Travels in the Mogul Empire, François Bernier intricately narrates both grand events and everyday anecdotes, offering a unique perspective on northern India, its diverse populace, and rich cultural practices. His observations delve into the religious customs and societal norms of the region, presenting a Eurocentric viewpoint that highlights the complexities of Indian life during the 17th century. The narrative is further enriched by Irving Brock's translation, which emphasizes Britain's involvement in India while providing essential context to Bernier's original text.

The 1826 edition by Brock marks the first English translation of Bernier's 1670 work since its initial rendering from French in 1672. This updated version significantly enhances the earlier translation, making it more accessible to English-speaking audiences. Bernier, who served as the court physician to the Great Mogul Aurangzeb, spent twelve years in India, and his experiences profoundly shaped European understanding of the region. Brock's preface includes a biography of Bernier and an outline of the volumes' content, setting the stage for the detailed accounts that follow.

Volume 1 of the work covers a range of topics, from civil wars to the intricacies of the Mughal court's governance and military structure. It culminates in vivid descriptions of Delhi and Agra. This translation, with Brock's insightful annotations, serves as a valuable resource for scholars interested in post-colonial studies, early modern travel literature, and the interactions between Asia and Europe during a transformative period.