Introduction to History - Class 6

Overview

• Focus: Understanding history through the concepts of what, where, how, and when.
• Purpose of History: Study changes over time (chronological and temporal variations).

Key Concepts

1. What

• Definition: Examines the types of clothes, houses, food, etc., from different periods.
• Examples:
  • Food taken by Harappan Civilization
  • Why Britishers invaded India
• Importance: Learning from the past to avoid repeating mistakes.

2. Where

• Definition: Geographical study of historical events, locations, and cultures.
• Examples:
  • Harappan sites like Kalibangan and Lothal
  • Major kingdoms and trade centers
  • Destruction and desertion of areas
• Geography and History Relationship:
  • History is studied geographically, and geography is studied historically.

3. How

• Definition: Methods to discover information about the past.
• Key Methods:
  • Manuscripts: Handwritten documents; important to decipher the script.
    • Common languages: Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil
  • Inscriptions: Engravings on hard surfaces like stone, metal, or clay.
  • Archaeology: Study of artifacts and remains.
    • Examples: Pots, bones of animals
• Segments of Life:
  • Differed for kings, traders, farmers, etc.
  • Geographic isolation and resource availability affected lifestyles.

4. When

• Definition: Understanding the timing of historical events.
• Terms and Concepts:
  • AD (CE): Anno Domini, Common Era (after the birth of Jesus)
  • BC (BCE): Before Christ, Before Common Era (before the birth of Jesus)
  • BP: Before Present
• Importance: Helps in understanding the chronology of events.

Summary

• Purpose of the Lecture: Providing an introductory understanding of history concepts.
• Next Steps: Will delve deeper into specific chapters and topics in subsequent classes.