Chapter 1 Sources of History
Sources of History Exercise
1. Complete the names of the following sources of history.
l e g e n d
t a r i k h
b a k h a r
P o w a d a
i n s c r i p t i o n
m o n u m e n t
2. Let’s write.
(1) What do monuments include ?
Ans: Monuments include samadhis, graves, veergala and buildings.
(2) What is a Tarikh?
Ans: Tavarikh or Tarikh means the sequence of events.
(3) What qualities of the author are important in the writing of history?
Ans: The author’s impartiality and neutrality are very important in writing history.
3. Find the odd man out.
(1) Material sources, written sources,unwritten sources, oral sources.
Ans: Unwritten sources
(2) Monuments, coins, cave sculptures,stories
Ans: stories
(3) Bhurja Patra, temples, treatises,paintings.
Ans: temples
(4) Owis, tarikhs, folk tales, myths
Ans: tarikhs
4. Explain the following concepts.
(1) Material sources: The authentic material evidence or proofs of the ancient period which support our study of historical events are called material sources of history e.g building, coins, script, Inscriptions, copper plates.
(2) Written sources: The authentic material evidence or proofs of the ancient period which support our study of historical events are called written sources e.g. Documents of proceedings in the courts of kings, Genealogies, Correspondence,Dispatches, Treatise, Biographies, Tavarikh etc.
(3) Oral sources: We understand various aspects of folk life through folk literature traditionally passed on from generation to generation. Some examples are – owls,folk songs, powadas, folk tales, legends,and myths. Such types of sources are called ‘oral sources’ of history.
5. Is it necessary to evaluate sources of history ? Give your opinion.
Ans: Yes, It is necessary to evaluate sources of History. We have to examine their authenticity and see which are genuine and which are fake. We also have to study the integrity of the writers, their personal interests, the period in which they live and the political pressures on them. The sources have to be subjected to a critical analysis.
6. Write why in your words.
(1) A stone inscription is considered to be an authentic source of history.
Ans: An inscription is a carving on a stone, or a wall. It helps us to understand features like the language, script, social life of a period.
(2) Oral sources reveal various aspects of people’s lives.
Ans: We understand various aspects of folk life through folk literature traditionally passed on from generation to generation. Through oral sources we come to know the culture, traditions, the religious belief and economic condition of the people in those times.
Activity
Visit any museum that is nearby. Gather information about the sources of history from the period that you are studying and record it in your activity book.