Methods of Studying Archival and Literary Sources — DU B.A (Prog.) History as Major Previous Year Question Papers

1. Discuss the nature and significance of literary sources in the reconstruction of the past. How does the historian negotiate the relationship between history and literature? 2. Examine the role of Sanskrit and Persian literary traditions in shaping historical imagination in pre-modern India. 3. Analyse the historical value. of literary traditions in Dravidian languages. Answer with reference to any one of the following: Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, or Malayalam. 4. How do vernacular literary traditions contribute to the writing of history? Discuss with reference to Brajbhasha or Bengali literary materials. 5. Examine the role of foreign travellers' writings in understanding the past. How are these sources different from local literary accounts? 6. What are archival sources? Discuss the major categories of archival materials, including official records, farmans, private papers, letters, and maps. - 7. 'Archives are constructed repositories rather than neutral storehouses of the past.' Critically examine this statement. 8. Discuss the use of visual and material sources in historical reconstruction. Answer with reference to paintings, miniatures, museums, or films.