Notes For All Chapters – History Class 6
Sources of History
Sources of History
History is the study of past events. We learn about history from different sources. These sources are divided into three types:
1. Material Sources
2. Written Sources
3. Oral Sources
1. Material Sources
Things used by people in the past help us understand history. These are called artefacts.
Examples of material sources:
- Ancient pots and utensils – tell us about food habits.
- Jewelry and ornaments – show social life.
- Coins and seals – give information about trade and kings.
- Old buildings and monuments – show how people lived.
Example: Ancient people roasted food grains. Some burnt grains remained intact and were found in excavations.
2. Written Sources
In ancient times, people wrote on different materials like:
- Rocks, copper plates, and palm leaves – Used for important inscriptions.
- Books on religion and science – Help in understanding old traditions.
- Travel stories (Travelogues) – Written by travelers about what they saw.
Example: Kings wrote their orders on stone and copper plates.
3. Oral Sources
Some history is passed down by speaking (not writing). These are called oral sources.
Examples:
- Folk songs and stories – tell about old traditions.
- Poems and prayers – remembered and shared by people.
Example: The Vedas were first memorized and later written down.
Sources of Ancient Indian History
Material Sources: Temples, caves, old houses, coins, weapons.
Written Sources: Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddhist & Jain books.
Oral Sources: Vedic hymns, folk songs, and traditions.
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