Page 34 - sst_class_06

1. Prehistory : This refers to that period when the art of
writing was unknown. Our information about prehistory

depends upon the remains of tools, pottery and weapons
that have been excavated.

2. History : This refers to the period after the invention of
writing. History deals with the period of written records Tools, Pottery and Weapons
of the past events. The written records provide details such as dates of events, names
of people and places and so on.

sources of HIstory

The sources of history can be divided into two categories—Archaeological sources and

Literary sources.

1. ArchAeologicAl SourceS

The study of material remains of past human existence is called
Archaeology. These remains include weapons, tools, coins,
writings on objects, buildings, articles of daily use, etc. These are
called archaeological sources. A person, who studies such remains
is called an archaeologist. An evidence from excavations tells us
many things about the people of ancient times.

(a) Monuments : Temples, forts, palaces and other constructions

give us a lot of information about the culture, society and
lifestyle of the ancient people. Any building of historical
significance is considered to be a monument. The Sanchi Sanchi Stupa
Stupa, the university at Nalanda and the Ashoka pillars are some examples of Indian
monuments built during the ancient period.

(b) Coins : The study of coins is known as Numismatics. Thousands
of ancient Indian coins have been discovered, which give us
an idea about the economic condition and currency system
prevalent during those times. Coins often bear images of

gods, goddesses and religious symbols which tell us about
the religious beliefs of those times. Ancient Coins

(c) Inscriptions : Inscriptions are writings on hard surface like
stone, metal, rocks or pillars. They include records of
victories in battles, orders of the kings, records of donations
to the temples, etc. They tell us about the names and dates
of the kings, their kingdoms, important events of a certain
period, etc. For example-we come to know about the great

king Ashoka and his policy of peace and non-violence from
the rock and pillar inscriptions of Ashoka. Inscriptions
34 Social Studies-6