Introduction: How, When and Where

1. Importance of Dates:

   - Historians were once preoccupied with dates, considering them vital for understanding historical events.

   - History seemed synonymous with dates, leading to perceptions of history as tedious due to the emphasis on memorization.

   - However, history is fundamentally about changes over time and comparing the past with the present.

   - Historical curiosity arises when observing everyday activities, prompting questions about the origins of cultural practices like tea drinking or the advent of railways.

2. Projection of Imperial Perception (Activity):

   - Fig. 1 depicts Brahmans offering the Shastras to Britannia, symbolizing British dominance over Indian culture.

   - The image portrays Indians willingly surrendering their heritage to British power, aligning with imperialist ideology.

3. Notions of Time and Historical Questions:

   - Time doesn't always require precise dates, especially for gradual processes like the adoption of tea drinking or the establishment of British rule.

   - Specific dates were traditionally emphasized in histories focused on rulers and significant events, perpetuating the association of history with dates.

4. Significance of Dates and Historical Narratives:

   - Historians now explore various social, economic, and cultural aspects beyond traditional political events.

   - The choice of important dates depends on the focus of historical narratives; different perspectives yield different significant dates.

5. A Periodisation and Historical Classifications:

   - James Mill's periodisation of Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British eras was widely accepted but is critiqued for oversimplification.

   - Periodisation reflects our understanding of historical changes; classifications like ancient, medieval, and modern have Western biases.

   - The term "colonial" is preferred to describe the period under British rule, highlighting its political, economic, social, and cultural impacts.

6. Sources of Historical Knowledge:

   - Official records of the British administration, including memos, reports, and surveys, provide insights into colonial governance.

   - Surveys, census operations, and administrative reports contribute to understanding various aspects of colonial society and economy.

   - However, official records offer a limited perspective and may not capture the experiences of marginalized groups.

   - Additional sources such as diaries, travel accounts, autobiographies, newspapers, and popular literature provide diverse viewpoints but often exclude voices of marginalized communities.

7. Understanding History Beyond Official Records:

   - Exploring history from diverse perspectives requires an effort to uncover the experiences of marginalized groups like tribals, peasants, and workers.

   - The book aims to present a holistic view of history by incorporating diverse sources and perspectives.