The Limitations of Inscriptional Evidence
Epigraphy, while valuable, has its limitations in revealing historical truths. Technical challenges like faintly engraved letters and damaged inscriptions make reconstructions uncertain. Additionally, understanding the exact meanings of words used in inscriptions can be challenging, as some may be specific to particular times or places. Despite the discovery of several thousand inscriptions, not all have been deciphered, published, or translated, and many may have been lost to time. Moreover, inscriptions often focus on grand events and perspectives of those who commissioned them, neglecting routine aspects of life and diverse viewpoints.
As a result, epigraphy alone cannot fully elucidate political and economic history. Historians now emphasize broader topics like economic change and the emergence of social groups, questioning old and new evidence alike. Recent years have witnessed a heightened interest in the histories of marginalized groups, leading to reevaluations of old sources and the development of new analytical approaches.
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Kings, Farmers and Towns Early States and Economies| Class 12 History Notes
Class 12 History Chapter 2 talks about the Kings, Farmers, Towns, Early States, and Economies between C.600 BCE to 600 CE. The chapter covers the different aspects of the political and economic history of the Maurya Empire and Gupta Empire with different historical evidence. It also talks about Mahajanapadas, James Princep & Piyadassi as well as clarifies why the Sixteen century was a major turning point for early Indian History.
In this article, we are going to discuss the Class 12 History Chapter 2: Kings, Farmers and Towns, and, Early States and Economies in detail.