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  1. #1

    Understanding History

    The term 'History' is used frequently but what is its meaning, is not understood easily.

    In this discussion an effort would be made to make its meaning clear and comprehensively

    cover all aspects necessary to understand the way historical events are perceived and history is written.

    Kindly join discussion !
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  2. #2
    History is a branch of knowledge that deals with past events, the formal record or study of past events especially human affairs.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    History is a branch of knowledge that deals with past events, the formal record or study of past events especially human affairs.


    History is the philosophy of transitoriness. All its assertions are relative to time and place. All its postulates have reference to particular situations and circumstances. Therefore, it is one’s duty to penetrate through the superficial connotation of passing character to the profound significance of enduring nature.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  4. #4
    The study of History is essential to any country and any person

    to understand one's own development process.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  5. #5
    Names of History in various languages :

    Istoria [Greek],

    Historia [Latin],

    Histoire [French],

    History [English],

    Geschichite [German],

    Tarikh [Arabic], and,

    Itihas [Sanskrit].
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    Names of History in various languages :

    Istoria [Greek],

    Historia [Latin],

    Histoire [French],

    History [English],

    Geschichite [German],

    Tarikh [Arabic], and,

    Itihas [Sanskrit].
    There are various conceptions as regards the definition such as history is a record of the past events, history is knowledge, history is science, and a few persons even perceive that history is not a worthy subject of study.

    Nonetheless, history shows that at the same time, it is humanistic, consists of events, concerned with change, time and place oriented, scientific and an independent branch of study.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  7. #7
    Regarding Indian History, it is common observation that there is quite a bit of nudity in sculpture form. So much so that even temples and Buddhist viharas and female deities are frequently adorned this way. Why does our history lay so much emphasis on female body?


    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    History is the philosophy of transitoriness. All its assertions are relative to time and place. All its postulates have reference to particular situations and circumstances. Therefore, it is one’s duty to penetrate through the superficial connotation of passing character to the profound significance of enduring nature.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by urmiladuhan View Post
    Regarding Indian History, it is common observation that there is quite a bit of nudity in sculpture form. So much so that even temples and Buddhist viharas and female deities are frequently adorned this way. Why does our history lay so much emphasis on female body?
    A Hindi proverb goes: Jaisi drishti, vaisi srishti !!!

    In addition to 'nudity in sculpture form' so many aesthetic aspects are also available in abundance in our ancient art; now it is up to the onlooker what he/she wants to gaze upon in our rich cultural heritage !
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  9. #9
    why not as much nudity in male form? Is it a reflection of the male psyche of the society?


    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    A Hindi proverb goes: Jaisi drishti, vaisi srishti !!!

    In addition to 'nudity in sculpture form' so many aesthetic aspects are also available in abundance in our ancient art; now it is up to the onlooker what he/she wants to gaze upon in our rich cultural heritage !

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to urmiladuhan For This Useful Post:

    spdeshwal (August 15th, 2013)

  11. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by urmiladuhan View Post
    Regarding Indian History, it is common observation that there is quite a bit of nudity in sculpture form. So much so that even temples and Buddhist viharas and female deities are frequently adorned this way. Why does our history lay so much emphasis on female body?
    I think its pretty evident that our ancient culture celebrated the female form. The artistic appreciation of the female body is used in paying odes to Gods as one finds in the temples of Khajuraho. And yes, I believe you are right in your observation that the male form doesn't receive the same importance. This is something different from other ancient societies of the West. The Greeks and the Romans have plenty of such examples in according importance to the male body. I am not sure of other contemporary Asian cultures like the Persians though.

    The question that intrigues me more is that where did it all change? How and when did we go from a society that found female nudity a valid artistic phenomenon to a society that places so many restrictions on women and the way they dress? Some credit this change to the arrival of Islam and its regressive attitudes towards women. But I am not sure if thats the only reason
    Pagdi Sambhal Jatta..!

  12. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to swaich For This Useful Post:

    spdeshwal (August 15th, 2013), urmiladuhan (August 15th, 2013)

  13. #11
    how does one explain the tradition of 'sati', which is pre islamic? how does one explain purdha system that a jat women is forced to follow with her in- law male members? (there is no muslim inside their home!).

    Quote Originally Posted by swaich View Post
    I think its pretty evident that our ancient culture celebrated the female form. The artistic appreciation of the female body is used in paying odes to Gods as one finds in the temples of Khajuraho. And yes, I believe you are right in your observation that the male form doesn't receive the same importance. This is something different from other ancient societies of the West. The Greeks and the Romans have plenty of such examples in according importance to the male body. I am not sure of other contemporary Asian cultures like the Persians though.

    The question that intrigues me more is that where did it all change? How and when did we go from a society that found female nudity a valid artistic phenomenon to a society that places so many restrictions on women and the way they dress? Some credit this change to the arrival of Islam and its regressive attitudes towards women. But I am not sure if thats the only reason

  14. #12
    This is a very interesting news item about the incidence of the use of iron by man much before the iron age set in. This news cites the use of meteorite iron instead of the ore extracted iron.
    http://earthsky.org/science-wire/ear...om-outer-space

    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    The term 'History' is used frequently but what is its meaning, is not understood easily.

    In this discussion an effort would be made to make its meaning clear and comprehensively

    cover all aspects necessary to understand the way historical events are perceived and history is written.

    Kindly join discussion !

  15. The Following User Says Thank You to urmiladuhan For This Useful Post:

    DrRajpalSingh (August 22nd, 2013)

  16. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by urmiladuhan View Post
    This is a very interesting news item about the incidence of the use of iron by man much before the iron age set in. This news cites the use of meteorite iron instead of the ore extracted iron.
    http://earthsky.org/science-wire/ear...om-outer-space
    Really this path breaking research by the Archaeologists is another feather in the knowledge of development of technology by the ancient man in Egypt.

    Thanks for sharing. the same.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  17. #14
    Many a times, ancient coin hoards are found during planned excavations (as opposed to surface coins). These hoards are easy to date due to what is drawn/written on them and also as there is usually other material such as pottery, utensils, brick/mud wall structures, that are typical of an era/period/phase. If a coin hoard is found in a pot that also has cereal husk in it, it usually means that the coin filled pot was part of a religious offering where rice husk was also included. Just something I read and learnt.


    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    The term 'History' is used frequently but what is its meaning, is not understood easily.

    In this discussion an effort would be made to make its meaning clear and comprehensively

    cover all aspects necessary to understand the way historical events are perceived and history is written.

    Kindly join discussion !

  18. The Following User Says Thank You to urmiladuhan For This Useful Post:

    DrRajpalSingh (August 29th, 2013)

  19. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by urmiladuhan View Post
    Many a times, ancient coin hoards are found during planned excavations (as opposed to surface coins). These hoards are easy to date due to what is drawn/written on them and also as there is usually other material such as pottery, utensils, brick/mud wall structures, that are typical of an era/period/phase. If a coin hoard is found in a pot that also has cereal husk in it, it usually means that the coin filled pot was part of a religious offering where rice husk was also included. Just something I read and learnt.
    In addition to the old methods applied for identification of timeline of the coins issued, new technology based on scientific inventions known as PIXLE system is used and a bit older system of Carbon14 system has almost been replaced by it. This system uses X-Rays to determine the exact date of the metal used in coins or found in any other form like utensils or implements.

    Thanks and regards,
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  20. #16
    From what I know, x rays are used for composition determination such as those of alloys and also for obtaining clear images of soiled coins. The science behind these applications is fascinating and I highly recommend it to historians to familiarize themselves with it, if not already familiar. Knowing and applying science to history just makes both more interesting!

    Carbon dating is used for organic materials dating.

    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    In addition to the old methods applied for identification of timeline of the coins issued, new technology based on scientific inventions known as PIXLE system is used and a bit older system of Carbon14 system has almost been replaced by it. This system uses X-Rays to determine the exact date of the metal used in coins or found in any other form like utensils or implements.

    Thanks and regards,
    Attention seekers and attention getters are two different class of people.

  21. #17
    One need not even touch the excavated object such as a terracotta pot filled with something, to know what is inside it, if X-ray technology is used. It gives clear pictures of what is inside it, how it is placed etc. Science is an indispensable tool for history.

    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    In addition to the old methods applied for identification of timeline of the coins issued, new technology based on scientific inventions known as PIXLE system is used and a bit older system of Carbon14 system has almost been replaced by it. This system uses X-Rays to determine the exact date of the metal used in coins or found in any other form like utensils or implements.

    Thanks and regards,
    Attention seekers and attention getters are two different class of people.

  22. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by urmiladuhan View Post
    One need not even touch the excavated object such as a terracotta pot filled with something, to know what is inside it, if X-ray technology is used. It gives clear pictures of what is inside it, how it is placed etc. Science is an indispensable tool for history.

    Indeed advancement of science has revolutionised study of past. Nonetheless for determination of the timeline/date the metal has to be taken to laboratory for scientific experiments.

    Thanks and regards,
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  23. #19
    Not necessarily. In many advanced countries, hand held x ray devices are in use. While the pot is still partially buried, the X-rays penetrate the pot and give an image of what is inside. If you like, I can post more information on it as I have recently read about it on the net.

    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    Indeed advancement of science has revolutionised study of past. Nonetheless for determination of the timeline/date the metal has to be taken to laboratory for scientific experiments.

    Thanks and regards,
    Attention seekers and attention getters are two different class of people.

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