Question

Why did Barnier call Mughal cities ‘camp towns’?

Hint:

Read the final question carefully! Many students stop after finding \(x\), but here you were specifically asked for \(5x\).

Answer 1

Barnier, a French traveller who visited India during the Mughal period, referred to Mughal cities as "camp towns" due to the following reasons:

1. Transitory Nature:
Barnier observed that many Mughal cities, especially the imperial ones, had a transient and temporary character. The Mughal emperors often moved their courts and administrative centers from one place to another, creating a sense of impermanence in these cities.

2. Military Presence:
Mughal cities, particularly those under the emperor's control, had a strong military presence, and the layout of these cities often resembled a camp in its organization. The forts, markets, and living quarters were organized with military precision, resembling the structure of a military camp.

3. Encampment of the Mughal Army:
The Mughal Empire's military influence in the city planning was visible, and the emperor's army would often encamp in various locations, adding to the temporary nature of these cities.