What was the assumption of British historians to divide history of Ind...
James mill a Scottish Historian thought that Indian history is very big and if we sort them together there would be a mess.So he divided our history into 3 periods in his book: The history of British India.
HINDU - (Ancient India).
MUSLIM - (medieval India).
BRITISH - (Modern India).
This was his assumption of dividing history into 3 periods.
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What was the assumption of British historians to divide history of Ind...
Assumption of British Historians to Divide History of India
The assumption of British historians to divide the history of India was based on their belief in the concept of racial superiority and their desire to justify their colonization of the country. This approach led to the creation of a linear and hierarchical narrative of Indian history that served to undermine the rich and complex heritage of the subcontinent.
Dividing Indian History
- British historians divided Indian history into three distinct periods: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
- They portrayed Ancient India as a period of greatness and glory, emphasizing the achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization and the Mauryan Empire.
- The Medieval period was depicted as a time of decline and chaos, focusing on the invasions of the Mughals and other foreign rulers.
- The Modern period, starting with British colonization, was presented as a time of progress and development, attributing all advancements to British rule.
Justification for Colonization
- By dividing Indian history in this way, British historians sought to justify their colonization of India by portraying themselves as superior to the native population.
- They used this narrative to argue that British rule was necessary to bring order and civilization to a supposedly backward and uncivilized society.
- This approach allowed them to legitimize their exploitation of Indian resources and labor under the guise of benevolent governance.
Impact on Indian Identity
- The British division of Indian history had a lasting impact on the way Indians perceived their own identity and heritage.
- It eroded the sense of pride and unity that had previously characterized Indian society, creating divisions based on race, religion, and region.
- This distorted view of Indian history continues to influence popular perceptions and academic discourse, highlighting the need to reexamine and reclaim the true narrative of India's past.
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