Explanation of some important terms

1. Archaeology: The term refers to the study of the human past with the help of material
remains such as structures of palaces, temples, forts etc., sculptural and other artefacts,
bones, seeds, pollen, seals, coins, and inscriptions. The objectives of archaeology are to
recover, record, analyse, and classify material remains; to describe and interpret the
patterns of human behaviour that led to its creation and to form an understanding of the
reasons behind this.

2. Primary source: A primary source is a document or an artefact which was written or

created either during or relatively close to the historical period being studied. Primary
sources can also include autobiographies, memoirs and oral histories etc. These were
recorded later by authors or eyewitnesses who experienced this period. Some important
types of primary sources include artefacts, inscriptions, coins, cave art, pottery, jewellery,
clothing etc. Textual sources include diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews,
official records, poetry, drama, novels etc.

3. Secondary Source: A secondary source is a second hand account about people, events,
or places. It is not based on direct observation. Secondary sources synthesize, analyse,
interpret, or evaluate primary sources. At times they add commentary to primary sources
in the context of the particular information, event, or period under study.

Source: NCERT (2017) Dictionary of History for School Children (Trilingual), National
Council of Educational Research & Training, New Delhi.

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