Name: Getting to Know Our Past
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 6 min 23 s
Description: Humans have left behind chronicles of their lives through cave art, inscriptions, and manuscripts. Let’s examine these important traces of our past.

Question

What are the literary sources of Indian history?

Accepted Answer

The term "literary source" or "manuscript" refers to all historical writings. For historians, they are very significant. People used to write on dried palm leaves, bhojpatras, copper plates, etc. before paper was invented. The following list of literary sources includes some:

Religious Literature: The Sanskrit Vedas of the Hindus, the Pali Pitakas of the Buddhists, and the Prakrit Angas of the Jains make up religious literature. They provide information on the culture, society, customs, and traditions of the time. Along with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, other important historical texts include the Puranas and the Epics.

Non-religious Literature: In addition to the writings of Kautilya (Arthshastra), Kalidas (Abhigyan Shakuntalam), and others, non-religious literature also includes prose, dramas, poetry, grammar, and other genres.

Secular Literature: It sheds light on the way of life at that time. Another important source of information on ancient Indian history and culture is the account of events by foreign pilgrims and travelers who visited India in the past, such as the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien and the Greek diplomat Megasthenes.

Historical Literature: Historical literature includes biographical sketches like Harashacharita and autobiographies of legendary figures.

What are the literary sources of Indian history?

Events: Events can include major conflicts and revolutions, cultural movements, and scientific discoveries.
People: Individuals have a significant impact on how history is shaped. Historical individuals including leaders, creators, artists, philosophers, and activists have had an impact on society and changed the course of history.

Important Questions on Studying the Past

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