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Sources of Ancient History

This document discusses the main sources of Indian history: (1) Inscriptions found on stones, pillars, and buildings provide valuable historical facts about political and religious activities; (2) Numismatics, the study of coins, provides information about rulers, economies, and dynasties; (3) Archaeology examines ancient ruins and monuments to understand past life; (4) Literary sources like religious texts and accounts from foreigners shed light on culture and society; (5) Traditions like songs, festivals, and rituals are living sources of history passed through generations. These diverse sources allow historians to reconstruct events from India's past.

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Parjanya Shekhar
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901 views8 pages

Sources of Ancient History

This document discusses the main sources of Indian history: (1) Inscriptions found on stones, pillars, and buildings provide valuable historical facts about political and religious activities; (2) Numismatics, the study of coins, provides information about rulers, economies, and dynasties; (3) Archaeology examines ancient ruins and monuments to understand past life; (4) Literary sources like religious texts and accounts from foreigners shed light on culture and society; (5) Traditions like songs, festivals, and rituals are living sources of history passed through generations. These diverse sources allow historians to reconstruct events from India's past.

Uploaded by

Parjanya Shekhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DEPARTMENT OF UILS (LAW)

B.A LL.B 1ST SEM


SUBJECT :HISTORY-I
from: Assistant Prof.
Vishal Sood
1

www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali


SOURCES OF INDIAN HISTORY
VISION

Definition : Systematic record of historical past event is


called History

The sources of Indian history can be classified under the


following heads:
1.Inscriptions
2.Numismatics
3.Archaeology
4.Literary Sources
5.Traditions

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www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
VISION

1. Inscriptions

Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions. Epigraphic evidences form the most


reliable source of ancient history. They are engraved on stone tablets,
metal plates, pillars, walls of caves, etc. The inscriptions represent
various languages at different places and period of time. Some
inscriptions give details about the political and religious activities of that
time. Others are official, commemorative and historical.
Inscriptions supply valuable historical facts. The study of inscriptions is
called epigraphy. The study of the writings on ancient inscriptions and
records is called palaeography. Inscriptions are seen on rocks, pillars,
stones, slabs, walls of buildings, and body of temples. They are also
found on seals and copper plates. We have various types of inscriptions.
Some convey monarchical orders regarding administrative, religious and
major decisions to the public in general.

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www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
2. Numismatics
The study of coins is known as numismatics. Coins form another source of historical information.
Ancient coins were mostly made of gold, silver, copper or lead. Coin moulds of Kushan period
made of burnt clay have been also discovered. Some of the coins contain religious and legendary
symbols which throw light on the culture of that time. Coins also contain the figures of kings and
gods.
Some contain names and dates of the rulers. Coins also throw significant light on economic life of
ancient people. They indicate regarding trade and commerce and help to reconstruct the history
of several ruling dynasties. Coins have been the primary source of our information regarding the
various Indian states during the same period.

4
3. Archaeology
Archaeology is the scientific study of the remains of the past. They
include buildings monuments and other material relics that the
inhabitants of that period were associated with. Ancient ruins,
remains and monuments recovered as a result of excavation and
exploration are archaeological sources of history. The archaeological
remains are subjected to scientific examination of radio-carbon
method for its dates. Archaeological sources give us some knowledge
of the life of the ancient people. India is rich with ancient ruins,
remains, and monuments.

5
4. Literary Sources:

1. Religious Literature:
History is not a record of only the rulers. It is mostly an account of the people’s
life and living. The literature of every time is like a mirror of that time. Mental and
social conditions of the people are known from literary sources

2. Secular Literature:
There are many kinds of secular or non-religious literature. The law-books of ancient India
known as Dharmasutras and Smritis belong to this group. They contain code of duties for
kings, administrators, and people. They also contain rules regarding property, and
prescribe punishments for murder, theft and other crimes.

3. Accounts of Foreigners:
From very ancient times, foreigners visited India. Some of them left valuable accounts of
their travels or visits. Ancient Greek and Roman historians also wrote about India from
their knowledge and information. All these foreign accounts prove useful for writing history.

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www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
5. Traditions
Traditions have modulated and synthesized the Indian life. These were
practiced from the dome of civilizations and practiced through generations.
Songs, dramas, fairs and festivals besides rituals are an inalienable part of the
society. These are living sources of history.

7
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Thanks
Queries are welcome

8
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

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