Table of Contents
Some Facts
What is the definition of history?
- History is the study of future events.
- History is the systematic study of human past events.
- History is solely about written documents from the past.
- History is a collection of myths and legends from ancient cultures.
View Answer
Answer: History is the systematic study of human past events. (B)
Notes:
History involves a critical examination of source materials to explain past events and their impacts on present and future societies. It includes various branches such as social history, economic history, and cultural history, emphasizing that history is not just a record but an interpretation of human experiences over time.
From which language and word is the term “history” derived?*
- Latin – historia
- Ancient Greek – ἵστωρ (histōr)
- Old French – estoire
- Sanskrit – इतिहास (itihāsa)
View Answer
Answer: Ancient Greek – ἵστωρ (histōr)
*Origin is the greek language but “historia” would also be considered as the correct answer.
Notes:
The word “history” traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek term ἵστωρ (histōr), meaning ‘learned, wise man’, which later developed into ἱστορία (historiā), signifying ‘inquiry’ or ‘knowledge through investigation’. This etymology highlights the evolution of the term from its original connotation of wisdom and inquiry to its current usage in referring to the study of past events.
Who was the first historian of the world?
- Herodotus
- Thucydides
- Livy
- Tacitus
View Answer
Answer: Herodotus
Notes:
Herodotus was born around 484 BCE in Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) and died around 425 BCE. His methodology involved collecting information through inquiries and firsthand observations, which he then presented in a narrative form. This marked a departure from earlier forms of historical writing that were often anecdotal or mythological. His style and approach laid the groundwork for future historians and established history as a distinct literary genre.
What is the name of the history book written by Herodotus?
- The Chronicles
- The Histories
- The Annals
- The Records
View Answer
Answer: The Histories
Notes:
Herodotus wrote The Histories, which is recognized as the first narrative history in Western civilization. Completed around 425 B.C., it details the events of the Greco-Persian Wars and explores the causes and consequences of these conflicts, along with cultural insights about various peoples encountered during his travels.
What is The Histories by Herodotus primarily about?
- The rise of the Roman Empire
- The exploration of ancient Egypt
- The Greco-Persian Wars
- The mythology of ancient Greece
View Answer
Answer: The Greco-Persian Wars
Notes:
The Histories is fundamentally concerned with documenting the events surrounding the Greco-Persian Wars, including both Greek and Persian perspectives on these conflicts. Herodotus’s work is notable for its narrative style and methodological approach to history, making it a foundational text in historical literature.
Who first referred to Herodotus as “The Father of History”?
- Cicero
- Thucydides
- Aristotle
- Pliny the Elder
View Answer
Answer: Cicero
Notes:
Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, is often referred to as “The Father of History.” This title was first attributed to him by the Roman statesman Cicero, who recognized Herodotus’s significant contributions to historical writing.
Who is considered the “Father of Modern History”?*
- Bishop William Stubbs
- Leopold von Ranke
- Voltaire
- Thucydides
View Answer
Answer: Leopold von Ranke
*Some sources refer Bishop William Stubbs as the “Father of Modern History”.
Notes:
Leopold von Ranke (1795–1886) is recognized for his pioneering work in the field of historiography, advocating for a rigorous approach to history based on primary sources and objective analysis. His methods contrasted with earlier historians who often relied on secondary accounts and narratives. Ranke’s influence shaped historical writing and research practices, making him a central figure in the development of modern historical studies.
Quotations
Who says, “History repeats itself”?
- Hegel
- Nietzsche
- Ibn Khaldun
- Richard Siken
View Answer
Answer: Hegel
Notes:
The statement “History repeats itself” is often attributed to various thinkers, including Hegel, although its origins are more complex and can be traced through different philosophical contexts. Hegel’s perspective on history includes the idea that significant events and figures tend to recur in different forms, which Karl Marx famously paraphrased by saying that history occurs twice: “the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce”
Who is credited with the quote, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy and second as farce”?
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- George Santayana
- Adam Michnik
- Karl Marx
View Answer
Answer: Karl Marx
Notes:
Karl Marx famously stated, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” This quote reflects his view on the cyclical nature of historical events, particularly in the context of political upheaval, such as the coups in France during his time. The phrase suggests that significant events in history often recur, but the second occurrence is typically less serious or impactful than the first.
Who stated that “history is the continuous process of interaction between the historian and its facts, and an unending dialogue between the present and the past”?
- Edward Hallett Carr
- Howard Zinn
- Karl Marx
- Eric Hobsbawm
View Answer
Answer: Edward Hallett Carr
Notes:
The quote “history is the continuous process of interaction between the historian and its facts, and unending dialogue between the present and the past” is attributed to Edward Hallett Carr. He articulated this perspective in his influential work What is History?, where he emphasizes the dynamic relationship between historians and historical facts, arguing that history is not merely a collection of facts but is shaped by the interpretations and contexts of those who study it.
Who stated, “We learn from history that man can never learn anything from history”?
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Karl Marx
- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
- Immanuel Kant
View Answer
Answer: Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Notes:
The statement “we learn from history that man can never learn anything from history” is attributed to the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. This quote reflects a cynical view of human nature and historical patterns, suggesting that despite past experiences and lessons, humanity tends to repeat its mistakes.
Dating System in History
What is the period before the birth of Jesus Christ called in history?
- BC (Before Christ)
- AD (Anno Domini)
- CE (Common Era)
- BCE (Before Common Era)
View Answer
Answer: BC (Before Christ)
Notes:
This designation is used in historical chronology to denote years before the estimated date of Jesus’ birth.
What is the period after the birth of Jesus Christ called in history?
- Before Christ (B.C.)
- Anno Domini (A.D.)
- Common Era (C.E.)
- Post-Christian Era (P.C.E.)
View Answer
Answer: Anno Domini (A.D.)
Notes:
The period after the birth of Jesus Christ is called Anno Domini (A.D.), which translates to “in the year of our Lord.”
What does BCE mean in the historical dating system?
- Before Common Era
- Before Christ
- Before Current Era
- Before the Christian Era
View Answer
Answer: Before Common Era
Notes:
BCE stands for Before Common Era, which is a secular term equivalent to BC (Before Christ). It denotes years prior to year 1 in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used today. The BCE system was developed to provide a neutral alternative to the traditional BC/AD system, accommodating diverse religious perspectives and avoiding explicit Christian references.
What does CE mean in the historical dating system?
- Current Era
- Christian Era
- Common Era
- Common Time
View Answer
Answer: Common Era
Notes:
CE stands for Common Era, which is equivalent to AD (Anno Domini) and denotes the years following year 1 in the Gregorian calendar. It was developed to provide a secular alternative to the traditional AD/BC system, avoiding explicit Christian references. The CE/BCE system has gained popularity in scholarly and educational contexts to promote inclusivity among different cultures and religions.
Which calendar is considered the national calendar of India?
- Gregorian Calendar
- Saka Calendar
- Vikram Samvat
- Hijri Calendar
View Answer
Answer: Saka Calendar
Notes:
The national calendar of India is the Indian National Calendar, also known as the Saka Calendar. It was adopted as the official civil calendar in 1957, based on the Saka Era, with the first month, Chaitra, starting on March 22 (or March 21 in leap years). This calendar is used by the Government of India for official purposes, including the Gazette of India and news broadcasts.
Periods
What does the tripartite division of history refer to based on written evidence?
- Prehistoric, Protohistoric, and Historic
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern
- Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age
- Early, Middle, and Late Antiquity
View Answer
Answer: Prehistoric, Protohistoric, and Historic
Notes:
The prehistoric period lacks written records, while protohistoric societies have limited documentation that transitions into fully historic periods characterised by comprehensive written accounts. This framework allows historians to better analyse the evolution of cultures and civilisations throughout time.
Who is credited with popularising the tripartite division of history into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods?
- Leonardo Bruni
- Flavio Biondo
- Christoph Cellarius
- James Mill
View Answer
Answer: Christoph Cellarius
Notes:
The tripartite division of history into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern was popularised by Christoph Cellarius, a historian active in the 17th century. He established this framework, which later became a standard model for historical study and writing. Although Leonardo Bruni and Flavio Biondo also contributed to similar divisions in the 15th century, Cellarius’s work solidified the tripartite structure in historiography.
Who among the following British historians divided Indian history into three parts: Hindu, Muslim, and British?
- James Mill
- Thomas Macaulay
- Lord Curzon
- John Stuart Mill
View Answer
Answer: James Mill
Notes:
James Mill, a Scottish historian and political philosopher, is credited with dividing Indian history into three distinct periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. This classification was presented in his influential work, A History of British India, published in 1817. Mill’s categorisation was based on the dominant political powers in India at different times and their religious affiliations. His perspective emphasised the historical significance of these groups while often reflecting a critical view of Indian culture and society.
How did Mrityunjay Vidyalankar divide Indian history in his work Rajabali?
- Ancient, Medieval, and Modern
- Prehistoric, Classical, and Contemporary
- Hindu, Muslim, and Colonial
- Yudhishthira Reign, Medieval, and British Rule
View Answer
Answer: Yudhishthira Reign, Medieval, and British Rule
Notes:
Mrityunjay Vidyalankar is recognised for his significant contributions to Indian historiography, particularly through his work Rajabali, published in 1808. In this work, he divided Indian history into three main periods: Yudhishthira Reign (Mahabharata), Medieval, and British Rule. This classification reflects his perspective on the historical narrative of India, emphasizing the transition from ancient times through the medieval period to the onset of British colonialism.