History Important Questions Chapter 1 Class 10 Maharashtra Board

Historiography : Development in the West

Short Questions

1. What is historiography?

• Historiography is the writing of critical historical narratives based on evidence.

2. Who is the founder of modern historiography?

• Voltaire is considered the founder of modern historiography.

3. What method is not used in historical research?

• Historical research does not use laboratory experiments due to time and space constraints.

4. What is epigraphy?

• Epigraphy is the study of ancient inscriptions on materials like stone or metal.

5. Who wrote ‘The Histories’?

• Herodotus, a Greek historian, wrote the book ‘The Histories’.

6. What is numismatics?

• Numismatics is the study of coins and their historical significance.

7. What did René Descartes focus on in history?

• René Descartes emphasized verifying historical documents through critical examination.

8. What is the earliest inscription mentioned?

• The earliest inscription is a Sumerian record from 4500 B.C.E., showing a battle.

9. Which university first had a history department?

• Gottingen University was the first to establish an independent history department in 1737.

10. Who introduced ‘Dialectics’?

• Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel introduced the concept of ‘Dialectics’ for historical analysis.

11. What is the Annales School known for?

• The Annales School is known for studying social, cultural, and economic history.

12. Who authored ‘Archaeology of Knowledge’?

• Michel Foucault wrote the book ‘Archaeology of Knowledge’.

13. What does feminist historiography focus on?

• Feminist historiography focuses on rewriting history from women’s perspectives.

14. What did Leopold von Ranké emphasize?

• Leopold von Ranké emphasized using original documents for accurate historical research.

15. What drives history according to Karl Marx?

• According to Karl Marx, history is driven by class struggles over resources.

16. What does archaeology in history explain?

• Archaeology in history explains transitions and changes in past societies.

17. Who laid the foundation for feminism?

• Simone de Beauvoir laid the foundation for feminist historiography.

18. What is genealogy in history?

• Genealogy is the study of family lineages and their historical context.

19. What is a feature of modern historiography?

• Modern historiography uses a scientific approach with evidence-based analysis.

20. What did Voltaire add to historiography?

• Voltaire added social traditions, trade, and economic aspects to historiograph

Long Questions

1. What is the historical research method?

• The historical research method involves collecting and analyzing historical sources to understand past events. It includes forming hypotheses and writing narratives based on evidence. Disciplines like archaeology and epigraphy support this process.

2. Why can’t historians use laboratory experiments?

• Historians cannot recreate past events in a controlled lab setting. They rely on documents, artifacts, and inscriptions to study history. This is because historical events are tied to specific times and places.

3. What is the tradition of historiography?

• Historiography is the practice of writing critical historical narratives based on a historian’s viewpoint. Ancient societies used oral stories, songs, and inscriptions to record history. These methods are now valuable sources for modern historians.

4. How did ancient societies preserve history?

• Ancient communities used cave paintings, storytelling, and songs to share their history. They passed down tales of ancestors’ valor to future generations. These traditional methods are recognized as historical sources today.

5. What are the characteristics of modern historiography?

• Modern historiography uses scientific methods and focuses on human actions. It relies on reliable evidence and avoids divine connections. It also traces humanity’s progress through past deeds.

6. How did Gottingen University impact historiography?

• Gottingen University, established in 1737, pioneered an independent history department. This made it a leading center for historical studies in Europe. Other German universities later followed this model.

7. What is Hegel’s contribution to historiography?

• Hegel believed history should be presented logically to show human progress. His ‘Dialectics’ method used opposites, like thesis and antithesis, to analyze events. This approach influenced many historians to rethink historical methods.

8. What is Karl Marx’s Class Theory?

• Karl Marx’s Class Theory views history as a series of class struggles. Unequal access to production resources creates societal divisions and conflicts. These struggles shape human relationships and historical development.

9. What is feminist historiography?

• Feminist historiography reinterprets history from women’s perspectives. It highlights women’s roles in areas like work, family, and social movements. This approach challenges male-dominated historical narratives.

10. What is the Annales School’s approach to history?

• The Annales School emphasizes social, cultural, and economic history over political events. It studies aspects like agriculture, trade, and daily life. This approach broadens the understanding of historical contexts.