Question

What are the different ways of finding out about the past? Describe briefly.

Answer 1

Hint: The past is the collection of all events that occurred in time prior to a given stage. The past is contrasted with the present and the future and is determined by them. The idea of the past is derived from the linear manner in which time is perceived by human observers and is accessed by memory and remembrance.

Complete answer:
The numerous ways to find out about the past are:

1)Manuscripts. I There were hand-written papers. Typically they are written on the palm leaf or the bark of a birch tree. Although many of these manuscripts were lost in temples and monasteries, many survived. All kinds of subjects such as religious beliefs and rituals, the lives of kings, medicine, and science were discussed in these books. Epics, poems and plays were also included in those manuscripts.

2)The inscriptions are written on objects that are relatively rough, such as stone or metal. Sometimes, in order to make common citizens aware of them, kings have their orders etched. There were accounts of victories in battle in some inscriptions.

3)Evidence or archaeological excavation. By studying the ruins of buildings and artefacts found under the earth, archaeology means the study of civilizations of the past and of periods of history. To find instruments, weapons, pots, pans, ornaments and coins, archaeologists explore and dig up the earth.

4)Historical records: historical records give us valuable knowledge about our history, such as inscriptions, travelogues, epics and other official documents, etc.
Monuments: Monuments designed by different rulers provide us with very valuable details. In different monuments, the content used teaches us about the economic circumstances of the past.

Note: In today’s internet era it's very easy to gather information about anything. Earlier people used to rely on manuscripts,inscriptions etc to know about the past but these days all you need is the internet and whole knowledge is at your feet.
We have lost hundreds of events and historical books because of wars. For example Nalanda kept on burning for more than 6 months because it had millions of manuscripts, books about the past and knowledge. India lost its greatest heritage with the loss of Nalanda and its Books.