Test: How, When & Where- 1 - UPSC MCQ

In his work "A History of British India," James Mill periodized Indian history by dividing it into three distinct periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. This periodization approach, which became widely accepted, organized Indian history around these three broad categories, reflecting major influences and epochs in the historical narrative of India.

James Rennel's task of producing maps of Hindustan under the request of Robert Clive was pivotal in the process of British domination in India. Rennel believed that mapping the region was crucial for the British conquest. The image depicting Brahmans offering the Shastras to Britannia symbolizes the British influence and control over Indian culture and knowledge. This action metaphorically represents the surrender of Indian heritage to British power, reflecting the colonial mindset of the time.

In 1946, the colonial government in India received reports from different dockyards such as Bombay and Karachi due to a mutiny that broke out on the ships of the Royal Indian Navy. This event led to the need for detailed reports and updates from various locations to address the mutiny and its implications. The reports provided crucial information for the Home Department to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

Historians divide history into different periods to capture the characteristics of a time, allowing for a better understanding of the past. This division helps in organizing events, identifying patterns, and highlighting significant changes that occurred over time.

In the early nineteenth century, important documents like letters and reports were carefully copied out by calligraphists, individuals who specialized in the art of beautiful writing. This meticulous process ensured that the documents were accurately reproduced and preserved for future reference. Calligraphists played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and legibility of these historical records.

During the colonial period in India, the British took significant steps to preserve important documents by establishing record rooms in various administrative institutions. This ensured that letters, memos, reports, and directives were carefully maintained and could be accessed for reference. This measure highlights the importance placed on record-keeping and historical documentation during that era.

Official documents tell us only about what officials thought, what they were interested in, and what they wished to preserve for posterity.

Historians usually divide Indian history into 'Ancient,' 'Medieval,' and 'Modern' periods. This categorization presents a broad framework for understanding the progression of Indian society over time, although it has its limitations in accurately reflecting the complexities of historical developments.

The British believed that a country had to be properly known before it could be effectively administered.

Census operations became common under the colonial administration by the end of the nineteenth century. These operations provided detailed records of the population in different provinces of India, including information on castes, religions, and occupations. Census data played a crucial role in understanding the demographics of the region and was conducted every ten years.