Question

Bernier often travelled with the army. This is an excerpt from his description of the army’s march to Kashmir: I am expected to keep two good Turkoman horses, and I also take with me a powerful Persian camel and driver, a groom for my horses, a cook and a servant to go before my horse with a flask of water in his hand, according to the custom of the country. I am also provided with every useful article, such as a tent of moderate size, a carpet, a portable bed made of four very strong but light canes, a pillow, a mattress, round leather table-cloths used at meals, some few napkins of dyed cloth, three small bags with culinary utensils which are all placed in a large bag, and this bag is again carried in a very capacious and strong double sack or net made of leather thongs. This double sack likewise contains the provisions, linen and wearing apparel, both of master and servants. I have taken care to lay in a stock of excellent rice for five or six days’ consumption, of sweet biscuits flavoured with anise (a herb), of limes and sugar. Nor have I forgotten a linen bag with its small iron hook for the purpose of suspending and draining dahi or curds; nothing being considered so refreshing in this country as lemonade and dahi.

What are the things from Bernier’s list that you would take on a journey today?

Answer 1

If travelling today, we would carry modern versions of Bernier’s essentials instead of raw provisions or animal transport.

1. Things from Bernier’s list to take today:
   • Bedding items: A pillow, mattress, and a light portable bed or sleeping mat.
   • Shelter gear: A portable tent of moderate size for camping out.
   • Basic utilities: Fabric napkins, basic culinary utensils, and durable travel bags.
   • Food items: Dry sweet biscuits, sugar, limes for making fresh drinks, and clean drinking water.
2. Things from his list we would skip today:
   • Animals: We use modern vehicles instead of Turkoman horses or Persian camels.
   • Attendants: We travel without personal grooms, water-bearers, or private cooks.
   • Heavy luggage: We replace raw rice stocks and leather tablecloths with packaged ready-to-eat meals and lightweight plastic or metal gear.