Question

indian history sources
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Answer 1

There are many sources of ancient indian history. The most important one's are the following in no particular order:



Literature:Both indian and foreign literature. For example, Puranas, especially Bhavisya Puran gives an idea of early indian kingdoms though it isnot that accurate. Arthshastra written by Chanakya throws light on administrative aspects of Mauryan Empire. There are several other literature that have historical value. But reliability of literature sources is questionable. As theydon't always portray the true picture.

Coins:coins tells a lotabout the financial position of the king and the region. Discovery of large number of gold coins of Gupta period led tobelief that it was quite a prosperous period in indian history. Whereas, lessnumber of gold coins denote that the periodwas less prosperous .


Travellers accounts- A great deal of knowledge about the time and reign of Harshvardhan has been gained from Chinese traveller Hiuen tsang’s account. The first mention of world famous Kumbha Mela is found in his accounts. Similarly Fa hien visited during Gupta period and wrote about the same. This source is also affected by author’s personal biases.




Excavation- Indus valley civilization wasdiscovered through massive excavation. Several artefacts, coins and other itemsof archaeological value are discovered in excavation that unleash information about that era.



Archaeological Evidences- such as artefacts, rock inscriptions, pillar inscriptions. A great deal of information has been obtained from Ashoka’s pillars.We come to know of Samudragupta military campaigns though his inscription“Prayag Prasashti”.Out of the these, Coins, excavation andarchaeological evidences are the most reliable sourcesto study ancient history.