Question

Which of the following most accurately describes Bernier’s main argument concerning Mughal administration?

(A)The Mughal government functioned more efficiently than the government of France.
(B)The Mughal government discouraged reckless spending by imposing high tax rates
(C)The Mughal government’s practice of tax farming was not an effective means of promoting economic growth.
(D) The Mughal government’s tolerance of large-scale imports of precious metals weakened the empire’s economy.

Answer 1

Based on historical context, Bernier's main argument would likely concern the ineffectiveness of the Mughal government's practice of tax farming in promoting economic growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main argument Bernier would likely make concerning Mughal administration, based on the historical context provided, is that the Mughal government’s practice of tax farming was not an effective means of promoting economic growth (Option C).

This inference aligns with descriptions of the Mughal Empire's decline, which mention financial burdens due to building projects like the Taj Mahal, military campaigns, and the erosion of Akbar's tax reforms. Aurangzeb's reign, while expansive, marked increasing religious intolerance and imposition of taxes on non-Muslims, which could have led to economic inefficiencies and contributed to a less inclusive economy, eventually weakening the empire's economic growth and stability. The comparison between tax policies and administration efficiency described in the historical context above does not provide direct evidence to support the other options as Bernier's main argument.