Class 10 Social Science - MAHARASHTRA
History: Historiography – Development of Historiography
This chapter explores the tradition of writing history, known as historiography, and how it evolved over time. Students learn about ancient Indian historical writing, the transition to modern historiography in the West, and the contributions of prominent thinkers like René Descartes, Voltaire, Leopold von Ranke, Karl Marx, and Michel Foucault. It also highlights the development of Indian historiography through colonial, orientalist, nationalist, and post-independence schools of thought. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundational base for historical analysis, source-criticism, and objective writing, frequently appearing in objective and subjective questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Historiography
The writing of critical historical narrative based on a critical examination of historical sources is known as historiography.
Annales School
A new school of historical writing that arose in France, emphasizing that history is not just about politics and wars, but also about climate, local people, agriculture, and social-economic conditions.
Dialectics
A philosophical method proposed by Hegel based on the study of opposing ideas (thesis and antithesis) to arrive at a new conclusion (synthesis).
Orientalist Historiography
Historical research undertaken by European scholars who studied Indian Sanskrit and ancient texts, sometimes with a biased perspective of Western superiority.
Subaltern History
A school of Indian historiography initiated by thinkers like Ranajit Guha, focusing on the history of the common people, marginalized groups, and the 'bottommost' strata of society.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) Class 10 Board Exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), identifying correct/incorrect statements, writing short notes on historians (like Voltaire, Karl Marx, or Leopold von Ranke), and explaining concepts like Marxist history or Feminist historiography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is known as the founder of modern historiography?
The French philosopher Voltaire is considered the founder of modern historiography because he advocated that along with objective truth and chronology, historical writing should also focus on social life, trade, economy, and traditions.
What is Feminist Historiography?
Feminist historiography refers to the restructuring of history from the perspective of women. It includes the inclusion of women's roles, employment, family life, and their contributions to society by thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir.
What does 'Annales School' mean?
The Annales School was a French school of thought that started in the early 20th century. It shifted history away from political leaders and wars to include climate, local people, agriculture, technology, and social divisions.
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