What are sources of history? List the sources of history.

Instructions: This is a question for 5 marks. Hence, the answer needs to be divided into five parts:

1. Definition of sources of history
2. Examples of sources of history
3. Classification of sources of history
4. Literary sources of history
5. Material sources of history

Solution:

1. Any object or document or structure which helps us know about the past is a source of history.
2. Ancient tools, paintings, pottery, ornaments, toys, coins, buildings, temples, manuscripts, inscriptions etc. provide us information about the past. Hence, they are considered to be sources of history.
3. Sources of history can be classified into two types: a. literary or written sources of history, and b. material or archeological sources of history.
4. Literary or written sources of history include sources such as manuscripts and inscriptions.
5. Material or archeological sources of history include sources such as pottery, utensils, ornaments, tools, buildings etc.