Introduction to History

Some important questions and answers of ‘Introduction to History’ for competitive exams.

Discussion on History

1. What do we mean by history?

History is the orderly explanation of the past and past experiences of mankind, detailing the chronology of society, culture, state, politics, economy, religion, art, literature, science, technology, etc. Know More.

2. Where do the words ‘HISTORY’ and ‘ITIHAS’ come from?

The word ‘History’ is derived from the Greek word ‘ἱστορία’ (historia).

The word ‘ITIHAS’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘इतिहास’।

3. Who is considered the first historian of the world?

The Greek historian Herodotus (b. 425 BC, d. 484 BC) is considered the world’s first historian.

4. Who is called the Father of History?

Greek historian Herodotus is called the Father of History.

5. Who was the first to call the historian Herodotus the father of history?

Roman philosopher Cicero was the first to call Herodotus the Father of History.

6. What is the name of the book written by Herodotus? What does it describe?

The book written by Herodotus is called ‘The Histories’ (430 BC).

The book describes the events of the Greco-Persian / Greco-Iranian War and its background.

7. Who is called the Father of Modern History?

German historian Leopold von Ranke (born 1795 AD, died 1886 AD) is known as the Father of Modern History.

8. According to Ranke what is the duty of a historian?

According to Ranke, the duty of a historian is to describe the past as it is.

9. Write quotes of famous people about history.

“History is a continuous process of interaction between the historian and his facts, an unending dialogue between the present and the past” — E. H. Carr, British historian.

“History repeats itself” — Hegel, German philosopher.

Time-Dictionary of History

1. What is the Time Line?

The line through which different events of history are interpreted with respect to time is called Time Line.

2. What are some important terms used in history related to time ?

Some important terms used in history related to time are:

• Decade: A period of 10 years.
• Century: A period of 100 years.
• First Half of a Century: The first 50 years of a 100 year period.
• First Half of a Century: Second 50 years of a 100 year period.
• Millennium: A period of 1000 years.
• Circa: Circa or Ca or C. is used with dates if the exact period is not known. Eg: Around 1000 BC – 800 BC or C. 1000 BC – 800 BC.

3. What is the meaning of BC and AD?

The full form of BC is Before Christ. BC is used when calculating the time before the birth of Jesus Christ. Eg: 500 BC.

The full form of AD is Anno Domini. AD is used when counting the time since the birth of Jesus Christ. Eg: 2024 AD.

4. Mention some important historical periods.

• Kali Yuga: It began in 3101 BC / 3102 BC, 36 years after the Mahabharata War. It is accepted in the Indian subcontinent according to the Sanatan tradition.
• Saptarshiyuga: This period began 25 years after the start of Kali year (3077 BC / 3076 BC). Its other name is also known as Laukika Yuga. This belief is prevalent in Kashmir and Punjab areas of India.
• Shakabda: Its another name is Kanishkabda. This era reckoning began when the Kushan emperor Kanishka ascended the throne (78 AD).
• Gupta era: This era started from the accession of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta I (319 – 320 AD).
• Harshabda: This era reckoning started from the accession of King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (606 AD).
• Hijri: It was initiated by Umar, the second Caliph of the Caliphate, in 622 AD to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina.

• Kollam: Began in 825 AD. Its prevalence is found in Malabar (Kerala) region.
• Lakshmana: This period was started by the king of Sena dynasty, King Lakshmana Sena of Bengal in 1119 AD.
• Raj Shaka: This period begins with the accession of the Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the throne.
• Elahi: This period was initiated by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 1556 AD.

Time Classification of History

1. According to the modern conventional view, history can be divided into how many parts based on time? Name those parts.

According to the modern tripartite classification, history is divided into three parts based on time:

• Pre-Historic Period: The period of history from which no written evidence is available is called Prehistoric Period. Example: When humans first made and learned to use stone tools. Period: 2500000 BC – 2500 BC.
• Proto-Historic Period: The period of history from 1which there is some written evidence but whose meaning has not yet been deciphered is called Proto-Historic Period. Example: The meaning of the script from the Indus civilization has not yet been deciphered. Period: 2500 BC – 600 BC.
• Historic Period: The period of history from which any written evidence is available, and its meaning can be deciphered is called Historic Period. Example: Rise of 16 Mahajanapada. Period: 600 BC to present.

2. What is the tripartite division of history made by the German historian Christoph Cellarius?

German historian Christoph Cellarius divides history into three parts:

• Ancient History
• Medieval History
• Modern History

3. Indian history is divided into how many eras? Name those eras.

Indian history is divided into 4 eras:

• Ancient History: From the prehistoric period to the death of King Harshavardhana. (647 AD)
• Medieval History: From the death of King Harshavardhana to the period of the Battle of Plassey. (647-1757 AD)
• Early Modern History: From the Period of the Battle of Plassey to the Age of Globalization. (1757-1990 AD)
• Modern History: From the Time of Globalization to Present. (1991-till date)

4. Write the sub-divisions of the eras of Indian history and their periods.

Subdivisions and Periods of Ancient History:

• Prehistoric Era – (2500000 BC – 600 BC)
• Indus Civilization – (2500 BC – 1750 BC)
• Vedic Period – (1500 BC – 600 BC)
• Mahajanapada Period – (600 BC – 322 BC)
• Mauryan Period – (322 BC – 185 BC)
• Pre-Gupta Period – (185 BC – 319 AD)
• Gupta Empire – (319 AD – 550 AD)
• Vardhana Empire – (550 AD – 647 AD)

Subdivisions and Periods of Medieval History:

• Pre-Medieval Period – (647 AD – 1206 AD)
• Sultanate Era – (1206 AD – 1526 AD)
• Mughal Era – (1526 AD – 1707 AD)

Subdivisions and Periods of Early Modern History:

• Mercantile Phase – (1757 AD – 1813 AD)
• Industrial Phase – (1813 AD – 1858 AD)
• Financial Phase – (1860 AD – 1947 AD)
• Period of Protest – (1857 AD – 1947 AD)