Maharashtra Board Class 6 History Chapter 2 Sources of History PDF Download

2. Sources Of History

2.1 Material Sources

Man uses a variety of things in his day-to-day life. They are known as artefacts. Artefacts used by humans in the past provide us valuable information about life in the ancient times. We can decide the period of ancient artefacts like earthern pots by studying the shape, colour and designs on ancient potsherds. The ornaments and other artefacts throw light on social interaction. We get information about the diet of the people from the remains of foodgrains, seeds and bones of animals found in excavations. Also, we find the remains of houses and buildings built in different historical periods. We also find ancient coins and seals. All these give us information about human activities in the past. All such artefacts, articles, monuments or their ruins are called the 'material sources' of history.

A number of objects used by our ancestors still exist. Some inscriptions from the past have been recovered. Sources like these help us to understand our history. History can also be learnt through customs and traditions, folk arts, folk literature as well as historical documents. All these are known as 'sources of history'. These are of three types: material sources, written sources and oral sources.

Structures such as forts, rock-cut caves, stupa, etc. are known as material sources of history. Try to guess what other structures can be called material sources.

Make a list of things in your house which belong to your grandparents' time.

Collect information about an old structure in your locality.

Foodgrains do not last long. They get easily infested and turn into powder.

In ancient times, people used to roast foodgrain before grinding them. If a few grains got charred while roasting, they were thrown away. Such charred grains can remain intact for a very long period. During excavations, such charred grains can be recovered. When these are inspected in a laboratory, we come to know what grain it is.

Teacher's Note

Material sources are old things that people used long ago. For example, in India, archaeologists found old pots and coins in the ground that tell us how people lived thousands of years ago.

Exam Trick

Remember: Material sources are things you can touch and see. Like coins, pots, and buildings. If you can dig it up from the ground, it is a material source!

Points To Remember

Artefacts are objects used by people in the past.
Material sources include pots, coins, ornaments, and buildings.
We learn about ancient diet from charred foodgrains and animal bones.
Stones, temples, and caves are also material sources.
These things help us understand how people lived long ago.

2.2 Written Sources

The Stone Age people have recorded many events and expressed their emotions in paintings on rocks. It was only after thousands of years that man learnt the art of writing.

In the beginning, humans used symbols and signs to record their thoughts and ideas. However, it took thousands of years for a script to develop from these.

In the beginning, man wrote on potsherds, unbaked bricks using pointed objects. He also used birch (bhurja) tree bark to write on. As his experience and knowledge increased, he began to write in different ways. He began to record the events that took place around him. Accounts of the proceedings of royal courts were also written systematically. Many rulers had their orders, judicial decisions, donations etc inscribed on stone or copper-plates. Over a period of time, many forms of literature developed. They included books on religious and social subjects, plays, poetry, travelogues and scientific works. All this literature helps us to understand the history of the various historical periods. These sources are known as the 'written sources of history'.

Written sources of history include inscriptions carved on temple walls, walls of rock-cut caves and rocks; inscriptions on copper-plates, pots, bricks and on writing sheets made from palm leaves and birch bark, etc.

Bhurjapatra means writing sheets made from the bark of a birch tree. Bhurja is the Sanskrit name of the birch tree. Birch trees are found in Kashmir.

Teacher's Note

Written sources are old writings and books. In India, people wrote on copper plates and palm leaves. These tell us what kings did and what people believed.

Exam Trick

Remember: Written sources are words and writing. If you can read it, it is a written source! Like inscriptions on rocks or copper plates.

Points To Remember

Written sources are old writings and books from the past.
People first used symbols and signs before developing writing.
Bhurjapatra is the bark of the birch tree used for writing.
Kings carved their orders on stones and copper plates.
Literature, plays, and poetry are also written sources.

2.3 Oral Sources

Owis, folk songs, folk tales and similar literature is passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth. This literature is not in the written form. Its authors are unknown. This type of literature preserved by oral tradition forms the 'oral sources' of history.

The Vedic, Buddhist and Jain literature of ancient India was preserved by oral tradition. It is now available in the written form. Even so, the oral tradition is still alive. When oral compositions are used for history writing, they are included in the oral sources.

Visit a museum in your locality. Write an essay describing the artefacts displayed there.

Collect the traditional verses such as 'owis'.

Collect folk songs. Present one of them in the cultural programme of your school.

Teacher's Note

Oral sources are stories and songs told by people. In India, grandparents tell stories about old times to children. These stories are passed down generation to generation.

Exam Trick

Remember: Oral sources are told by mouth, not written. Like folk songs and stories your grandmother tells you. "Oral" = spoken!

Points To Remember

Oral sources are stories and songs passed by word of mouth.
Owis and folk songs are examples of oral sources.
The authors of oral sources are often unknown.
The Vedas were first oral, then written down later.
These help us understand the culture and beliefs of ancient people.

Sources Of Ancient Indian History

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