Question

Bernier is perhaps the only historian who provides a detailed account of the working of the imperial karkhanas or workshops: Large halls are seen at many places, called karkhanas or workshops for the artisans. In one hall, embroiderers are busily employed, superintended by a master. In another, you see the goldsmiths; in a third, painters; in a fourth, varnishers in lacquer-work; in a fifth, joiners, turners, tailors and shoe-makers; in a sixth, manufacturers of silk, brocade and fine muslins … The artisans come every morning to their karkhanas where they remain employed the whole day; and in the evening return to their homes. In this quiet regular manner, their time glides away; no one aspiring for any improvement in the condition of life wherein he happens to be born.

How does Bernier convey a sense that although there was a great deal of activity, there was little progress?

Answer 1

Bernier balances the contrast between a bustling work environment and a stagnant society by focusing on the rigid routine and lack of social mobility among the artisans.

I. The great deal of activity is:

• Diverse Crafts: He lists multiple specialised groups working simultaneously, including embroiderers, goldsmiths, painters, varnishers, joiners, turners, tailors, shoemakers, and weavers.
• Busy Workshops: He describes large halls (karkhanas) filled with specialised labourers actively manufacturing high-value goods like silk, brocade, and fine muslins.
• Continuous Labour: The artisans arrive early every single morning and remain actively employed throughout the entire day under the strict supervision of a master.

II. The little progress for it is:

• Rigid Routine: He describes their daily life as passing by in a “quiet regular manner,” implying an unchanging, mechanical monotony.
• No Ambition: He explicitly notes that “no one aspiring for any improvement,” showing a complete lack of ambition or drive to break the cycle.
• Fixed Social Status: He states that artisans remain permanently confined to “the condition of life wherein he happens to be born,” highlighting a stagnant system with zero upward social mobility.