1st PUC History Question and Answer Karnataka State Board Syllabus
1st PUC History Chapter 1
History Introduction
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I. Answer in one word or one sentence: History Introduction
Question 1:
What does the word ‘History’ signify?
Answer:
The term ‘History’ refers to inquiry or investigation. In Sanskrit, the word “Itihasa” signifies documented past events.
Question 2:
From which language does the term ‘History’ originate?
Answer:
The word ‘History’ originates from the Greek term ‘Historia.’
Question 3:
Who is recognised as the ‘Father of History’?
Answer:
Herodotus is acknowledged as the ‘Father of History.’
Question 4:
Which nation was the homeland of Herodotus?
Answer:
Herodotus was a historian from ancient Greece.
Question 5:
What is the notable work of Herodotus?
Answer:
Herodotus is known for his work titled The History of the Persian Wars, which consists of nine volumes.
Question 6:
Who authored the book The City of God?
Answer:
St. Augustine wrote The City of God.
Question 7:
Who introduced the economic perspective of history?
Answer:
Karl Marx, a German philosopher, introduced the economic interpretation of history.
Question 8:
How did Karl Marx define history?
Answer:
Karl Marx described history as “a narrative of the struggle between the rich and the poor.”
Question 9:
What is J.B. Bury’s definition of history?
Answer:
J.B. Bury defined history as “the oldest art and the youngest aspirant to become a science.”
Question 10:
What is the title of Arnold Toynbee’s notable work?
Answer:
Arnold Toynbee wrote A Study of History.
Question 11:
Who described history as ‘the rise and fall of civilizations’?
Answer:
Arnold Toynbee characterized history as “the rise and fall of civilizations.”
Question 12:
What is Jawaharlal Nehru’s perspective on history?
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru defined history as “the journey of humanity from barbarism to civilization.”
II. Answer in 2 words or 2 sentences: History Introduction
Question 1.
Provide two definitions of history.
Answer:
1. Herodotus: “History is an account of great individuals and significant events preserved for future generations.”
2. St. Augustine: “History narrates the eternal conflict between good (God) and evil (Satan).”
Question 2.
What are the major works of Karl Marx?
Answer:
Karl Marx is renowned for two influential works:
1. Das Capital
2. The Communist Manifesto
Question 3.
List two famous books written by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru authored two celebrated books:
1. The Discovery of India
2. Glimpses of World History
Question 4.
Mention any two professional uses of history.
Answer:
1. History is a key subject for preparing for competitive exams like IAS, IPS, IFS, and KAS.
2. It is also valuable for professionals such as teachers, lawyers, journalists, and administrators.
III. Answer in 15 to 20 sentences. History Introduction
Question 1.
Explain how various scholars have defined history.
Answer:
Scholars, historians, and writers, from Herodotus, the father of history, to Will Durant, an American historian, have defined history from different angles.
1. Herodotus:
Herodotus Known as the father of history, Herodotus was the first to articulate the importance of documenting events and achievements. His nine-volume work, The Persian Wars, chronicles the conflicts between Greeks and Persians. He defined history as a record of remarkable individuals and significant events meant to inspire future generations.
2. Karl Marx:
He was a German philosopher, economist, historian, and voluntary socialist who defined it as a story of the struggle between the haves and have-nots.
3. ST. Augustine:
A prominent theologian, St. Augustine, believed that history is guided by divine forces. His famous work, The City of God, reflects his view that history is a tale of the ongoing struggle between good (represented by God) and evil (represented by Satan).
4. J.B. Bury:
He was an Irish historian and a scholar. According to him, ‘It is a science; no less, no more.” He argued that the historian works like a scientist, collecting data and valid evidence. He should critically evaluate the subject and bring out the truth without bias.
5. Arnold Toynbee:
A British historian, Arnold Toynbee, authored the monumental A Study of History in 12 volumes. He described history as the rise and decline of civilizations, emphasizing the role of human effort in cultural and societal development.
6. Jawaharlal Nehru:
Our great PM of Independent India was very interested in history. He composed the discovery of India and glimpses of world history. According to him, It is the story of a man from Barbarism to civilization. Nehru feels that man, through the ages (stone, metal and modern) has struggled to improve at every stage.
History consists of conflict and harmony. From the above scholar’s definitions, we can conclude that history is the study of all important human activities from various angles, which is restricted in time and place.
Conclusion:
From these diverse definitions, it is evident that history is the study of humanity’s significant activities, analyzed from various perspectives and bound by time and place.
Question 2.
Explain the significance of studying history.
Answer:
The study of history holds immense value for individuals and society by offering lessons, insights, and inspiration. Below are some key reasons for its importance:
1 Preserving the Memory of the Past:
History provides insights into past events, helping us understand the triumphs and failures of previous generations. This awareness allows individuals to learn from past experiences and make informed decisions about the future.
2 It teaches religious tolerance:
Many scholars have warned us about religious intolerance. It creates unrest in society and interrupts the individual’s or society’s development. Many philosophers like Buddha, Kabir, Basavanna, Gum Nanak, etc., have propagated the concept of religious harmony. They struggled to build a classless society. This is the information available in history only.
3 It is the source of inspiration.
The lives and achievements of remarkable individuals recorded in history inspire people to contribute positively to society. Figures like Abraham Lincoln, C.V. Raman, and Gautam Buddha serve as examples of dedication, resilience, and service.
4 It promotes patriotism.
Historical accounts of leaders like Rani Channamma, Shivaji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Subhas Chandra Bose instil a sense of pride and patriotism, motivating individuals to work for the betterment of their nation.
5 It is a laboratory of social science.
History provides essential data to disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, and geography, serving as a cornerstone for understanding societal dynamics.
6 History infuses Nobel ideals:
By studying the lives of great individuals like Ashoka, Akbar, Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya, history inspires us to adopt values such as compassion, justice, and integrity.
7 History promotes international peace:
History tells about the past wars and their effects on society and the nation. How it destroyed the life and property. So, it creates awareness among the people. So, history recommends establishing peace in the world.
8 History has professional uses:
History is a critical subject for professionals like teachers, lawyers, journalists, and administrators. It is also a core component of preparation for competitive exams such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and KAS.
9 Remove Prejudices:
By highlighting the dangers of extreme nationalism, regionalism, and societal divisions based on caste, creed, or language, history helps break down prejudices and promotes unity.
Conclusion:
History is a reservoir of human experiences and values. It serves as a guide for humanity, offering lessons to navigate the present and shape the future. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar aptly said, “Those who ignore history cannot create history.”
Answer in one word or one sentence. History Introduction
Question 1:
Who were the pioneers in developing the art of writing history?
Answer:
The Greeks were the pioneers in developing the art of documenting history.
Question 2:
Why is Herodotus referred to as the ‘Father of History’?
Answer:
Herodotus, a Greek historian, was the first to define the meaning and scope of history, earning him the title of the ‘Father of History.’
Question 3:
Who was St. Augustine?
Answer:
St. Augustine was a Christian saint and an influential thinker of the medieval period.
Question 4:
Who stated that “India’s religious tolerance is the only way for the survival of mankind”?
Answer:
This statement was made by the renowned British historian Arnold Toynbee.
Question 5:
What is one of Thomas Carlyle’s famous statements?
Answer:
Thomas Carlyle famously said, “Great personalities may no longer be with us, but their history and autobiographies remain as their legacy.”