WHAT IS HISTORY?
Definition of history as the study of the past
Understanding history for making sense of the
present and shaping the future
History is not the study of past. History is the study of
change
History….
Definition:
“History is the study of changes over time, and it
covers all aspects of human society.”
“History, the discipline that studies the chronological
record of events( as affecting a nation or people) based
on a critical examination of source martials and usually
presenting an explanation of their causes.”- Britannica
“ Historian define history as the study of past events,
how they change, and how they influence current and
future events.”
Significance of Studying History
Understanding the past to make sense of the present and
shape the future
Developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills
Fostering cultural awareness, and a global perspective
Providing a foundation for various academic and
professional fields
Branches of History
Political history: Focusing on the study of governments, leaders, and political events
Social history: Examining the lives and experiences of ordinary people, social structures, and
cultural practices
Economic history: Analyzing the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
Intellectual history: Studying the development of ideas, philosophies, and cultural movements
Military history: Focusing on the study of wars, conflicts, and military strategies
Historical Periodization
World
Prehistoric era: Before the invention of writing
Ancient history: From the development of early civilizations to the fall of the
Western Roman Empire
Medieval history: From the 5th to the 15th century
Early modern history: From the 15th to the 18th century
Modern history: From the 18th century to the present
Bengal
Prehistoric era: Before the invention of
writing
Ancient history: 3rd Century BCE – 1204 CE
Medieval history: 1204 CE – 1757/1765 CE
British Period: 1757 – 1947 CE
Pakistan Period: 1947 CE – 1971 CE
Bangladesh Period: 1971- Current
Primary sources: Original documents, artifacts, and
eyewitness accounts
Historical
Sources Secondary sources: Interpretations and analyses of historical
and events and processes
Methodology Historical research methods: Archival research, oral history,
comparative analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches
Sources
Archeological sources
Archeological Sites
Archeological Sources
Coins
Terracotta Copper Plate Inscription
Literary Sources
Cinema and
Newspaper
Documentaries
Library, Archives ad Museum
Historiography and Historical
Perspectives
Changing interpretations of history over time
Influence of different schools of thought, ideologies, and cultural
backgrounds on historical narratives
Importance of critical thinking and evaluating multiple perspectives in
historical analysis
Interdisciplinary
Connection/Perspective
Intersections between history and other academic disciplines, such as
sociology, anthropology, political science, or literature.
How different disciplinary lenses can enrich our understanding of
historical events and processes.
COMMENTS
HISTORY AS A DYNAMIC AND MULTIFACETED DISCIPLINE
HISTORICAL SOURCES AND NARRATIVES
RELEVANCE OF HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE IN ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY
CHALLENGES
