Chapter 1: Sources of Studying the History of Ancient India

Vocabulary flashcards covering the geographical context, dimensions, and historical traditions of ancient India based on the 11th Standard History notes.

India

A subcontinent with its own unique and vast history, protected by mountains and oceans, which has remained connected to world history through foreign landings and Indian travels abroad.

Geographical Boundaries of India

The ranges of the Himalayas in the north, the Arabian Sea in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

North-south length of India

$$3214\,km$$

East-west width of India

$$2933\,km$$

Land boundary

Approximately $9600\,km$

Sea boundary

Nearly $8000\,km$

Total area of India

About $32.8\,\text{lakh sq. km}$

Regional diversity

A characteristic of India resulting from varieties in rains, climate, and culture across provinces, making it a subcontinent made up of many countries.

Synthesis of many races and cultures

The process that resulted in the development of the great Indian culture.

History

A scientific method that evaluates political, economic, and social situations, distinguishes facts from fiction, and clarifies the impact of events on society.

Puranas

Ancient texts belonging to the Satvuga, Tretavuga, Dwaparvuga, and Kalivuga eras that contain lists of rulers, dynasties, achievements, and historical events.

Rajtarangini

A book written by Kalhan in the twelfth century A.D. documenting the history of Kashmir.

Kalhan

The twelfth-century A.D. author of Rajtarangini whose work serves as proof that ancient Indians were not ignorant of history.

18th century British rule

The period when the English translated ancient Indian books into English to understand ancient Indian history and society.