INDIAN HISTORY Sources of Indian History – Destruction of Historical Text – Separate Samvat.

INDIAN HISTORY Sources of Indian History – Destruction of Historical Text – Separate Samvat.

 Sources of Indian History – Destruction of Historical Texts & Separate Samvat

Indian history is reconstructed using various sources, including archaeological, literary, foreign accounts, and inscriptions. However, several ancient texts have been destroyed due to invasions, wars, and natural calamities. Let’s explore the sources, destruction of historical records, and different Samvat (Indian calendars).

 Sources of Indian History

Indian history is derived from four major sources:

 Archaeological Sources (Excavations & Inscriptions)

Excavations: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Ashokan Pillars
Coins: Gupta dynasty coins, Kushan coins
Inscriptions: Ashoka’s Edicts, Hathigumpha Inscription

 Literary Sources (Ancient Texts)

Vedic Texts: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda
Epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
Religious Texts: Buddhist Tipitaka, Jain Agamas
Historical Texts: Rajatarangini by Kalhana, Arthashastra by Kautilya

 Foreign Accounts (Travelers’ Records)

Greek Accounts: Megasthenes’ Indica
Chinese Travelers: Fa-Hien, Hiuen-Tsang
Arab Travelers: Al-Biruni’s Kitab al-Hind

 Local & Regional Chronicles

Rajput Chronicles: Prithviraj Raso
South Indian Records: Sangam Literature, Copper Plate Inscriptions

 Destruction of Historical Texts in India

Many important Indian historical texts were lost or destroyed due to foreign invasions, natural disasters, or negligence. Some major incidents include:

 Destruction of Nalanda & Takshashila Universities

Invader: Bakhtiyar Khilji (1202 CE)
Impact: Burned Nalanda & Takshashila libraries, destroying thousands of manuscripts.

 Burning of Ancient Manuscripts

Vedic manuscripts and Jain Agamas were lost over time.
The Saraswati Library of Kashmir was reportedly destroyed.

 Colonial Era Destruction

 British officials ignored or misplaced historical texts during colonial rule.
 Many ancient texts were taken to European museums.

Result: Many aspects of Indian history remain uncertain or reconstructed from secondary sources.

 Different Samvats (Indian Calendars)

India follows multiple Samvat (Era systems) for historical and religious purposes. The major Samvats are:

 Vikram Samvat (57 BCE)

 Started by King Vikramaditya after defeating the Shakas.
Official calendar of Nepal and used in many Hindu festivals.

 Shaka Samvat (78 CE)

 Started by King Kanishka (Kushan Empire).
Government of India’s official calendar (Since 1957).

 Hijri Samvat (622 CE)

 Islamic calendar based on the lunar cycle.

 Kali Yuga Samvat (3102 BCE)

Mythological calendar marking the beginning of Kali Yuga.

Would you like detailed information on any specific period, dynasty, or historical event?

INDIAN HISTORY Sources of Indian History – Destruction of Historical Text – Separate Samvat.

History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300

History of Ancient India Upto 1206 CE

INDIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY

Here’s a clear and complete explanation on the topic:

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Sources of Indian History

(With focus on: Destruction of Historical Texts & Separate Samvats)

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I. Sources of Indian History

Indian history is reconstructed through various types of sources:

1. Archaeological Sources

• Monuments, inscriptions, coins, tools, pottery, seals
• Example: Harappan sites, Ashokan edicts

2. Literary Sources

• Religious texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Buddhist & Jain literature
• Secular texts: Arthashastra, Rajatarangini, foreign travelers’ accounts

3. Inscriptions (Epigraphy)

• Rock & pillar inscriptions (e.g., Ashokan edicts)
• Copper plate grants

4. Numismatics (Study of Coins)

• Ancient coins help date reigns, trade links, and economy

5. Foreign Accounts

• Greek: Megasthenes (Indica)
• Chinese: Fa-Hien, Hiuen Tsang
• Arab: Al-Biruni

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II. Destruction of Historical Texts in Indian History

Many valuable historical records were lost or destroyed over centuries due to:

1. Invasions

• Repeated invasions (e.g., Ghazni, Ghori, Mughals) led to:
  • Destruction of libraries (e.g., Nalanda and Vikramshila)
  • Loss of palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books

2. Neglect and Natural Decay

• Lack of preservation methods for:
  • Palm-leaf and birch-bark manuscripts
  • Oral tradition fading with time

3. Colonial Erasure

• British focused on Western frameworks of history
• Indigenous records were often dismissed or under-recorded

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III. Separate Samvats (Calendars in Indian History)

India used multiple historical Samvats (calendars), which are still used in different contexts:

Samvat Name	Started By	Year Started (AD)	Notes
Vikram Samvat	King Vikramaditya	57 BCE	Still used in North India
Shaka Samvat	Kanishka	78 CE	Official calendar of Govt. of India
Gupta Era	Chandragupta I	319–320 CE	Used during Gupta Dynasty
Hijri Era	Islamic (Lunar)	622 CE	Introduced during Delhi Sultanate
Kalachuri Era	Southern India	248 CE	Used regionally

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Conclusion

• Indian history survives through a rich combination of material and written records
• However, many texts were lost due to war, neglect, and lack of preservation
• Samvats (calendar eras) play a key role in dating Indian historical events

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Would you like:

• A timeline chart of Indian eras and dynasties?
• A PDF summary for history notes?
• Quiz questions on this topic?

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INDIAN HISTORY Sources of Indian History – Destruction of Historical Text – Separate Samvat.

cc-1/ge-1: history of india from earliest times up to 300 ce – …