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Questions and Answers
What was the frequency of Census operations in India from the end of the nineteenth century?
What was the frequency of Census operations in India from the end of the nineteenth century?
What was the primary objective of the British effort in India?
What was the primary objective of the British effort in India?
What type of surveys were held in India during the British rule?
What type of surveys were held in India during the British rule?
What was the purpose of local artists drawing pictures of plant specimens?
What was the purpose of local artists drawing pictures of plant specimens?
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What do historians study about the way information was gathered during the British rule?
What do historians study about the way information was gathered during the British rule?
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What do official records not tell us about?
What do official records not tell us about?
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What type of museums were established by the British in India?
What type of museums were established by the British in India?
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What was the purpose of collecting plant specimens by the British?
What was the purpose of collecting plant specimens by the British?
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What type of information did the British gather about the local population?
What type of information did the British gather about the local population?
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What can be inferred from the vast corpus of records created by the British?
What can be inferred from the vast corpus of records created by the British?
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Study Notes
Importance of Dates in History
- Historians were previously fascinated with dates, considering them synonymous with history.
- Dates are crucial in understanding changes that occur over time and comparing the past with the present.
Problem with Traditional History Writing
- British historians wrote histories focused on the rule of each Governor-General, with dates linked to their activities and policies.
- This approach neglected the activities of different groups and classes in Indian society.
- It implied that British rule represented progress and civilization, and the period before British rule was one of darkness.
Alternative Approaches to History Writing
- Moving away from British classification, historians divided Indian history into 'ancient', 'medieval', and 'modern', but this division has its own problems.
- This periodization is borrowed from the West, where the modern period was associated with the growth of modernity, science, reason, democracy, liberty, and equality.
Sources for Writing History
- Official records of the British administration are an important source, including reports and letters that were carefully preserved.
- Administrative culture of memos, notings, and reports helped in proper study and debate of policies and decisions.
- Census operations, held every ten years from the end of the nineteenth century, provided detailed records of the population, castes, religions, and occupations.
- Other surveys, such as botanical, zoological, archaeological, anthropological, and forest surveys, also provide valuable information.
Limitations of Official Records
- Official records do not tell the complete story, as they are based on the perspective of the British administration.
- Historians need to consider other sources and perspectives to get a more comprehensive understanding of Indian history.
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Description
Discover the significance of dates in understanding historical changes and their impact on traditional history writing. Learn how historians' approaches have influenced our understanding of the past.
