A history of archaeological thought pdf to jpg

Some convey monarchical orders regarding administrative, religious and major decisions to the public in general. They are also found on seals and copper plates. Inscriptions are seen on rocks, pillars, stones, slabs, walls of buildings, and body of temples. The study of the writings on ancient inscriptions and records is called palaeography. The study of inscriptions is called epigraphy. Inscriptions supply valuable historical facts. Information gathered from literature and oral traditions can be taken as historical accounts only if archaeological evidences are available as supporting material. was mainly the result of archaeological research. In the opinion of some eminent scholars, the history of India before the third century B.C. For historians, these are sources of information. throw light on the living conditions of the people. Similarly, tools, implements, weapons and pottery etc. Archaeology is the science and method to explore and understand the ancient ruins and remains.Īll over India there are countless historical monuments like, Temples, Stupas, Monasteries, Forts, Palaces, and the like, which speak of their time. By digging the old sites and mounds, and discovering the material remains, historians try to understand the past. They are being done at many other places too. For example, the excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa brought to the knowledge of the world the existence of the Indus Valley Civilization.Įxcavations have been conducted at Taxila, Pataliputra, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sanchi, Barhut, Sarnath and Mathura. The material remains discovered from excavations and ruins speak a good deal of the past. But excavations are being carried out to bring some such places to light. Many historical places are lying buried under the earth.

India is rich with ancient ruins, remains, and monuments. Archaeological sources give us some knowledge of the life of the ancient people. The archaeological remains are subjected to scientific examination of radio-carbon method for its dates. Archaeological remains and Monuments:Īncient ruins, remains and monuments recovered as a result of excavation and exploration are archaeological sources of history. A brief account of these sources is given below.

The Literary Source can also be divided into three groups, namely, Religious Literature, Secular Literature and Accounts of Foreigners. The Archaeological Source can again be divided into three groups, namely, Archaeological Remains and Monuments, Inscriptions and Coins. These sources are divided into two main groups. Yet there are sources from which history is written.

It is thus a challenging task to rediscover India’s ancient past. Most of ancient material has also been lost. But ancient Indians who wrote on many subjects, rarely wrote history. In ancient Greece and Rome, there were historians to write the accounts of their times.

A history of archaeological thought pdf to jpg