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    Unit 2 Sources of History

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    Unit 2 Sources of History

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    Unit 2 Sources of History

    Uploaded by

    Krishna Mishra
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    UNIT 2 : SOURCES OF HISTORY

    What are Sources of History?

    Sources are materials that help us understand and reconstruct the


    past. These include written records, physical objects, stories
    passed down orally, and modern digital tools.

    ---

    1. Literary Sources

    These are texts written or recorded during or about a specific


    historical period.

    Types of Literary Sources

    A. Religious Texts

    1. Shruti (Heard):

    Sacred texts believed to be directly revealed by divine powers.

    Examples:

    Vedas: Rigveda (hymns on nature), Samaveda (musical chants),


    Yajurveda (rituals), and Atharvaveda (magic and healing).

    Upanishads: Philosophical texts discussing soul (Atman) and


    universal truth (Brahman). Example: "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am
    Brahman).

    2. Smriti (Remembered):
    Human-composed texts based on memory and tradition.

    Examples:

    Epics:

    Ramayana: Story of Lord Rama, written by Valmiki, with 24,000


    verses.

    Mahabharata: Longest epic with over 1,00,000 verses, includes


    the Bhagavad Gita.

    Puranas: Mythological stories, e.g., Vishnu Purana and Shiva


    Purana.

    Law Codes: Manusmriti (rules for society), Narada Smriti.

    B. Secular Texts

    1. Historical Accounts:

    Written to record history or events.

    Examples:

    Rajatarangini (Kalhana): Chronicles of Kashmir's kings.

    Harshacharita (Banabhatta): Life of King Harsha.

    2. Political Treatises:
    Arthashastra (Chanakya): Guide on state administration and
    military.

    Mudrarakshasa (Vishakhadatta): Drama showcasing political


    intrigues.

    3. Sangam Literature (Tamil):

    Oldest Tamil texts (300 BCE–300 CE).

    Examples:

    Tolkappiyam: Tamil grammar and poetics.

    Silappadikaram: Epic of Kannagi's revenge.

    C. Foreign Accounts

    1. Megasthenes: Indica - Describes Mauryan administration.

    2. Chinese Pilgrims:

    Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang wrote about Indian society during the
    Gupta and Harsha periods.

    3. Al-Biruni: Studied Indian culture during Mahmud of Ghazni's


    time (Kitab-ul-Hind).
    ---

    2. Archaeological Sources

    These are physical remains of the past.

    Types of Archaeological Sources

    A. Inscriptions

    Writings engraved on stones, metals, or clay.

    Examples:

    Ashokan Edicts: Promoted Dhamma, inscribed in Brahmi and


    Kharosthi scripts.

    Allahabad Pillar Inscription: Praises Samudragupta’s


    achievements.

    Hathigumpha Inscription: Describes Kharavela's conquests in


    Kalinga.

    B. Coins

    Tell us about trade, economy, and rulers.

    Examples:

    Punch-marked coins: Mauryan period.

    Gupta coins: Gold coins showing rulers like Samudragupta and


    Chandragupta II.
    C. Monuments and Architecture

    1. Harappan Sites (2500–1500 BCE):

    Mohenjo-daro: Great Bath, granaries, seals.

    Dholavira: Water reservoirs, inscriptions.

    2. Buddhist Architecture:

    Sanchi Stupa: Ashokan period.

    Ajanta and Ellora caves: Rock-cut art.

    3. Temple Architecture:

    Brihadeshwara Temple (Chola).

    Khajuraho Temples (Chandela dynasty).

    D. Artifacts

    Small objects used in daily life or rituals.

    Examples:

    Dancing Girl Statue (Harappa): Bronze sculpture.

    Priest-King Statue (Mohenjo-daro): Steatite figure.


    ---

    3. Oral Sources

    These are stories, songs, and traditions passed down through


    generations.

    Examples of Oral Sources

    1. Folk Songs:

    Lavani (Maharashtra).

    Baul songs (Bengal).

    2. Folktales and Legends:

    Stories of Alha-Udal (Bundelkhand).

    Pabuji Ki Phad (Rajasthan).

    3. Genealogies:

    Traditional bards like Charans preserved family and clan histories.

    ---

    4. Digital Sources

    Modern technology to preserve and study history

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