Monday, 17 April 2017

History ch-1 Traces of Modern Indian History (Extra Questions)

Traces of Modern Indian History

 Extra Questions

1.       What is the scope of the modern period of Indian history?
The modern period of Indian history is primarily marked by the East India Company, Battle of Plassey, the long reign of the British supremacy, the Great Uprising of 1857, and India’s struggle for Independence.

2.       Explain James Mill’s view on periodisation.
James Mill in his book, A History of British India divided Indian history into three periods, namely, Hindu, Muslim and British.

3.       Explain significance of the following source of modern Indian history:
 Administrative records (most important source of information. record of every official proceeding, important documents and papers. specialised institutions such as archives and museums, National Archives of India at New Delhi and the India Office Records in London, The India Office Records’ collections.

4.       Why is photograph considered a speechless eyewitness?
Visual record source that conveys many historical facts and realities.

5.       How are paintings useful as sources of modern history?
We understand western methods and techniques use in the Indian art of that time. exhibit the day to day life of men and women. corroborate evidence gleaned from other sources.

6.  List some examples of oral sources of modern history.
Information transmitted by word of mouth through successive generations, interviews and recordings of people and witnesses to historical events are oral sources.

7. Explain the significance of films in modern history. 
study the history of modern period. unfolding many historical facts. throw light on the clashes between the British colonizers and the Indian subjects. understand personal lives of leaders and study their contribution in the struggle of Independence.

8. What are the literary sources for the modern period? Write a note on time in history.
The literary sources for the modern period are official records government report, survey report etc. Time in history political history has the definite dates, the social cultural & economic history that cannot be given a specific date.
  Official records –
The Mughals introduced the culture of recording every things this was further perfected by the British. Every administration decision was recorded and carefully preserved. Many of the official records of the period are not preserved in National Archives of India.
Survey reports –
The British also started the practice of conducting surveys. Population surveys, revenue surveys, land surveys and many other surveys were conducted. The British made a large number of topographic maps. Census operations also began.

 9. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill offers?
Ans. James MIll divided his book into three period, namely: Hindu Muslims and British. According to his prejudiced version of Indian history, the British rule represents all the forces of progress and civilisation, while the period before British rule represents darkness, ignorance, despotism, religious intolerance, caste taboos, superstitious practises, etc.
The view of Mill has several problems which is not acceptable due to reasons:
(i) A variety of faiths, apart from Hinduism and Islam, existed in the periods categorised as Hindu and Muslim by Mill.
(ii) All rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.
(iii) It is this country from where two other religions like- Buddhism and Jainism developed and spread to other parts of the world while Hindu religion also existed.

10. Why did the British preserve official documents?
Ans. The British preserved the important official documents because these served as records of what the officials thought, what they were interested in and what they wished for. According to the British, writing was more important than speaking as the documents in archives and museums can be utilized for reference at a much later period whenever required for studying or debating. These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision or action taken earlier on some matter.



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