Which of the following is FALSE in the context of sources of history?a...
There are several ways of finding out about the past.
- Historic sources can be divided into archaeological sources and literary sources.
- Archaeological sources include artifacts, monuments, coins, and inscriptions.
- Literary sources include written records of the past, also known as manuscripts.
- One is to search for and read books that were written long ago. These are called manuscripts because they were written by hand (this comes from the Latin word ‘manu’, meaning hand).
- These were usually written on palm leaf, or on the specially prepared bark of a tree known as the birch, which grows in the Himalayas.
- Over the years, many manuscripts were eaten away by insects, some were destroyed, but many have survived, often preserved in temples and monasteries.
- These books dealt with all kinds of subjects: religious beliefs and practices, the lives of kings, medicine, and science.
- Besides, there were epics, poems, plays.
- Many of these were written in Sanskrit, others were in Prakrit (languages used by ordinary people) and Tamil.
- Inscriptions are also a good source of history.
- These are writings on relatively hard surfaces such as stone or metal.
- Sometimes, kings got their orders inscribed so that people could see, read and obey them.
- There are other kinds of inscriptions as well, where men and women (including kings and queens) recorded what they did.
- For example, kings often kept records of victories in battle.
Thus, we can conclude that Manuscripts and Inscriptions both are not good archaeological sources.
Which of the following is FALSE in the context of sources of history?a...
False Statement:
Manuscripts and Inscriptions both are good archaeological sources (Option A)
Explanation:
In the context of sources of history, the false statement is option A, which states that manuscripts and inscriptions are both good archaeological sources. Let's understand why this statement is false.
1. Manuscripts:
- Manuscripts are written by hand on a palm leaf or on the bark of the birch tree.
- They are a valuable source of historical information as they provide insights into various aspects of human life, including religious beliefs, practices, literature, governance, and more.
- However, manuscripts are not considered archaeological sources. Archaeology primarily deals with the study of human history through material remains, such as artifacts, structures, and ecofacts.
2. Inscriptions:
- Inscriptions refer to writing or markings on hard surfaces such as stone or metal.
- They are an important source of historical information as they provide evidence of past events, rulers, religious activities, and more.
- Inscriptions are indeed considered archaeological sources as they are often discovered during archaeological excavations and provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations and cultures.
3. Difference between Manuscripts and Inscriptions:
- Manuscripts are handwritten documents that primarily provide textual information.
- Inscriptions, on the other hand, are carved or engraved on hard surfaces and often include text, symbols, or images.
- Manuscripts are generally made on organic materials like leaves, bark, or paper, while inscriptions are made on durable materials like stone or metal.
Conclusion:
While manuscripts and inscriptions are both important sources of historical information, the false statement is option A, which states that both are good archaeological sources. Manuscripts are not considered archaeological sources as they do not fall under the domain of archaeology, which primarily focuses on material remains.
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