Tag: sources of modern history

Gold was the first metal that came into use by the Prehistoric man. It was discovered around 6000 BCE. It was a soft metal and were therefore predominantly used for decoration and bullion for trade. Copper came into use soon after gold.

From coins we learn about the rulers,  their period, governance, religious ideas, personal details etc. Similarly, we also learn about the financial transactions and economic conditions prevailing at the time.

Archaeological evidence for many crafts may not have survived. Many crafts persons and merchants formed associations known as shrenis. These shrenis of crafts persons provided training, procured raw material, and distributed the finished product. 

Archaeological excavation of Mehrgarh has revealed that the earliest settlers were involved in domestication of animals and agriculture. They mainly cultivated barley and wheat. Many mud - brick structures, which are compartmented, have been discovered at Mehrgarh. Most likely they were granaries. During the early period these people used  stone tools. Polished stone - axes, flint blades and pointers have been found from this site.

• Manu Smriti is considered to be the oldest Smriti.
• It is variously dated to be from the 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
• It presents itself as a discourse given by dharma topics such as duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and others

Ksemendra, an 11th-century Sanskrit poet from Kashmir in India was known for his satires exposing the evils of contemporary society.

• The Rajatarangini of Kalhana was composed in the twelfth century.
• It is a metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir.

• Kalpasutra was authored by Bhadrabahu.
• It is a Jain text containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira.

Chachnamah, originally written in Persian, is one of the main historical sources for the history of Sindh in the seventh to eighth centuries CE.

Kalilah wa Dimna, a book containing a collection of fables is an Arabic version of the Panchtantra.