History Important Questions Chapter 2 Class 10 Maharashtra Board

Historiography : Indian Tradition

Short Questions

1. What is historiography?

• Historiography is the study of how history is written and interpreted.

2. How did ancient Indians preserve historical memories?

• Through oral recitals of great deeds and mythological lore.

3. What confirms Indians mastered writing in the third millennium B.C.E.?

• Inscriptions on Harappan seals and artefacts.

4. What are the earliest known historical documents in India?

• Emperor Ashoka’s edicts from the 3rd century B.C.E.

5. What does the Sohagaura copper-plate inscription record?

• A royal order to distribute grains carefully during a famine.

6. Which ancient Indian texts are important sources of history?

• Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and Jain-Buddhist texts.

7. Who wrote ‘Harshacharit’ in the 7th century C.E.?

• Banabhatta.

8. What is ‘Rajtarangini’ written by Kalhana about?

• The history of Kashmir.

9. Who wrote ‘Tarikh-i-Phiruz Shahi’ in medieval India?

• Ziauddin Barani.

10. What is ‘Tuzuk-i-Babari’ written by Babur?

• Babur’s autobiography describing his battles and observations.

11. What is ‘Akbarnama’ known for?

• Critical and unbiased historical writing by Abul Fazl.

12. What is a ‘Bakhar’ in Indian historiography?

• A Marathi historical document about events and heroes.

13. Which Bakhar describes the Battle of Panipat?

• Bhausahebanchi Bakhar.

14. Who was the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India?

• Alexander Cunningham.

15. Who discovered the Harappan Civilisation?

• Sir John Marshall.

16. Who wrote ‘A History of the Mahrattas’?

• Grant Duff.

17. What did Friedrich Max Muller translate into German?

• The Sanskrit text of ‘Hitopadesh’.

18. Who founded the Asiatic Society in Kolkata?

• Sir William Jones.

19. What is Nationalistic Historiography focused on?

• Restoring pride in India’s ancient glory.

20. Who wrote ‘Gulamgiri’ highlighting exploitation?

• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

Long Questions

1. What was the method of preserving history in ancient India?

• In ancient India, history was preserved through oral recitals of great deeds and myths. These stories were passed down by word of mouth to keep memories alive. Later, inscriptions on seals, rocks, and pillars became written records of history.

2. Why are Ashoka’s edicts important for Indian historiography?

• Ashoka’s edicts, from the 3rd century B.C.E., are the earliest written historical documents in India. They are carved on rocks and pillars, providing information about his rule and policies. They give insights into the political and social life of that time.

3. What does the Sohagaura copper-plate tell us about the Mauryan period?

• The Sohagaura copper-plate, from the Mauryan period, has inscriptions in Brahmi script. It records a royal order to carefully distribute grains from a granary. This suggests the Mauryans took precautions during famines to help people.

4. How did Kalhana’s ‘Rajtarangini’ contribute to Indian historiography?

• Kalhana’s ‘Rajtarangini’ is a 12th-century history of Kashmir, written in a critical style. He used sources like inscriptions, coins, and local traditions to ensure accuracy. This method was close to modern historiography, making it a valuable historical text.

5. What was Ziauddin Barani’s view on the purpose of historiography?

• Ziauddin Barani believed historians should record both the successes and failures of rulers. He said history should also show the impact of wise teachings on people’s lives. This expanded the scope of historiography to include cultural aspects.

6. Why is ‘Sabhasad Bakhar’ an important historical document?

• ‘Sabhasad Bakhar’ was written during Chhatrapati Rajaram’s reign and describes Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. It provides details about his administration, battles, and Maratha society. It is a key source for understanding Maratha history.

7. How did British historians like James Mill influence Indian historiography?

• James Mill’s ‘The History of British India’ reflected British colonial biases and prejudices. It often criticized Indian culture to justify British rule. Such writings lacked objectivity and influenced how Indian history was viewed.

8. What is the significance of Orientalist Historiography?

• Orientalist historians, like Friedrich Max Muller, admired Eastern civilizations and studied Sanskrit. They explored connections between Sanskrit and European languages, suggesting a common ancient language. Their work opened doors for research into ancient Indian literature.

9. How did Nationalistic Historiography inspire Indian historians?

• Nationalistic Historiography aimed to restore pride in India’s ancient glory against British criticism. Historians like V.K. Rajwade and M.G. Ranade wrote about India’s golden past. It also encouraged the study of regional histories, like Maratha history.

10. What is the role of Feminist Historiography in Indian history?

• Feminist Historiography highlights the neglected contributions of women in history. Writers like Tarabai Shinde and Meera Kosambi focused on women’s struggles and achievements. It rethinks women’s roles and compiles their historical writings.