In the rush of today’s fast-paced world of rapid technological advancements and fleeting trends, one night questions the relevance of knowing the past. Understanding history is not just about dusty old textbooks or ancient civilizations. It’s rather a lens through which we can make sense of our world today. I believe that history is more than a collection of facts. History is not just a chronicle of past events. It’s a repository of information of past culture, art, architecture, literature, individuals and their lives. Imagine writing an article on technology without knowing its background, its journey from past to the present, how things have changed, how things have developed over years. There’s nothing in this world that doesn’t have a history. How does one know history without reading it? History is conveyed in mysterious ways. India holds a vast and diverse history in every corner. How do we know history? History has journeyed from the Indus Valley civilization to the present day. However, it hasn’t traveled solely through books but has been preserved and transmitted through countless avenues. People often possess historical knowledge without even realizing it. History is gained through several means beyond formal education. From oral traditions and family stories to cultural practices, monuments, arts, festivals and even cuisine, history is embedded in the very picture of daily life. Imagine reading a diary entry from your grandparent. Through their words, you might uncover their experiences during events such as the post-independence era, detailing how these events affected their lives, communities, and the nation. Imagine finding an old 500-rupee note. It can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and serve as a link to a historical event. It symbolizes an important moment in recent history: the demonetization. Objects serve as a reminder, no matter how small a thing is, it carries a history or a past. Even a coin, diary, photograph carries stories, and struggles of those who came before us. Why do we Need to Understand the Past? Does history have relevance in today’s world? Why do we study history? We regularly encounter people who ask why they……
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