A gold spoon studded with emeralds and rubies was made in Mughal India. Which view of Bernier does such an object most directly call into question?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Artisans had no incentive to improve the quality of their manufactures
Option (1) Vast quantities of precious metals flowed into India from abroad — Incorrect. Bernier did accept that precious metals flowed into India, as manufactures were exported for gold and silver. A fine spoon does not go against this view.
Option (2) A prosperous merchant community was engaged in long-distance exchange — Incorrect. Bernier also noticed a prosperous merchant community in long-distance trade. The spoon shows craft skill, which leaves this view untouched.
Option (3) Artisans had no incentive to improve the quality of their manufactures — Correct. The spoon is an example of the dexterity (great skill) of Mughal artisans. Bernier felt artisans had no reason to improve quality, as the state took their profits. Such fine work questions that view.
Option (4) Large parts of Bengal were fertile and produced articles of commerce — Incorrect. Bernier praised Bengal as very fertile, rich in rice, silks, cotton and indigo. This view is about farming, and the spoon does not question it.
NCERT (2026-27): “6.2 A more complex social reality “Fig. 5.12 A gold spoon studded with emeralds and rubies, an example of the dexterity of Mughal artisans” |