How, When and Where - Long Answer Questions
Dates serve as milestones. They help us compare the past with the present (before and after) and understand the sequence of events.
James Mill divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods. This was problematic because it suggested that only the religion of the ruler mattered, ignoring the rich diversity and lives of ordinary people.
When one country subjugates another, leading to political, economic, social, and cultural changes, it is called colonialism.
Records maintained by the British administration. They believed every instruction, plan, policy, decision, agreement, and investigation had to be clearly written up.
So that they could be studied and debated later. They set up record rooms attached to all administrative institutions (Collectorate, Secretariat, Law courts).
Located in New Delhi (built in the 1920s), it stores important government records and documents.
Detailed investigations to map the country. The British believed a country had to be properly known before it could be effectively administered.
Revenue surveys, botanical surveys, zoological surveys, archaeological surveys, anthropological surveys, and forest surveys.
They tell us what the officials thought and wanted to preserve. They do not tell us what the ordinary people (tribals, peasants, workers) felt or why they acted as they did.
A Scottish economist and political philosopher who wrote 'A History of British India' in 1817.
Science, reason, democracy, liberty, and equality.
Because under British rule, people did not have equality, freedom, or liberty, and there was no economic growth for the locals.
A count of the population held every 10 years (started in late 19th century). It records the number of people, caste, religion, and occupation.
Someone who specializes in the art of beautiful writing. They were employed to copy documents before printing became common.
To collect and study plant specimens, often to find commercially useful plants.
The first Governor-General of India (1773).
In New Delhi, close to the Viceregal Palace, showing the importance of records.
History is based on facts and evidence (sources), while stories can be fictional.
No, the past was different for different groups (kings vs farmers, British vs Indians). Hence the book title 'Our Pasts'.
Diaries of people, accounts of pilgrims/travellers, autobiographies, popular booklets, and newspapers.
How, When and Where - Important Facts
James Mill published 'A History of British India' in 1817.
Warren Hastings became first Governor-General in 1773.
The British established the National Archives.
The British established the National Museum.
Census operations began in the late 19th century.
Surveys helped in revenue collection.
Mapping was crucial for military and administration.
Calligraphists copied documents by hand.
Printing press spread in the mid-19th century.
Official records are biased towards administration.
Newspapers provide a different perspective.
History is not just about dates.
History is about change over time.
Periodization helps simplify history.
James Mill thought Asian societies were uncivilized.
British rule brought 'modernity' according to Mill.
Colonialism involves political control.
Colonialism involves economic exploitation.
British preserved memos and notes.
Village revenue surveys were conducted.
Botanical surveys studied plants.
Zoological surveys studied animals.
Forest surveys looked at timber resources.
History is divided into Ancient, Medieval, Modern.
West views 'Modern' as science and democracy.
Indian 'Modern' period was under colonial rule.
Dadabhai Naoroji wrote 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'.
Records were kept in Record Rooms.
Reports were sent from districts to provinces.
Police reports differ from newspaper reports.
1857 records show 'mutiny' vs 'rebellion'.
Oral history is also a source.
Photographs serve as historical evidence.
Paintings depict the view of the painter.
Advertisements show what was popular.
Lipton Tea ad (1922) suggests royalty.
Prince Arthur was Queen Victoria's son.
Mapping of India took many years.
Survey of India is a government agency.
Hindustan often meant Northern India.
Dates are pegs to hang history on.
We choose dates around specific events.
Governor-Generals are key figures in British records.
Last Viceroy was Lord Mountbatten.
Nehru's speeches are historical sources.
Gandhi's letters are historical sources.
Autobiographies give personal insights.
Travelogues describe new lands.
How, When and Where - Important Dates/Terms
James Mill's Book published
Warren Hastings becomes Governor-General
Independence of India
National Archives built