History Notes Chapter 1 Sources of History Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8

History is the study of past events. To understand the past, historians use different sources that give us information about the people, culture, and important happenings. In this chapter, we will study the sources of Modern Indian History.

Types of Historical Sources

Modern Indian history is studied using the following three types of sources:

1. Material Sources
2. Written Sources
3. Oral Sources
4. Audio, Video, and Audio-Visual Sources

1. Material Sources

Material sources include physical objects and structures made during a particular time. These help us understand the lifestyle, architecture, and economic conditions of that period.

Examples of Material Sources:

• Buildings and Monuments: Government offices, palaces, forts, prisons (e.g., Cellular Jail in Andaman).
• Objects: Coins, sculptures, tools, and everyday items.
• Bridges and Roads: Built during British rule to improve trade and governance.

Importance of Material Sources:

• They give us visual proof of the past.
• Visiting historical places helps us understand events and important figures (e.g., Manibhavan in Mumbai – shows Gandhian history).

2. Written Sources

Written records are important because they provide detailed information about historical events, social conditions, and cultural changes.

Examples of Written Sources:

• Newspapers and Periodicals: Spread awareness and discussed political and social issues (e.g., Kesari and Dnyanoday).
• Biographies and Autobiographies: Life stories of important leaders (e.g., Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life).
• Letters and Documents: Written records of agreements, laws, and policies.
• Books: Historical writings, reforms, and cultural analysis (e.g., Shatapatre by Lokahitawadi).

Importance of Written Sources:

• They record facts, opinions, and important events.
• Help us understand the views of people during that time.

3. Oral Sources

Oral sources are information passed down through spoken words. These include stories, songs, and performances that tell us about historical events.

Examples of Oral Sources:

• Folk Songs: Songs about freedom fighters and social movements.
• Powadas: Ballads describing heroic deeds (e.g., Powadas about the 1857 revolt).
• Interviews: Conversations with people who lived during historical times.
• Fairs and Jalsa: Cultural performances reflecting historical events.

Importance of Oral Sources:

• They keep the memory of events alive.
• Help us understand the emotions and experiences of people.

4. Audio, Video, and Audio-Visual Sources

With modern technology, history can also be studied using recorded images and sounds.

Examples of Audio-Visual Sources:

• Photographs: Show real people, places, and events visually.
• Recordings: Audio speeches (e.g., Jana Gana Mana sung by Rabindranath Tagore).
• Films: Documentaries about important events (e.g., Dandi Yatra and Quit India Movement).

Importance of Audio-Visual Sources:

• They give direct evidence of how things looked and sounded.
• Help us experience historical moments visually and emotionally.

Important Contributions of Newspapers

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Newspapers:
  • Started Mooknayak in 1920 to discuss social issues.
  • Later started Bahishkrut Bharat, Janata, and Prabuddha Bharat to bring awareness.
• Role of Newspapers:
  • Spread information about British policies and their impact.
  • Inspired social reforms and political change.

Why are Historical Sources Important?

1. They help us understand how people lived in the past.
2. They provide facts about important events and social movements.
3. They connect us to our culture and heritage.
4. They help preserve knowledge for future generations.