Maharashtra Board Class 10 History Chapter 2 Historiography Indian Tradition PDF Download

Historiography: Indian Tradition

Tradition of Indian Historiography

We learnt about the western tradition of historiography in the last lesson. In this lesson we will know about the tradition of Indian historiography.

Historiography In The Ancient Period

In the ancient period in India memories of the great deeds of ancestors and mythological lore, also memories of social transitions were preserved with the help of oral recitals.

The inscriptions on the Harappan seals and other artefacts confirm that Indians had mastered the art of writing as early as the third millennium B.C.E. or perhaps before that. However, the Harappan script is not yet successfully deciphered.

The earliest known written documents of historical nature found in India are in the form of inscriptions. They are dated to the 3rd century B.C.E., that is emperor Ashok Maurya's times. His edicts are inscribed on natural rocks and stone pillars.

From the 1st century C.E. inscriptions begin to occur on coins, metal images and sculptures, and also on copper plates. They provide important historical information. We get to know about the dates of various kings, dynastic genealogies, territorial extent and administration of various empires and kingdoms and also important political events, social organisation, climate, famines, etc. of the respective times.

The ancient Indian literature including the epics Ramayana and Mahabharat, Puranas, Jain and Buddhist texts, historical accounts by Indian authors and also travelogues by foreign travellers are important sources of history.

Writing of biographies of kings and dynastic histories mark an important step in the Indian historiography. 'Harshacharit', written in the 7th century C.E. by Banabhatta is King Harsha's biography. It portrays a realistic picture of the social, economic, political, religious and cultural life during the king's times.

Teacher's Note

In ancient India, people wrote on stones and copper plates to keep history safe. Just like we take photos to remember events, they carved their stories on hard materials that would last forever.

Exam Trick

Remember: Ancient inscriptions = Ashok's time. Emperor Ashok's edicts on rocks and pillars are the earliest written Indian history. This is your starting point for ancient Indian records.

Points to Remember

Ancient Indians used oral recitals to preserve stories and memories.
Harappan seals show Indians could write in 3000 B.C.E.
Emperor Ashok's edicts are the earliest known written historical documents.
Inscriptions on coins and copper plates tell us about kings, battles, and daily life.
Ancient literature like Ramayana and Puranas are important history sources.

Historiography In The Medieval Period

The style of writing 'Rajtarangini', the history of Kashmir by Kalhana in the 12th century C.E. is quite close to the concept of modern historiography. Kalhana himself says that he wrote this text after critically examining various sources like inscriptions, coins, remains of ancient monuments, dynastic records and local traditions.

In the medieval India the historians in the courts of Muslim rulers were influenced by Arabic and Persian historiography. Among them Ziauddin Barani holds an important place. In 'Tarikh-i-Phiruz Shahi', a book written by him, he has stated the purpose of historiography. According to him the historian's duty is not limited only to the recording of the ruler's valour and policies of welfare but he should also write about the ruler's failings and incorrect policies. Barani further says that a historian should also take into consideration the impact of the teachings of the wise, the learned, and the saints on the cultural life of people. Thus, Barani expanded the scope of historiography.

For the historians in the Mughal courts praising the emperors and exhibition of loyalty became more important. The custom of adding suitable poetic quotes and beautiful pictures was also introduced. Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire wrote an autobiography, entitled, 'Tuzuk-i-Babari'. It contains the descriptions of the battles fought by him. Babur also recorded his minute observations of various regions and cities travelled by him including the local economy, customs and the flora.

Abul Fazl's 'Akbarnama' is very important from the viewpoint of critical historiography. His method of collecting authentic historical documents and their scrutiny is looked upon as devoid of bias and hence realistic.

'Bakhar' is an important type of historical documents of medieval times. It contains eulogies of the heroes and stories of historic events, battles, lives of great men.

Marathi bakhars are of various types. 'Sabhasad Bakhar' was written by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad during the reign of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj. It is an important bakhar for getting information about the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

'Bhausahebanchi Bakhar' describes the Battle of Panipat. Another bakhar, entitled 'Panipatachi Bakhar', is also about the same event. 'Holkaranchi Kaiphiyat' provides information about the Holkars and their contributions to the Maratha rule.

Bakhars can be divided into various types such as biographies of kings, dynastic history, descriptions of events, history of a sect, autobiographies, regarding grievance, based on mythologies and state administration by a king.

Teacher's Note

Medieval historians like Kalhana checked many sources before writing, just like your teacher checks many books before teaching you. Ziauddin Barani was brave enough to write about kings' bad decisions too, not just good things.

Exam Trick

Remember: Kalhana = careful checking of sources. Barani = writing about both good and bad things about rulers. These are key ideas for medieval historiography.

Points to Remember

Medieval historians used inscriptions, coins, and monuments as sources.
Ziauddin Barani wrote about rulers' failures, not just their victories.
Mughal historians added beautiful pictures and poems to their writings.
Babur wrote about the places he visited and their economy and customs.
Bakhar is a special type of medieval history document in Marathi.

Historiography In The Modern Period

In the 20th century the Indian archaeological exploration and research started under the British rule. A number of ancient sites were excavated under the supervision of Sir Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He chose mainly the sites mentioned in the Buddhist texts for this purpose. Harappan Civilisation was discovered during the tenure of Sir John Marshall. Because of this discovery the antiquity of Indian history could be traced to 3rd millennium B.C.E. or even earlier.

Many British officials in India wrote about Indian history. Their writings display strong influence of the colonial policies of the British.

Three Volumes of 'The History of British India', written by James Mill were published in 1817. This was the first book on Indian history written by a British historian. It clearly reflects an absence of objective perspective and prejudice about various aspects of the Indian culture. 'The History of India', written by Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay (now Mumbai) was published in 1841.

The period of Maratha Empire is very important in the Indian history. Grant Duff's name stands out among the British officers who wrote about Maratha history. He wrote the book entitled, 'A History of Mahrattas'. This book is published in three volumes. Grant Duff's writing also shows the British inclination of condemning Indian culture and history. Similar tendency is witnessed in Colonel Todd's writings about Rajasthan's history.

Teacher's Note

British officers found old Indian cities underground. Sir Alexander Cunningham dug up many ancient sites. This helped us know that India is very, very old—over 5000 years old!

Exam Trick

Remember: British historians = colonial bias. They did not write fairly about India. James Mill, Grant Duff—all wrote to show British rule was good and Indian culture was bad.

Points to Remember

Alexander Cunningham started proper archaeology in India by digging ancient sites.
Harappan Civilisation discovery pushed Indian history back to 3000 B.C.E.
British historians wrote with prejudice against Indian culture.
James Mill's book in 1817 was the first English history of India but it was biased.
Grant Duff's Maratha history also showed British disrespect for Indian history.

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