Question 11 of 25intermediate🔍 AnalyzeShort Answer2 marks

In what ways is the description in this excerpt different from that in Source 11?

Correct Answer

The description in the excerpt presents a picture of economic prosperity in Hindustan, noting that gold and silver from across the globe ultimately flow into India. This suggests thriving trade and wealth accumulation.

In contrast, Source 11 describes a bleak scenario of rural poverty and distress. It portrays vast tracts as barren, badly cultivated, and thinly populated. The peasantry suffers under tyrannical governance, with many perishing or fleeing the country due to excessive demands and oppression.

Thus, while the excerpt highlights India's economic strength through precious metal inflows, Source 11 focuses on the misery of the peasantry and agricultural decline, presenting opposing perspectives on the same region.

Exercise: A different socio-economic scenario | Q: 1 | (Page 19)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This question tests the student's ability to compare two contrasting descriptions from Bernier's accounts. The opening excerpt emphasizes India's prosperity through the inflow of precious metals, while Source 11 presents a pessimistic view of rural conditions. Students should identify that these are contradictory portrayals - one showing economic wealth accumulation, the other showing agricultural distress and peasant suffering.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the key theme in the opening excerpt - gold and silver flowing into India, indicating prosperity

  2. Step 2: Identify the key theme in Source 11 - barren lands, thin population, tyrannical rule, peasants fleeing

  3. Step 3: Compare and contrast the two perspectives - economic prosperity vs rural distress

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