Textbook: Tourism and History | History and Political Science Class 10 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


52
8. Tourism and History
8.1 Tourism in the Past
The tradition of travelling is quite old 
in India. People used to travel for various 
reasons like pilgrimage, going to local 
fairs and festivals, in search of a renowned 
teacher and good education, for trade, etc. 
In brief, from ancient times people took to 
travelling for various reasons.
Do you know ?
The Buddhist literature tells us 
that Gautam Buddha travelled to 
several cities in ancient India for 
preaching. Buddhist monks were 
ordained not to stay at one place but 
keep travelling continuously to various 
places. Jain monks, sadhus also used 
to travel constantly.
Yuan Shwang, the Chinese monk 
travelled to India in 630 C.E.  In the 
medieval period Saint Namdev, Saint 
Eknath, Guru Nanak, Ramdas Swami 
travelled extensively in India.
Tourism :  Tourism can be defined as 
travelling to visit places in distant regions 
for a specific purpose.
In the latter half of the 19th century 
C.E. the name of Thomas Cook is 
Do you know ?
Benjamin of Tudela is known as 
the first European traveller/discoverer. 
He was born in Spain. During the 
period of 1159-1173 C.E. he travelled 
to France, Germany, Italy, Greece, 
Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, 
India and China. He maintained 
diaries of the accounts of his travels. 
His diaries are viewed as important 
historical documents.
Marco Polo, the Italian traveller 
of the 13th century introduced Asia, 
especially China to Europe. He stayed 
in china for 17 years. He wrote about 
the flora and fauna, social life, culture 
and trade systems of Asia.
Ibn Batuta, the traveller of the 
14th century took the world on a 
virtual travel of the Islamic world 
with his travel accounts. He was 
travelling for 30 years. He had 
resolved not to travel twice on the 
same route. His accounts are helpful 
in understanding  the medieval history 
and social life.
Gerardus Mercator, of 16th 
century was a cartographer. He is 
known for creating a world map and 
globe of the earth. His work proved 
to be very useful for navigation 
around the world.
8.1 Tourism in the Past
8.2 Types of Tourism
8.3 Development of Tourism
8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Historical Places
8.5 Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
noteworthy in the context of tourism 
history.  He organised a trip by railway 
from Leicester to Loughborough for about 
600 people. Later he was successful in 
Organising a round trip of Europe. 
Page 2


52
8. Tourism and History
8.1 Tourism in the Past
The tradition of travelling is quite old 
in India. People used to travel for various 
reasons like pilgrimage, going to local 
fairs and festivals, in search of a renowned 
teacher and good education, for trade, etc. 
In brief, from ancient times people took to 
travelling for various reasons.
Do you know ?
The Buddhist literature tells us 
that Gautam Buddha travelled to 
several cities in ancient India for 
preaching. Buddhist monks were 
ordained not to stay at one place but 
keep travelling continuously to various 
places. Jain monks, sadhus also used 
to travel constantly.
Yuan Shwang, the Chinese monk 
travelled to India in 630 C.E.  In the 
medieval period Saint Namdev, Saint 
Eknath, Guru Nanak, Ramdas Swami 
travelled extensively in India.
Tourism :  Tourism can be defined as 
travelling to visit places in distant regions 
for a specific purpose.
In the latter half of the 19th century 
C.E. the name of Thomas Cook is 
Do you know ?
Benjamin of Tudela is known as 
the first European traveller/discoverer. 
He was born in Spain. During the 
period of 1159-1173 C.E. he travelled 
to France, Germany, Italy, Greece, 
Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, 
India and China. He maintained 
diaries of the accounts of his travels. 
His diaries are viewed as important 
historical documents.
Marco Polo, the Italian traveller 
of the 13th century introduced Asia, 
especially China to Europe. He stayed 
in china for 17 years. He wrote about 
the flora and fauna, social life, culture 
and trade systems of Asia.
Ibn Batuta, the traveller of the 
14th century took the world on a 
virtual travel of the Islamic world 
with his travel accounts. He was 
travelling for 30 years. He had 
resolved not to travel twice on the 
same route. His accounts are helpful 
in understanding  the medieval history 
and social life.
Gerardus Mercator, of 16th 
century was a cartographer. He is 
known for creating a world map and 
globe of the earth. His work proved 
to be very useful for navigation 
around the world.
8.1 Tourism in the Past
8.2 Types of Tourism
8.3 Development of Tourism
8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Historical Places
8.5 Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
noteworthy in the context of tourism 
history.  He organised a trip by railway 
from Leicester to Loughborough for about 
600 people. Later he was successful in 
Organising a round trip of Europe. 
53
8.2  Types of Tourism
These days tourism has become an 
independent field of local, interstate, 
national and international business. The 
desire to visit national and international 
monuments, places of historical importance 
and natural beauty, ancient centres known 
for handicrafts, pilgrim centres, industrial 
centres and sites of various developmental 
projects, etc. promotes tourism. Tourists 
from all over the world wish to visit 
natural and manmade sites, which offer 
a delightful and awe inspiring experience. 
The places like snow-capped peaks, 
beaches, pristine jungles, which were 
neglected previously, became important 
locations of tourist interests. Mass media 
began to make special audio-visual 
presentations highlighting places of tourist 
interest. Tourism can be broadly typified 
into local tourism, interstate tourism, 
international tourism, religious tourism, 
historical tourism, health tourism, science 
tourism, agro-tourism, sports tourism, 
tourism based on special events, etc.
Local and Interstate Tourism : This 
kind of tourism is not very overwhelming 
because it is within one’s own country. It 
does not cause difficulties of language, 
procuring currency and documents. More 
so, we can plan it at the time suitable 
to us.
International Tourism : Nowadays, it 
has become easier to travel because of the 
easy availability of a number of options 
of railway, marine and air transport. 
Marine transport has linked the coastal 
regions. There is a trans-European railway 
route. Aviation has brought the entire 
world closer. Because of the economic 
liberalisation policy of the Indian 
government the number of people travelling 
back and forth from India has increased 
considerably. They include people travelling 
for studies, relaxation, sightseeing, and 
professional assignments (meetings, 
agreements, etc.), also for shooting of 
films, etc. One needs to procure various 
official documents for travelling abroad.
Historical Tourism : This type of 
tourism is popular all over the world. Tours 
to historical places are arranged to satisfy 
people’s interest in history. It can be noted 
in this context that Gopal Neelkanth 
Dandekar, a renowned Marathi writer used 
to arrange hiking tours to forts in 
Maharashtra, to explore the sights closely 
linked to Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj and 
his achievements. Tours are also arranged 
to important historical sites in India such 
as forts in Rajasthan, Ashrams of Mahatma 
Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, 
Do you know ?
The tradition of travelling from 
corner to corner was prevalent in India 
from ancient times. Vishnubhat Godase 
wrote down the accounts of his journey 
from Maharashtra to Ayodhya and 
back to Maharashtra. It is published 
as a book entitled, ‘Maza Pravas’ 
(My Journey). Vishnubhat travelled 
during times of the Indian war of 
independence in 1857.  He was the 
eye witness for many events related to 
this historical event. His accounts are 
full of detailed descriptions about 
various incidences during this period, 
especially those about the life of 
Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi.  We 
also get to know the nature of Marathi 
language of the 18th century. This 
book is one of the important sources 
of history of that period.
Eventually he established a travel agency 
selling tourist tickets. This early venture 
of Thomas cook opened doors for the 
development of modern tourism.  
Page 3


52
8. Tourism and History
8.1 Tourism in the Past
The tradition of travelling is quite old 
in India. People used to travel for various 
reasons like pilgrimage, going to local 
fairs and festivals, in search of a renowned 
teacher and good education, for trade, etc. 
In brief, from ancient times people took to 
travelling for various reasons.
Do you know ?
The Buddhist literature tells us 
that Gautam Buddha travelled to 
several cities in ancient India for 
preaching. Buddhist monks were 
ordained not to stay at one place but 
keep travelling continuously to various 
places. Jain monks, sadhus also used 
to travel constantly.
Yuan Shwang, the Chinese monk 
travelled to India in 630 C.E.  In the 
medieval period Saint Namdev, Saint 
Eknath, Guru Nanak, Ramdas Swami 
travelled extensively in India.
Tourism :  Tourism can be defined as 
travelling to visit places in distant regions 
for a specific purpose.
In the latter half of the 19th century 
C.E. the name of Thomas Cook is 
Do you know ?
Benjamin of Tudela is known as 
the first European traveller/discoverer. 
He was born in Spain. During the 
period of 1159-1173 C.E. he travelled 
to France, Germany, Italy, Greece, 
Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, 
India and China. He maintained 
diaries of the accounts of his travels. 
His diaries are viewed as important 
historical documents.
Marco Polo, the Italian traveller 
of the 13th century introduced Asia, 
especially China to Europe. He stayed 
in china for 17 years. He wrote about 
the flora and fauna, social life, culture 
and trade systems of Asia.
Ibn Batuta, the traveller of the 
14th century took the world on a 
virtual travel of the Islamic world 
with his travel accounts. He was 
travelling for 30 years. He had 
resolved not to travel twice on the 
same route. His accounts are helpful 
in understanding  the medieval history 
and social life.
Gerardus Mercator, of 16th 
century was a cartographer. He is 
known for creating a world map and 
globe of the earth. His work proved 
to be very useful for navigation 
around the world.
8.1 Tourism in the Past
8.2 Types of Tourism
8.3 Development of Tourism
8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Historical Places
8.5 Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
noteworthy in the context of tourism 
history.  He organised a trip by railway 
from Leicester to Loughborough for about 
600 people. Later he was successful in 
Organising a round trip of Europe. 
53
8.2  Types of Tourism
These days tourism has become an 
independent field of local, interstate, 
national and international business. The 
desire to visit national and international 
monuments, places of historical importance 
and natural beauty, ancient centres known 
for handicrafts, pilgrim centres, industrial 
centres and sites of various developmental 
projects, etc. promotes tourism. Tourists 
from all over the world wish to visit 
natural and manmade sites, which offer 
a delightful and awe inspiring experience. 
The places like snow-capped peaks, 
beaches, pristine jungles, which were 
neglected previously, became important 
locations of tourist interests. Mass media 
began to make special audio-visual 
presentations highlighting places of tourist 
interest. Tourism can be broadly typified 
into local tourism, interstate tourism, 
international tourism, religious tourism, 
historical tourism, health tourism, science 
tourism, agro-tourism, sports tourism, 
tourism based on special events, etc.
Local and Interstate Tourism : This 
kind of tourism is not very overwhelming 
because it is within one’s own country. It 
does not cause difficulties of language, 
procuring currency and documents. More 
so, we can plan it at the time suitable 
to us.
International Tourism : Nowadays, it 
has become easier to travel because of the 
easy availability of a number of options 
of railway, marine and air transport. 
Marine transport has linked the coastal 
regions. There is a trans-European railway 
route. Aviation has brought the entire 
world closer. Because of the economic 
liberalisation policy of the Indian 
government the number of people travelling 
back and forth from India has increased 
considerably. They include people travelling 
for studies, relaxation, sightseeing, and 
professional assignments (meetings, 
agreements, etc.), also for shooting of 
films, etc. One needs to procure various 
official documents for travelling abroad.
Historical Tourism : This type of 
tourism is popular all over the world. Tours 
to historical places are arranged to satisfy 
people’s interest in history. It can be noted 
in this context that Gopal Neelkanth 
Dandekar, a renowned Marathi writer used 
to arrange hiking tours to forts in 
Maharashtra, to explore the sights closely 
linked to Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj and 
his achievements. Tours are also arranged 
to important historical sites in India such 
as forts in Rajasthan, Ashrams of Mahatma 
Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, 
Do you know ?
The tradition of travelling from 
corner to corner was prevalent in India 
from ancient times. Vishnubhat Godase 
wrote down the accounts of his journey 
from Maharashtra to Ayodhya and 
back to Maharashtra. It is published 
as a book entitled, ‘Maza Pravas’ 
(My Journey). Vishnubhat travelled 
during times of the Indian war of 
independence in 1857.  He was the 
eye witness for many events related to 
this historical event. His accounts are 
full of detailed descriptions about 
various incidences during this period, 
especially those about the life of 
Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi.  We 
also get to know the nature of Marathi 
language of the 18th century. This 
book is one of the important sources 
of history of that period.
Eventually he established a travel agency 
selling tourist tickets. This early venture 
of Thomas cook opened doors for the 
development of modern tourism.  
54
important places related to the Indian war 
of independence in 1857, etc.
to India to avail of the medical facilities 
and health services. India is a tropical 
country, where ample sunlight is available 
throughout the year. This attracts tourist 
from countries with cold climate to India. 
Availability of facilities for Yoga training 
and therapies based on Ayurveda is one 
more reason to want to visit India. 
Agro-Tourism : Agro-tourism, which 
is also known as agri-tourism, is rapidly 
developing, especially meant for the urban 
population, which has very little exposure 
to rural life and agriculture. Now, Indian 
farmers are also visiting faraway places 
like agricultural research centres, 
agricultural universities, and countries like 
Israel where experimentation in advanced 
technology of agriculture is carried out.
Sports Tourism : Sports tourism was 
developed in the 20th century. There are 
various sports events organised on 
international level like Olympics, 
Wimbldon, World Chess Championship 
and international cricket tournaments, etc. 
While there are events like ‘Himalayan 
Car Rally’ on national level, events like 
‘Maharashtra Kesari’ Wrestling 
competitions are organised on state level. 
Travelling to attend such events comes 
under sports tourism. 
Tourism based on Special Events : 
People want to travel and they are often on 
the lookout for special reasons to do it. In 
the 21st century it has become common to 
organise such events, which also help to 
You would like to know this : 
People of various religious 
communities are dispersed globally. 
However, they feel united because of 
their mythological traditions and the 
places associated with those traditions. 
This creates a desire to travel to those 
places and it gives rise to religious 
tourism. In this context the constructions, 
undertaken by Ahilyabai Holkar spending 
from her personal funds are noteworthy. 
Ahalyabai wanted to provide good 
amenities on the pilgrim routes like 
Chardham Yatras and Bara Jyotirlingas .   
Valley of Flowers
Let us find out : 
Apart from the types of tourism 
mentioned above, there are other types 
like, science tourism, leisure and 
relaxation tourism also known as 
wellness tourism, cultural tourism and 
group tourism, etc. Let us find more 
about it on the internet with the help 
of the teachers.
Geographic Tourism  : This type of 
tourism involves visiting places to observe 
special geographic features of a region. It 
includes various natural and animal 
sanctuaries, places like valley of flowers 
(Uttarakhand), various beaches, unique 
geographical wonders like the crater lake 
at Lonar and ranjankhalage (naturally 
carved out cavities in rocks) at Nighoj in 
Maharashtra. Many tourists like to visit 
these places to satisfy their curiosity.
Health Tourism : People from the 
western countries find the health services 
and facilities in India comparatively 
cheaper and yet of good standard.  
Hence, many foreigners preferred to come  
Page 4


52
8. Tourism and History
8.1 Tourism in the Past
The tradition of travelling is quite old 
in India. People used to travel for various 
reasons like pilgrimage, going to local 
fairs and festivals, in search of a renowned 
teacher and good education, for trade, etc. 
In brief, from ancient times people took to 
travelling for various reasons.
Do you know ?
The Buddhist literature tells us 
that Gautam Buddha travelled to 
several cities in ancient India for 
preaching. Buddhist monks were 
ordained not to stay at one place but 
keep travelling continuously to various 
places. Jain monks, sadhus also used 
to travel constantly.
Yuan Shwang, the Chinese monk 
travelled to India in 630 C.E.  In the 
medieval period Saint Namdev, Saint 
Eknath, Guru Nanak, Ramdas Swami 
travelled extensively in India.
Tourism :  Tourism can be defined as 
travelling to visit places in distant regions 
for a specific purpose.
In the latter half of the 19th century 
C.E. the name of Thomas Cook is 
Do you know ?
Benjamin of Tudela is known as 
the first European traveller/discoverer. 
He was born in Spain. During the 
period of 1159-1173 C.E. he travelled 
to France, Germany, Italy, Greece, 
Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, 
India and China. He maintained 
diaries of the accounts of his travels. 
His diaries are viewed as important 
historical documents.
Marco Polo, the Italian traveller 
of the 13th century introduced Asia, 
especially China to Europe. He stayed 
in china for 17 years. He wrote about 
the flora and fauna, social life, culture 
and trade systems of Asia.
Ibn Batuta, the traveller of the 
14th century took the world on a 
virtual travel of the Islamic world 
with his travel accounts. He was 
travelling for 30 years. He had 
resolved not to travel twice on the 
same route. His accounts are helpful 
in understanding  the medieval history 
and social life.
Gerardus Mercator, of 16th 
century was a cartographer. He is 
known for creating a world map and 
globe of the earth. His work proved 
to be very useful for navigation 
around the world.
8.1 Tourism in the Past
8.2 Types of Tourism
8.3 Development of Tourism
8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Historical Places
8.5 Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
noteworthy in the context of tourism 
history.  He organised a trip by railway 
from Leicester to Loughborough for about 
600 people. Later he was successful in 
Organising a round trip of Europe. 
53
8.2  Types of Tourism
These days tourism has become an 
independent field of local, interstate, 
national and international business. The 
desire to visit national and international 
monuments, places of historical importance 
and natural beauty, ancient centres known 
for handicrafts, pilgrim centres, industrial 
centres and sites of various developmental 
projects, etc. promotes tourism. Tourists 
from all over the world wish to visit 
natural and manmade sites, which offer 
a delightful and awe inspiring experience. 
The places like snow-capped peaks, 
beaches, pristine jungles, which were 
neglected previously, became important 
locations of tourist interests. Mass media 
began to make special audio-visual 
presentations highlighting places of tourist 
interest. Tourism can be broadly typified 
into local tourism, interstate tourism, 
international tourism, religious tourism, 
historical tourism, health tourism, science 
tourism, agro-tourism, sports tourism, 
tourism based on special events, etc.
Local and Interstate Tourism : This 
kind of tourism is not very overwhelming 
because it is within one’s own country. It 
does not cause difficulties of language, 
procuring currency and documents. More 
so, we can plan it at the time suitable 
to us.
International Tourism : Nowadays, it 
has become easier to travel because of the 
easy availability of a number of options 
of railway, marine and air transport. 
Marine transport has linked the coastal 
regions. There is a trans-European railway 
route. Aviation has brought the entire 
world closer. Because of the economic 
liberalisation policy of the Indian 
government the number of people travelling 
back and forth from India has increased 
considerably. They include people travelling 
for studies, relaxation, sightseeing, and 
professional assignments (meetings, 
agreements, etc.), also for shooting of 
films, etc. One needs to procure various 
official documents for travelling abroad.
Historical Tourism : This type of 
tourism is popular all over the world. Tours 
to historical places are arranged to satisfy 
people’s interest in history. It can be noted 
in this context that Gopal Neelkanth 
Dandekar, a renowned Marathi writer used 
to arrange hiking tours to forts in 
Maharashtra, to explore the sights closely 
linked to Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj and 
his achievements. Tours are also arranged 
to important historical sites in India such 
as forts in Rajasthan, Ashrams of Mahatma 
Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, 
Do you know ?
The tradition of travelling from 
corner to corner was prevalent in India 
from ancient times. Vishnubhat Godase 
wrote down the accounts of his journey 
from Maharashtra to Ayodhya and 
back to Maharashtra. It is published 
as a book entitled, ‘Maza Pravas’ 
(My Journey). Vishnubhat travelled 
during times of the Indian war of 
independence in 1857.  He was the 
eye witness for many events related to 
this historical event. His accounts are 
full of detailed descriptions about 
various incidences during this period, 
especially those about the life of 
Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi.  We 
also get to know the nature of Marathi 
language of the 18th century. This 
book is one of the important sources 
of history of that period.
Eventually he established a travel agency 
selling tourist tickets. This early venture 
of Thomas cook opened doors for the 
development of modern tourism.  
54
important places related to the Indian war 
of independence in 1857, etc.
to India to avail of the medical facilities 
and health services. India is a tropical 
country, where ample sunlight is available 
throughout the year. This attracts tourist 
from countries with cold climate to India. 
Availability of facilities for Yoga training 
and therapies based on Ayurveda is one 
more reason to want to visit India. 
Agro-Tourism : Agro-tourism, which 
is also known as agri-tourism, is rapidly 
developing, especially meant for the urban 
population, which has very little exposure 
to rural life and agriculture. Now, Indian 
farmers are also visiting faraway places 
like agricultural research centres, 
agricultural universities, and countries like 
Israel where experimentation in advanced 
technology of agriculture is carried out.
Sports Tourism : Sports tourism was 
developed in the 20th century. There are 
various sports events organised on 
international level like Olympics, 
Wimbldon, World Chess Championship 
and international cricket tournaments, etc. 
While there are events like ‘Himalayan 
Car Rally’ on national level, events like 
‘Maharashtra Kesari’ Wrestling 
competitions are organised on state level. 
Travelling to attend such events comes 
under sports tourism. 
Tourism based on Special Events : 
People want to travel and they are often on 
the lookout for special reasons to do it. In 
the 21st century it has become common to 
organise such events, which also help to 
You would like to know this : 
People of various religious 
communities are dispersed globally. 
However, they feel united because of 
their mythological traditions and the 
places associated with those traditions. 
This creates a desire to travel to those 
places and it gives rise to religious 
tourism. In this context the constructions, 
undertaken by Ahilyabai Holkar spending 
from her personal funds are noteworthy. 
Ahalyabai wanted to provide good 
amenities on the pilgrim routes like 
Chardham Yatras and Bara Jyotirlingas .   
Valley of Flowers
Let us find out : 
Apart from the types of tourism 
mentioned above, there are other types 
like, science tourism, leisure and 
relaxation tourism also known as 
wellness tourism, cultural tourism and 
group tourism, etc. Let us find more 
about it on the internet with the help 
of the teachers.
Geographic Tourism  : This type of 
tourism involves visiting places to observe 
special geographic features of a region. It 
includes various natural and animal 
sanctuaries, places like valley of flowers 
(Uttarakhand), various beaches, unique 
geographical wonders like the crater lake 
at Lonar and ranjankhalage (naturally 
carved out cavities in rocks) at Nighoj in 
Maharashtra. Many tourists like to visit 
these places to satisfy their curiosity.
Health Tourism : People from the 
western countries find the health services 
and facilities in India comparatively 
cheaper and yet of good standard.  
Hence, many foreigners preferred to come  
55
Do this.
Gather more information about 
the Swachh Bharat drive. 
 What facilities should be made 
available to the tourists?
 How would you behave with the 
tourist if you are the local person at 
a tourist site?
Can you tell ?
Gharapuri Caves
books about a tourist site be available in 
their own language. Hence, such literature 
should be made available in various 
languages. It would be helpful if the taxi 
drivers are trained to converse in more 
than one languages. They may also be 
trained as tourist guides.
Collect pictures and photos of 
the cultural, natural and mixed 
heritage sites in India, with the help 
of internet.
Try this.
Kas Pathar
promote tourism. Film festivals, various 
types of seminars and conferences, 
international book exhibitions, etc. are 
examples of such special events. People 
keep visiting several places to attend such 
special events. Many literature enthusiasts 
in Maharashtra travel every year to attend 
‘Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan’ 
(Pan Indian Marathi Literary Convention).
8.3 Development of Tourism
The crucial issue in the development 
of tourism is providing proper guidance to 
national and international tourists about 
various aspects of the actual travel, proper 
social conduct during the tour and during 
their stay at the destination places.
Giving priority to ensure safe transport 
and security facilities for the tourists, 
amenities of reasonably good standard, 
availability of good accommodation, good 
washroom facilities on the travel routes is 
of great significance in promoting tourism. 
It is also very important to pay special 
attention to the special needs of handicapped 
tourists. 
It is important to take a few primary 
precautions in order to preserve the 
historical heritage sites. It is essential 
that few things should be avoided at 
any instance, for example: vandalising 
or defacing the heritage monuments 
and sites. In order to avoid it everybody 
should refrain from activities like 
writing on walls or carving on trees, 
paint ancient monuments in garish 
colours, etc. Lack of good amenities in 
the precincts of the heritage sites causes 
filthiness.
It is very essential for the tourists 
that pamphlets, guides and history 
Page 5


52
8. Tourism and History
8.1 Tourism in the Past
The tradition of travelling is quite old 
in India. People used to travel for various 
reasons like pilgrimage, going to local 
fairs and festivals, in search of a renowned 
teacher and good education, for trade, etc. 
In brief, from ancient times people took to 
travelling for various reasons.
Do you know ?
The Buddhist literature tells us 
that Gautam Buddha travelled to 
several cities in ancient India for 
preaching. Buddhist monks were 
ordained not to stay at one place but 
keep travelling continuously to various 
places. Jain monks, sadhus also used 
to travel constantly.
Yuan Shwang, the Chinese monk 
travelled to India in 630 C.E.  In the 
medieval period Saint Namdev, Saint 
Eknath, Guru Nanak, Ramdas Swami 
travelled extensively in India.
Tourism :  Tourism can be defined as 
travelling to visit places in distant regions 
for a specific purpose.
In the latter half of the 19th century 
C.E. the name of Thomas Cook is 
Do you know ?
Benjamin of Tudela is known as 
the first European traveller/discoverer. 
He was born in Spain. During the 
period of 1159-1173 C.E. he travelled 
to France, Germany, Italy, Greece, 
Syria, Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Persia, 
India and China. He maintained 
diaries of the accounts of his travels. 
His diaries are viewed as important 
historical documents.
Marco Polo, the Italian traveller 
of the 13th century introduced Asia, 
especially China to Europe. He stayed 
in china for 17 years. He wrote about 
the flora and fauna, social life, culture 
and trade systems of Asia.
Ibn Batuta, the traveller of the 
14th century took the world on a 
virtual travel of the Islamic world 
with his travel accounts. He was 
travelling for 30 years. He had 
resolved not to travel twice on the 
same route. His accounts are helpful 
in understanding  the medieval history 
and social life.
Gerardus Mercator, of 16th 
century was a cartographer. He is 
known for creating a world map and 
globe of the earth. His work proved 
to be very useful for navigation 
around the world.
8.1 Tourism in the Past
8.2 Types of Tourism
8.3 Development of Tourism
8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Historical Places
8.5 Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
noteworthy in the context of tourism 
history.  He organised a trip by railway 
from Leicester to Loughborough for about 
600 people. Later he was successful in 
Organising a round trip of Europe. 
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8.2  Types of Tourism
These days tourism has become an 
independent field of local, interstate, 
national and international business. The 
desire to visit national and international 
monuments, places of historical importance 
and natural beauty, ancient centres known 
for handicrafts, pilgrim centres, industrial 
centres and sites of various developmental 
projects, etc. promotes tourism. Tourists 
from all over the world wish to visit 
natural and manmade sites, which offer 
a delightful and awe inspiring experience. 
The places like snow-capped peaks, 
beaches, pristine jungles, which were 
neglected previously, became important 
locations of tourist interests. Mass media 
began to make special audio-visual 
presentations highlighting places of tourist 
interest. Tourism can be broadly typified 
into local tourism, interstate tourism, 
international tourism, religious tourism, 
historical tourism, health tourism, science 
tourism, agro-tourism, sports tourism, 
tourism based on special events, etc.
Local and Interstate Tourism : This 
kind of tourism is not very overwhelming 
because it is within one’s own country. It 
does not cause difficulties of language, 
procuring currency and documents. More 
so, we can plan it at the time suitable 
to us.
International Tourism : Nowadays, it 
has become easier to travel because of the 
easy availability of a number of options 
of railway, marine and air transport. 
Marine transport has linked the coastal 
regions. There is a trans-European railway 
route. Aviation has brought the entire 
world closer. Because of the economic 
liberalisation policy of the Indian 
government the number of people travelling 
back and forth from India has increased 
considerably. They include people travelling 
for studies, relaxation, sightseeing, and 
professional assignments (meetings, 
agreements, etc.), also for shooting of 
films, etc. One needs to procure various 
official documents for travelling abroad.
Historical Tourism : This type of 
tourism is popular all over the world. Tours 
to historical places are arranged to satisfy 
people’s interest in history. It can be noted 
in this context that Gopal Neelkanth 
Dandekar, a renowned Marathi writer used 
to arrange hiking tours to forts in 
Maharashtra, to explore the sights closely 
linked to Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj and 
his achievements. Tours are also arranged 
to important historical sites in India such 
as forts in Rajasthan, Ashrams of Mahatma 
Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, 
Do you know ?
The tradition of travelling from 
corner to corner was prevalent in India 
from ancient times. Vishnubhat Godase 
wrote down the accounts of his journey 
from Maharashtra to Ayodhya and 
back to Maharashtra. It is published 
as a book entitled, ‘Maza Pravas’ 
(My Journey). Vishnubhat travelled 
during times of the Indian war of 
independence in 1857.  He was the 
eye witness for many events related to 
this historical event. His accounts are 
full of detailed descriptions about 
various incidences during this period, 
especially those about the life of 
Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi.  We 
also get to know the nature of Marathi 
language of the 18th century. This 
book is one of the important sources 
of history of that period.
Eventually he established a travel agency 
selling tourist tickets. This early venture 
of Thomas cook opened doors for the 
development of modern tourism.  
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important places related to the Indian war 
of independence in 1857, etc.
to India to avail of the medical facilities 
and health services. India is a tropical 
country, where ample sunlight is available 
throughout the year. This attracts tourist 
from countries with cold climate to India. 
Availability of facilities for Yoga training 
and therapies based on Ayurveda is one 
more reason to want to visit India. 
Agro-Tourism : Agro-tourism, which 
is also known as agri-tourism, is rapidly 
developing, especially meant for the urban 
population, which has very little exposure 
to rural life and agriculture. Now, Indian 
farmers are also visiting faraway places 
like agricultural research centres, 
agricultural universities, and countries like 
Israel where experimentation in advanced 
technology of agriculture is carried out.
Sports Tourism : Sports tourism was 
developed in the 20th century. There are 
various sports events organised on 
international level like Olympics, 
Wimbldon, World Chess Championship 
and international cricket tournaments, etc. 
While there are events like ‘Himalayan 
Car Rally’ on national level, events like 
‘Maharashtra Kesari’ Wrestling 
competitions are organised on state level. 
Travelling to attend such events comes 
under sports tourism. 
Tourism based on Special Events : 
People want to travel and they are often on 
the lookout for special reasons to do it. In 
the 21st century it has become common to 
organise such events, which also help to 
You would like to know this : 
People of various religious 
communities are dispersed globally. 
However, they feel united because of 
their mythological traditions and the 
places associated with those traditions. 
This creates a desire to travel to those 
places and it gives rise to religious 
tourism. In this context the constructions, 
undertaken by Ahilyabai Holkar spending 
from her personal funds are noteworthy. 
Ahalyabai wanted to provide good 
amenities on the pilgrim routes like 
Chardham Yatras and Bara Jyotirlingas .   
Valley of Flowers
Let us find out : 
Apart from the types of tourism 
mentioned above, there are other types 
like, science tourism, leisure and 
relaxation tourism also known as 
wellness tourism, cultural tourism and 
group tourism, etc. Let us find more 
about it on the internet with the help 
of the teachers.
Geographic Tourism  : This type of 
tourism involves visiting places to observe 
special geographic features of a region. It 
includes various natural and animal 
sanctuaries, places like valley of flowers 
(Uttarakhand), various beaches, unique 
geographical wonders like the crater lake 
at Lonar and ranjankhalage (naturally 
carved out cavities in rocks) at Nighoj in 
Maharashtra. Many tourists like to visit 
these places to satisfy their curiosity.
Health Tourism : People from the 
western countries find the health services 
and facilities in India comparatively 
cheaper and yet of good standard.  
Hence, many foreigners preferred to come  
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Do this.
Gather more information about 
the Swachh Bharat drive. 
 What facilities should be made 
available to the tourists?
 How would you behave with the 
tourist if you are the local person at 
a tourist site?
Can you tell ?
Gharapuri Caves
books about a tourist site be available in 
their own language. Hence, such literature 
should be made available in various 
languages. It would be helpful if the taxi 
drivers are trained to converse in more 
than one languages. They may also be 
trained as tourist guides.
Collect pictures and photos of 
the cultural, natural and mixed 
heritage sites in India, with the help 
of internet.
Try this.
Kas Pathar
promote tourism. Film festivals, various 
types of seminars and conferences, 
international book exhibitions, etc. are 
examples of such special events. People 
keep visiting several places to attend such 
special events. Many literature enthusiasts 
in Maharashtra travel every year to attend 
‘Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan’ 
(Pan Indian Marathi Literary Convention).
8.3 Development of Tourism
The crucial issue in the development 
of tourism is providing proper guidance to 
national and international tourists about 
various aspects of the actual travel, proper 
social conduct during the tour and during 
their stay at the destination places.
Giving priority to ensure safe transport 
and security facilities for the tourists, 
amenities of reasonably good standard, 
availability of good accommodation, good 
washroom facilities on the travel routes is 
of great significance in promoting tourism. 
It is also very important to pay special 
attention to the special needs of handicapped 
tourists. 
It is important to take a few primary 
precautions in order to preserve the 
historical heritage sites. It is essential 
that few things should be avoided at 
any instance, for example: vandalising 
or defacing the heritage monuments 
and sites. In order to avoid it everybody 
should refrain from activities like 
writing on walls or carving on trees, 
paint ancient monuments in garish 
colours, etc. Lack of good amenities in 
the precincts of the heritage sites causes 
filthiness.
It is very essential for the tourists 
that pamphlets, guides and history 
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8.4 Conservation and Preservation of 
Heritage
It is a hard task to preserve and 
conserve heritage sites. Our country is very 
rich with historical sites dating to ancient, 
medieval and modern period. It is also 
blessed with abundance of nature.
Heritage of any country is divided 
into, Natural Heritage and Cultural 
(manmade) Heritage. There are some 
Heritage Sites in India, which are acclaimed 
globally, such as Taj Mahal at Agra, 
Jantar Mantar observatory at Jaipur, and 
also the rock-cut caves at Ajanta, Verul 
and Gharapuri (Elephanta), Chhatrapati 
Shivaji Maharaj Railway Terminus in 
Maharashtra. Kas Plateau in Maharashtra 
is located in the Western Ghats, which is 
a World Natural Heritage site.
There are tourists all over the world, 
who wish to visit world heritage sites. 
Foreign tourists come in large numbers to 
visit the heritage sites in our country. It 
makes us feel very proud when an Indian 
heritage site is declared as a world heritage 
site. However, whenever we visit such 
places we feel very disappointed because 
of what we see there. We get to see that 
people have written their names with 
charcoal; have drawn pictures, vandalising 
the heritage site. It affects our image as a 
nation. To preserve the heritage sites we 
need to resolve that :
(1) I shall strive to maintain the 
cleanliness of heritage sites.
(2) I shall not do anything, which will 
result in vandalising of any historical site.
8.5  Professional Opportunities in the 
Tourism and Hospitality Industry  
Tourism and Hospitality is an industry 
with potential to create maximum 
employment opportunities. If managed 
professionally, it is a very stable industry. 
Heritage Walks : To go on a tour 
for visiting historical places is known as 
‘Heritage Walk’.  One can experience 
the thrill of being a part of history by 
participating in heritage walks.
‘Heritage Walks’ as an organised 
group activity has gained popularity in 
many countries. India has a rich history, 
which can be traced back to many 
millenniums. Every region of India is full 
of historical places from ancient, medieval 
and modern period. The ‘Heritage walk’ 
organised in the city of Ahmedabad is 
well-known. In the cities of Mumbai and 
Pune in Maharashtra such walks are 
organised regularly. Heritage walks can 
encourage people to support projects like 
conservation and preservation of historical 
monuments, to collect authentic 
information about them and to publish it 
through various media. Residences of 
renowned citizens who have passed away 
are also part of heritage. In some cities 
‘blue plaques’ with the names and other 
relevant information of such citizens are 
placed on their residences, as a part 
heritage scheme.
It has tremendous scope for experimentation 
and innovation.
A good number of opportunities of 
employment are available in the tourism 
and hospitality industry. The country 
which is a tourist destination begins to 
receive revenue even before a tourist 
arrives at the airport of that country. He 
has to pay for his visa. He spends for 
his travel, stay in hotels, food, payment 
Organise ‘Heritage Walks’ with 
the help of your teachers as part of 
educational tours to historical places.
Try this.