The seventeenth century witnessed a significant wave of French exploration and travel to India, a period marked by cross-cultural encounters between the French and the Indian subcontinent. This mini review delves into the biographies of French travelers who ventured to India during this time, offering valuable insights into their personal experiences, observations, and interactions with Indian culture, politics, and society. Through their writings, letters, and records, these travelers not only documented the exotic landscapes and peoples they encountered but also engaged in an early form of cultural exchange, shaping European perceptions of India. The review examines the contributions of prominent figures such as François Bernier, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, and others, highlighting the ways in which their travels influenced both French and Indian historical narratives. By exploring their lives and legacies, this work sheds light on the complex nature of travel during the seventeenth century and the lasting impact of these cross-cultural interactions on the fields of history, anthropology, and colonial studies.

French travellers, Seventeenth-century India, Cross-cultural encounters

Bernier, Francois. Travels in the Mogul Empire AD 1656-1658 (Trans.) Irving Brock and (ed.) Archibald Constable, Delhi: Low Price Publications.1934; 1994

Bernier, Francois. Introduction by France BhattacharyaFrancois Bernier, Voyage dans les Estats du Grand Mogol, Paris: Fayard. 1981

Carre, Abbe. The Travels of Abbe Carre in India and the Near East, 1672-1674, English (Trans.) by Lady Fawcett, (ed.) Charles Fawcett and Sir Richard Burn, 3 Vols., London: Hakluyt Society.1947

Chevalier, Jean-Baptiste. Les Adventures de Jean-Baptiste Chevalier dans l’Inde Oriental (1752-1765), Textes établis et annotés par Jean Deloche, Volume 140, Paris: Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient. 1984

Chevalier, Jean-Baptiste. The Aventures of the Jean-Baptiste Chevalier in Eastern India (1752-1765), trans. Jean Deloche & Caroline Dutta-Baruah, New Delhi: LBS Publication.2008

Deleury, Guy. Les Indes Florissantes: Anthologie des voyageurs français, 1750-1820, Paris:Laffont.1991

Dellon, Charles. Relation d’un Voyage faitaux Indes Orientales, 2 vols, Paris: Veuve Biestkins.1685

Dellon, Charles. Nouvelle Relation d’un Voyage fait aux Indes Orientales, Amsterdam: Paul Masset.1699

Dellon, Charles. Traite des Maladies Particulieres aux pays Orientaux, et dans la Route, Paris:M.C.D.D.E.M, 1685

Duperron, Abrahma-Hyacinthe Anquetil. Le Zend-Avesta, Ouvrage de Zorastre, vol. 1, Paris: N.M. Tilliard.1771