What is History? - TNPSC& TNUSRB NOTES - 6th term1

 

Some major Indian excavated sites:

• Paleolithic:
• Bhimbetka
• Hunasagi-valley
• Athirampakkam
• Neolithic:
• Burzahom
• Mehergarh(Pakistan)
• Koldihwa
• Mahgara
• Chirand
• Daojali
• Bramagiri
• Paiyampalli
• Bronze age:
• Lothal
• Iron age:
• Hallur
• Adhichanallur

Numismatics – The study of Coins.

Epigraphy- The study of inscription.

The period between the use of first stone tools and the invention of writing systems is pre- history.

Stone tools, excavated materials and rock paintings are the major sources of pre-history.

A Mighty Emperor Ashoka

The most famous ruler of ancient India was Emperor Ashoka. It was during his period that Buddhism spread to different parts of Asia. Ashoka gave up war after seeing many people grieving death after the Kalinga war. He embraced Buddhism and then devoted his life to spread the message of peace and dharma. His service for the cause of public good was exemplary. He was the first ruler to give up war after victory. He was the first to build hospitals for animals. He was the first to lay roads. Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes in our national flag was taken from the Sarnath Pillar of Ashoka.

Even though Emperor Ashoka was great, his greatness had been unknown until 19th century.The material evidence provided by William Jones, James Prinsep and Alexander Cunningham revealed the greatness of Emperor Ashoka.

Based on these accounts, Charles Allen wrote a book titled The Search for the India’s Lost Emperor, which provided a comprehensive account of Ashoka. Many researches made thereafter brought Ashoka’s glorious rule to light. These inscriptions were observed on the rocks, Sanchi Stupa and  Sarnath Pillar and helped to understand the greatness of Ashoka to the world.

Hunting:

They realised that dogs could help them to prevent the entry of such dangerous animals by its sniffing skill. Hence they started domesticating dogs for their protection and hunting activities.

From this, we also know how inscriptions, monuments, copper plates, accounts of foreigners or foreign travellers and folk tales play a vital role in constructing and reconstructing history.

To Practice:

1.

2. What was the step taken by the early man to collect his food?

a. Trade           b. Hunting          c. Painting                  d. Rearing of animals

3. Statement: Pre historic man went along with the dog for hunting.

    Reason: Dogs with its sniffing power would find out other animals.

    a. Statement is true, but reason is wrong.

    b. Statement and reason are correct.

    c. Statement is wrong, and reason is correct.

    d. Both statements and reasons are wrong.

4. Statement: The objects used by the early man are excavated. They are preserved to know the lifestyle     of the people. Find out which of the following is related to the statement:

    a. Museum           b. Burial materials           c. Stone tools              d. Bones

5. Find the odd one

    a. Paintings were drawn on rocks and caves.

    b. There were paintings depicting hunting scenes.

    c. It was drawn to show his family members about hunting.

    d. The paintings were painted by using many colors.

6.Match the following

    a. Rock paintings           -            copper plates

    b. Written records          -            the most famous king

    c. Ashoka                       -            Devaram

    d. Religious Literature  -            to understand the lifestyle

7. Identify the category of the following sources of history.

a. Urns excavated from Adhichanallur.

b. Copper plates of Velvikudi.

c. Mahabharatha.

d. Sanchi Stupa.

e. Pattinappaalai.

f. The earthernwares from Keezhadi.

g. Toys of Indus Civilisation.

h. Big Temple of Thanjavur.