Primary Sources - Archaeological Sources

Archaeological sources constitute the foremost primary sources for the reconstruction of the prehistoric and early historic periods. Archaeology is the scientific study of the material remains of past human life and activities. These include human artefacts from the very earliest simple stone tools to the man-made massive structures. Ancient ruins, remains, and monuments recovered as a result of excavation and exploration are archaeological sources of history. The archaeological remains are subjected to scientific examination like the radio-carbon method for deciphering its chronology and features. Archaeological Sources comprised of:

1.     Inscriptions or epigraphic sources

Epigraphy refers to the study of inscriptions. The earliest inscriptions can be found on rocks, metal, wood, clay tablets, or even wax. These may vary hugely in length from mere abbreviated words and administrative tablets to depicting entire official decrees. Generally, there are two broad categories of inscriptions – Royal or Official and Private or Individual. Generally, these inscriptions represent the king’s orders, policies and grants. Usually, inscriptions tend to be pretty durable because of the nature of the materials that were used. They were often intended to be publically visible, catching the eye like a big sign, their content shared with as many people as possible. The study of inscriptions provides valuable historical sources for the reconstruction of the past. It throws light on the language, script and its regional variations, political authority of a ruling class, social structures and economic conditions. Their script enables us to determine the approximate age of the inscription. However, fixing the authorship, chronology and purpose of inscriptions are the crucial tasks of a historian. The earliest epigraphs in India are those of Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire. To propagate his dhamma and policies, he issued 14 edicts. These were inscribed on rocks, e.g. Junagadh (Gujarat). Besides, he also put up several pillars in public places with inscriptions. The copper plate inscriptions were generally land grants made by the rulers. Such copper-plates give information on the socio-economic condition of that period.

2.     Monuments

The ancient monuments are the primary sources for the study of ancient art, architecture and sculpture. The study of monuments gives information regarding urban development, political and economic condition, religious life, cultural life and intellectual development. The ancient monuments can be categorised into two – secular and religious monuments. The secular monuments consist of palaces, forts and other public buildings. The Buddhist and Jain temples and Hindu temples form an important category in the religious monuments. For example, in India the Buddhist Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas provide the sources for the reconstruction of Buddhism.

 3.       Coins or numismatics sources

The study of coins will give valuable sources about the past like:

• The ruling class, the dynasties and the king, the extent of the kingdom
• Metallurgy 
• Chronology
• The economic relationship between the people
• Religious symbols or figures of deities on coins inform us about the religious outlook of issuing dynasties.
• Foreign contacts and trade relations

For example, the panch marked coins give valuable sources for the ancient history of India.

4.       Material Remains

Through excavation, archaeologists exposed the hidden history of many prehistoric settlements. The archaeological material they unearthed can be used as sources for the reconstruction of the history of that particular settlement. These materials help us to reconstruct the history of common people before the discovery of writing. Physical remains help historians to understand texture, weight, size, scale, and a host of other elements that may not be knowable from written or other types of sources. They help historians to understand popular conceptions of themselves, their society, and their beliefs. For societies that left no written records, their artefacts can help historians understand their place in the human past.

The important archaeological remains are:

• Structural remains
• Pottery
• Tools
• Beads
• Funeral remains/bones
• Floral remains
• Domestic materials
• Occupational materials

The study of these remains helps to understand the settlement and life pattern of an ancient group.