Assess the importance of archacological sources the reconstruction of ancient India history
Answers
Explanation:
Archaeology is a systematic study of antiquities. It deals with the actual remains of the dim. distant past by way of inscriptions (Epigraphy), coins (Numismatics) and monument. These provide us with valuable and useful information to enable us to reconstruct our history Excavations: Excavation is the scientific digging of earth for unearthing sources of historical importance. Excavations provide an insight into the social, cultural and religious life of the people of some earlier era. The archaeological remains found during excavations ai v put to scientific tests by carbon -14 dating and potassium methods to ascertain their age. Inscriptions: Inscriptions are win dings found on hard substances such as stone, metal, wood, shell, pottery etc. Inscriptions provide information about the type of coins that were in circulation, trade and commerce, the agricultural system that existed, names of Kin. their dynasties and the Era. Culture of the region was also often reflected in inscriptions. So, inscriptions are the most valuable, reliable, authentic and direct sources for writing history. They were written in various languages like Pali, Prakriti, Sanskrit, Tamil, old Kannada etc. Ashoka’s Ilatigumpha cave inscriptions at Kharvela (Orissa) are regarded as one of the earliest. The Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta, Aiholc inscription of Pulikeshi-II etc., gives details regarding their expeditions. Thus, inscriptions throw light on a variety of matters of history and culture of ancient India. Coins (Numismatics): Coins help us to understand the age, dynasty, economic and religious conditions, script, languages, extent of the Empire etc. Coins were usually minted in gold, silver, copper, lead etc. The coins of Guptas, Shatavahanas, Yadavas, Vijayanagara etc., are noteworthy. Monuments: Monuments are structures or sites of historical importance. They are the materials actually made and used by the people from the earlier era. Forts, palace: caves, temples, statues, stupas, mosques, tombs, churches, basadies etc., are examples of monuments. The cave paintings of Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Khajuraho, Badami, the temples at Konark, Belur, Halebeedu, Tanjavur and Hampi, the statues of Gomateshwara and Buddha etc., help us to understand the cultural heritage of India. They are the true signs of the prosperity of that period and speak volumes of the artistic taste of the people and Rulers of that time. Paintings: The paintings of various periods give us a very vivid picture of the cultural, social and religious aspects of those bygone eras. For example, among the paintings at the Ajanta caves there is a picture of Pulikeshi-II receiving the Ambassador of Khusro-II. We find the importance of the archaeological sources in reconstructing the history of lndia. A critical analysis of these sources will enable us to write an authentic history in a very scientific way.