Question

Name the different sources of historical information we rely on to study about the times of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas?

Answer 1

Explanation:
The answer needs to focus on the main sources of information. So remember to mention books both the religious as well as travel accounts of foreign travellers. In the second point mention artefacts such as pottery, things made of metal that have been found to ensure that you give examples of both. Both of the points consist of 1.5 marks.

Answer : There are two main sources of information for studying about the ancient towns and cities in India:

1. Different book accounts: Several books from the ancient time have been written and discovered which help us to understand how people in ancient India lived and what kind of activities they practised. Some of these books are religious books such as the Upanishadas, Dharmasutras. While others are accounts of foreign travellers to India such as Herodotus’ History and Strabo.
2. The second sources of information are artefacts and sculptures that have been found dating back to ancient India. These include pottery, iron, sites of cities and towns, sculptors such as the Sanchi Stupas among other examples of things that help us understand how people lived.