D. Long answer questions
1. What led James Mill to divide Indian
history into Hindu, Muslim and British
periods? Why is his periodisation not
acceptable?
2. Why do we need to revisit the histories
written by British historians? Why will we
need a new set of dates for it?
3. What is the problem with the
periodisation of Indian history as ancient,
medieval and modern?
4. Why did the British document and
produce multiple copies of their
administrative records? How did they
preserve these records?
5. Which were the important surveys taken
up by the British? Explain how these
helped them with administration.
Answers
Answer:
1. James Mill divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and British periods on the basis of who were the most powerful rulers in India. The problem with this periodisation is that it reduced history to a very communal viewpoint.
2. Dates are important, as they note when certain events happened. This is very important because history is recorded chronologically. It helps to know that one event happened before another event so that one can examine the relationship between events. Dates also serve to mark periods in history.
3. The problem with the periodisation of Indian history by James Mill is that he divided the Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and the British period. It has been argued by many historians that it is not correct to periodise the Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers.
4. The British believed that by preserving official documents, it would be easier for them or any other persons to know about the decisions taken in the past. One can study the notes and reports that were prepared in the past. Their copies may be prepared and used in present time if needed so.
5. The British believed that a country should be known in a better way to rule it in a better way. Detailed surveys were conducted in the 19th century to map the country. Revenue surveys were conducted in villages. Surveys were also conducted about flora and fauna. Census was conducted to collect data about caste and religious composition of the Indian population.
1. It is not accepted by Indian historians because it did not provide a complete view on everyone. James mill divided Indian history into three parts: Hindu, Muslim and British. The periodisation does not help us to understand the lives of other minority. For example,we cannot say with James mill history what happened to Hindus in the Muslim period.
2. Dates are important, as the note when certain events happened. This is very important because history is recorded chronologically.it helps to know that one event happened before another event so that one can examine the relationship between events. We don't need to revisit history manipulated by British, we should research properly and then show the correct history. Dates also served to make periods in history.
3. The problem with the the periodisation of Indian history by James mill is that he divided the Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and the British period.it has been argued by many historians that it is not correct to periodise the Indian history on the basis of religion of the rulers.
4. the British felt the need to preserve all the important official documents and letters. For this, they set up record rooms attached to all administrative institutions.The British also in stablished specialised institutions such as archives and museums to preserve important records.
5. service become an integral part of the British administration because surveys allowed them to see which part of their empire and needed some special attention and enabled them to come for the strategies and plans to deal with the situations. The service also helped them to learn in depth about the country and its people which help them to be rule better.
Hope these answers helped you ☺️