Chapter 1 – How, When and Where Notes

Content Structure

1. How Important are Dates?
- 1A. Which date?
- 1B. How do we periodise?
- 1C. What is colonial?
2. How do We Know?
- 2A. Administration produces records
- 2B. Surveys become important
- 2C. What official records do not tell

1. How Important are Dates?

History is made up of many dates that tell stories of the past and how things have changed.
Everyday objects like tea, trains, and newspapers are also part of history.
Events do not always have a specific date; for example, British rule, the national movement, and economic or social changes happened over time.
We use the time when big changes happened, not exact dates.
In the past, history mainly focused on kings, battles, and important events, making dates very important.
Today, history also includes people’s daily lives, jobs, food, cities, markets, kingdoms, ideas, and cultural changes.

Old advertisements help us understand how markets for new products were created and new tastes were popularized. This 1922 advertisement for Lipton tea suggests that royalty all over the world is associated with this tea. In the background, you see the outer wall of an Indian palace, while in the foreground, seated on horseback is the third son of Queen Victoria of Britain, Prince Arthur, who was given the title Duke of Connaught.

1A. Which date?

We choose important dates based on the events we focus on that are not significant on their own but become important when they are linked to specific events.
British historians in India wrote history based on the rule of Governors-General and their books started with Warren Hastings and ended with Lord Mountbatten.
They described the actions of other Governor-Generals, such as Hastings, Wellesley, Bentinck, Dalhousie, Canning, Lawrence, Lytton, Ripon, Curzon, Harding, and Irwin.
These histories focused only on the actions, policies, and achievements of British officials.
Indian society and its people were left out because history was written to highlight only British rulers.
If history only follows British rulers, there is no space to talk about Indian people and their contributions. To include Indian society, history must be written differently.
This means old important dates will change, and new dates will matter.

1B. How do we periodise?

(i) James Mill’s Book

In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist, wrote A History of British India.
He divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.

(ii) Mill’s Beliefs

He thought Asian societies were less advanced than Europe.
He claimed India was ruled by cruel Hindu and Muslim kings before the British.
He believed British rule would “civilize” India with European customs and laws.

(iii) Problems with Mill’s View

In every period, different religions coexisted.
Naming an era after a ruler’s religion ignores the lives of other people.
Even ancient rulers followed different faiths.

(iv) Modern Historical Divisions

Today, historians divide Indian history into ancient, medieval, and modern.
In the West, modern times mean progress in science, democracy, and equality.
But under British rule, India had no freedom, equality, or economic growth.
So, many historians call this time the colonial period, not modern.

1C. What is colonial?

(I) British Control Over India

The British defeated local Nawabs and Rajas and took over India.
They controlled the economy and society.

(ii) Economic Exploitation

The British collected taxes for their own needs.
They bought goods like cotton, jute, spices, sugar, and paper at cheap prices.
Farmers were forced to grow crops for export.

(iii) Impact of British Rule

It changed values, customs, and ways of life.
The British brought political, economic, social, and cultural changes.

(iv) What is Colonization?

When one country rules another and changes its systems, it is called colonization.
Different people experienced these changes differently.
That’s why the book is called Our Pasts (plural), as history was not the same for everyone.

2. How do We Know?

Historians have learned about Indian history over the last 250 years. Some processes are given below.

2A. Administration produces records

One important source for studying Indian history is the official records of the British administration.
The British recorded every instruction, plan, policy, and investigation in detail, creating a system of memos, reports, and notes.
To preserve these documents carefully they set up record rooms in government offices like the tahsildar’s office, collectorate, commissioner’s office, provincial secretariats, law courts, special archives and museums.
Historians can study letters, memos, and reports from the early 19th century in archives.
Beginning of the 19th century all documents were handwritten by calligraphists (experts in beautiful writing). But in the mid-century, all records were printed as official reports.

Reports to the Home Department

Bombay – Arrangements have been made for the Army to take over ships and establishments. Royal Navy ships are remaining outside the harbour.

Karachi – 301 mutineers are under arrest and a few more strongly suspected are to be arrested All establishments are under military guard.

Visakhapatnam – The situation is completely under control, and no violence has occurred. Military guards have been placed on ships and establishments. No further trouble is expected, except that a few men may refuse to work.

2B. Surveys become important

The British used surveys to study India before ruling it properly. By the early 19th century, they made detailed maps of the country.
Revenue surveys in villages collected information on land, soil, plants, animals, local history, and farming for administration.
From the late 19th century, a Census was held every ten years to count the population, caste, religion, and jobs.
Other surveys included –
- Plant surveys – Studied different plants.
- Animal surveys – Studied different animals.
- History surveys – Studied old buildings and sites.
- People surveys – Studied different groups and cultures.
- Forest surveys – Studied trees and forests.
These surveys helped the British collect useful information about India.

2C. What official records do not tell

(i) British Official Records

Help us understand history but shows only the British perspective.
Do not tell us how ordinary people lived or felt.

(ii) Other Sources of History

Diaries, travel accounts, autobiographies, and small booklets give more details.
Newspapers allowed public discussions.
Leaders and reformers wrote books to share ideas.
Poets and novelists expressed emotions and struggles.

(iii) Missing Stories

Most records were written by literate people.
They do not tell much about tribals, peasants, mine workers, and the poor.
Their stories are hard to find but not impossible to learn.