Sources of Ancient History
Important Features of History
1
The important aspects of the study of History are :-
- To know - how did agriculture or other means of existence begin.
- When did our primitives begin the use of metal and how did they develop spinning, weaving, metalworking, etc.
- How did the political and administrative systems evolve.
- How did the development of literature, urban life, science, and architecture evolve, etc.
v The study of history helps in understanding the people, societies, and nations and finally, the whole humanity gets a sense of identity and belonging.
“History gives a society or a nation an identity. It is not something that we can disown”
v Voltaire (a
great intellectual from France) contended that India is the cradle of worldly civilizations and homeland of
religion in its oldest and purest form.
v Voltaire also wrote, "In short I
am convinced that everything - astronomy, astrology, metaphysics, etc. comes to
us from the bank of Ganges".
Ancient History- Sources of History
History:-
Written evidences available (From Vedic Phase till present)
Prehistory:-
No written evidence; Archeological evidences available, (Eg-stone age)
Proto-history:-
Written evidences available; but could not be deciphered (Eg- Harappan Period).
- 1) Literature
- 2) Archaeological Evidence
- 3) Inscriptions (Epigraphy is a study of inscriptions)
- 4) Coins (Numismatics is a study of coins
- 5) Accounts of the Foreigners
Ø Puranas: -
Stories of kings and gives genealogies of the various dynasties. Important source for knowing political history of Ancient India.
Ø Epics:- Ramayana, Mahabharata.
Ø Sangam-literature:– Tolkappiyam, Ettuogai, Pattupattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, Silpadikarm and Manimekkalai.
Ø Plays:- by Kalidas; and other writings of Navaratnas in the court of Guptas
Ø Brahmans: Explanations of Vedas
Ø Aranyaks: Forest books,
Ø Upanishads: Metaphysical
Ø VEDAS:-
Rig-Veda:
Prayers
of God
Sam-Veda: Songs, 1st book of music,
Yajur-Veda: Ritual
processes
Atharva-Veda: not written by
Aryans; book on magic
FOREIGN LITERATURE:-
1. Visakha Datta: Mudra
Rakshas;(
Gupta period) Chanakya-Chandragupta story
2. Malavikagnimitram :- written by Kalidas gives information of the reign of Pusyamitra Sunga dynasty.
3. Harshacharita, written by Banabhatta.
4. Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa:- Buddhist books written in Sri Lanka,(during Ashoka spread)
5. Divyavadan :- Tibetan Buddhist book, Ashoka spread
2.Archaeological Evidences:
- Settlements and other architectural remains
- Pottery – Black and Red Ware, Northern Black polished ware, Polished Grey Ware etc.
- Tools- stone and bone tools and tools made up of metals like Bronze and Iron.
- Burials and tools available near the burials.
- Pollen analysis of the floral remains.
3.Inscriptions:
- Engravings on stone or other metal objects.
- Rock edicts- Major and Minor Pillar edicts.
- Eg;- Allahabad inscription of Samudragupta.
4.Monuments
During the Gupta period, the large caves i.e. Chaityas and Viharas were excavated in the hills of Western India.
The Kailasa Temple of Ellora and Rathas at Mahabalipuram have been carved out of rocks from outside.
5.Coins
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