Short Questions
1. What are libraries, museums, and archives?
Answer : They conserve and preserve historical heritage like books, artefacts, and documents.
2. What do museums do with artefacts?
Answer : They exhibit important artefacts and store others for research after preservation.
3. What is the role of libraries?
Answer : Libraries conserve, preserve, and manage books for readers and researchers.
4. What skills are needed for oral history collection?
Answer : Skills in sociology, anthropology, and historical research are needed.
5. What are written sources of history?
Answer : Coins, copper plates, manuscripts, diaries, and photographs are written sources.
6. What training is required for written sources?
Answer : Knowledge of scripts like Brahmi, Modi, and preservation techniques is required.
7. What are material sources of history?
Answer : Artefacts, fossils, and remains of plants or animals are material sources.
8. When was the Louvre Museum established?
Answer : The Louvre Museum in Paris was established in the 18th century.
9. What is the famous painting in the Louvre Museum?
Answer : The ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo da Vinci is the famous painting.
10. When was the British Museum established?
Answer : The British Museum in London was established in the 18th century.
11. Who donated objects to the British Museum?
Answer : Sir Hans Sloan donated about 71,000 objects to the British Museum.
12. What is the first museum in India?
Answer : The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the first museum.
13. When was the National Museum in Delhi established?
Answer : The National Museum in Delhi was established in 1949.
14. What is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay?
Answer : It’s a museum in Mumbai, renamed in 1998, housing 50,000 antiquities.
15. What is the oldest library mentioned?
Answer : The Royal Library of Ashurbanipal from the 7th century B.C.E. is the oldest.
16. What is the Saraswati Mahal Granthalay?
Answer : A library in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, built in the 16th-17th century.
17. When was India’s first official archive established?
Answer : The Imperial Record Department was established in 1891 in Kolkata.
18. What is an encyclopaedia?
Answer : An encyclopaedia is a systematic compilation of knowledge on various topics.
19. What is a Vishwakosh?
Answer : A comprehensive encyclopaedia covering all subjects or one specific subject.
20. Who initiated the Marathi Vishwakosh?
Answer : Yashwantrao Chavhan, Maharashtra’s first Chief Minister, initiated it.
Long Questions
1. Why is conserving historical sources important?
Answer : Conserving historical sources like manuscripts and artefacts preserves our past for future generations. It helps researchers study history accurately and educates people about their heritage. Museums and archives ensure these sources remain safe and accessible.
2. What skills are needed for handling written sources of history?
Answer : Handling written sources requires knowledge of ancient scripts like Brahmi and Modi, and preservation techniques. Experts need to understand historical societies, art styles, and materials like paper or ink. These skills ensure proper cleaning, storage, and exhibition of documents.
3. How do museums contribute to heritage management?
Answer : Museums collect, preserve, and exhibit artefacts to educate people about history. They store valuable items for research and publish journals or pamphlets to share knowledge. Famous museums like the Louvre and National Museum attract global visitors.
4. What is the significance of the Louvre Museum?
Answer : The Louvre Museum in Paris, established in the 18th century, houses over 3.8 lakh artefacts, including the ‘Mona Lisa’. It grew with Napoleon’s conquests, showcasing global history. It remains a top destination for art and history lovers.
5. Why is the British Museum important?
Answer : The British Museum, started in the 18th century, holds 80 lakh objects from British colonies and beyond. It began with Sir Hans Sloan’s collection of books and plants. It’s a key centre for studying world history and cultures.
6. What role does the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay play?
Answer : This Mumbai museum, built in Indo-Gothic style, houses 50,000 antiquities in arts, archaeology, and natural history. Renamed in 1998, it’s a Grade I heritage building. It promotes Maharashtra’s rich history through exhibitions.
7. How are libraries different from archives?
Answer : Libraries store and manage books, making them available to readers using computer systems. Archives preserve important documents like records or manuscripts in their original condition. Both use technology for retrieval but focus on different materials.
8. What is the importance of the Saraswati Mahal Granthalay?
Answer : The Saraswati Mahal Granthalay in Thanjavur, built in the 16th-17th century, was expanded by the Bhosale rulers. Renamed after Sarfojiraje Bhosale, it’s a treasure of ancient manuscripts. It preserves Tamil Nadu’s cultural and literary heritage.
9. Why are encyclopaedias useful for students and researchers?
Answer : Encyclopaedias provide organized knowledge on various topics, satisfying curiosity and aiding research. They offer fundamental information and highlight areas needing more study. They motivate readers to explore subjects deeply.
10. How do encyclopaedias reflect a society’s culture?
Answer : Encyclopaedias show a society’s intellectual and cultural maturity through their content and structure. They reflect national priorities, ethical values, and historical perspectives. Works like ‘Bharatiya Samskruti Kosh’ strengthen cultural identity.
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