How, When and Where

(Exercise)

Let's Recall

1. State whether true or false:
a) James Mill divided Indian History into three periods- Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
Answer; False
b) Official documents help us understand what the people of the country think.
Answer; False
c) The British thought surveys were important for effective administration.
Answer; True

Let's Discuss

2. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill offers?
Answer; James Mill divided his book into three period, viz. Hindu, Muslims and British. According to his version of Indian history, the British rule represents all the forces of progress and civilisation, while the period before British rule represents darkness, ignorance, and all social evels.
The view of Mill has several problems which is not acceptable due to following reasons:

1. A variety of faiths, apart from Hinduism and Islam, existed in the periods categorised as Hindu and Muslim by Mill.
2. All rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith. 
3. It is this country from where two other religions like- Buddhism and Jainism developed and spread to other parts of the world while Hindu religion also existed.

3. Why did the British preserve official documents?
Answer; Because these served as records of what the officials thought, what they were interested in and what they wished for. According to the British, writing was important as the documents in archives and museums can be utilised for reference. These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision or action taken earlier on some matter.
4. How will the information historians get from old newspapers be different from that found in police reports?
Answer; Information found in newspapers is varied, based on incidents that have happened across the country whereas; the police reports are limited and localised. Because of this fact sometimes the information historians get from police reports is not as useful as it is from old newspapers. However for any incidence the newspaper may not quote all the reasons behind this and are biased as per the thinking of reporter while in police records we could find some evidences for an incident and unbiased reports.

5. Discuss the significance of administrative reports and land surveys, as a valuable source for writing the history of modern period of Jammu and Kashmir.

Answer: Since 1872, the Dogra rulers began to publish the Annual Administrative Reports highlighting the various aspects of administration - the income and expenditure, new works taken up, works completed etc. These reports can be used as a valuable source material to know about the administrative developments.

Extensive land settlement operations were carried out in Kashmir from 1846 - 1947 under different land settlement commissioners - Andrew Wingate and Sir Walter Lawrence appointed by the British Government. These revenue surveys provide valuable information about the entire agrarian structure including nature of land, type of soil, source of irrigation, revenue, etc. and hence can be used as a primary source to understand the agrarian economy of the region.