What are the limitation of the literary sources that are available for the mediaeval period of Indian history
Answers
Answer:
There is a difference between the materials written, objects made, and art created during the middle ages; and contemporary sources that describe these, such as journal articles and books. Most people only have access to books and journal articles. These can be excellent, because they are usually written by people who have authoritative knowledge, access to the materials preserved from the middle ages, and they can put materials into perspective.
However, there is something special about seeing something first hand for yourself. For research on a novel set in 13th century France I have read dozens of books and some journal articles written by history experts who know that period. However, I also went to visit sites (such as the walled city of Carcassonne, a World Heritage site). The books I read helped me understand that what I could see there did not look like the 13th century; the city had been rebuilt several times and then restored.
I read books and accounts written by people who lived during or close to the 13th century to get a feel for their thinking and ways of expressing themselves. But often, I needed books written by academic historians to understand the primary sources written long ago.