10 Questions
Who was James Mill?
James Mill was a Scottish economet and political philosopher.
What book did James Mill write?
James Mill wrote a three volume book A History of British India, which was published in 1917.
How did James Mill divide Indian history?
James Mill divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British rule.
What did James Mill believe about Asian societies compared to Europe?
James Mill believed that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilization than Europe.
What did James Mill think about the British rule in India?
James Mill thought that only the British rule could civilize India, as it represented all the forces of progress and civilization.
Who was James Mill?
James Mill was a Scottish economet and political philosopher.
What book did James Mill write?
James Mill wrote a three-volume book, A History of British India, which was published in 1917.
How did James Mill divide Indian history in his book?
In his book, James Mill divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British rule.
What did James Mill believe about Asian societies compared to Europe?
James Mill believed that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilization than Europe.
According to James Mill, what did the British rule represent for India?
James Mill thought that only the British rule could civilize India, as it represented all the forces of progress and civilization.
Study Notes
James Mill's Periodisation of Indian History
- James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, divided Indian history into three periods in his book "A History of British India" (1817)
- Mill believed that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilization than Europe
- He viewed India before British rule as being ruled by Hindu and Muslim despots, characterized by religious intolerance, caste taboos, and superstitious practices
- Mill considered these periods before British rule as "darkness" and believed that only British rule could civilize India, representing the forces of progress and civilization
Alternative Periodisation of Indian History
- Historians have also divided Indian history into ancient, medieval, and modern periods, borrowing from Western historiography
- This periodisation too has its limitations
Test your knowledge of James Mill's periodization of Indian history with this quiz. Explore the Hindu, Muslim, and British periods as outlined in Mill's "A History of British India." See how well you know his perspectives on the civilization levels of Asian societies compared to Europe.
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