Definitions [1]
Definition: Encyclopaedia
Encyclopaedia is a systematic compilation of information or knowledge of various topics.
Key Points
Key Points: Role of Institutions in Historical Preservation
- History books are prepared through the hard work of historians using various sources.
- Libraries, museums and archives preserve and conserve historical heritage.
- Important artefacts and documents are exhibited or safely stored after conservation treatment.
- Preserved materials are made available to researchers, while libraries manage and protect books.
Key Points: Sources of History - Conservation and Preservation
- Sources of history must be carefully collected, recorded, conserved and preserved by trained and qualified persons.
- Oral sources include folk songs and folk tales, which are collected, analysed and published through research.
- Written sources include inscriptions, coins, manuscripts, old books, documents and photographs.
- Written sources require cleaning, conservation, evaluation of historical value and exhibition.
- Material sources include artefacts and fossils, which are classified, preserved and exhibited.
- Conservation work needs special knowledge of scripts, materials, chemicals, art styles and technology.
- Research findings from all sources are published as reports and articles for public and academic use.
Key Points: Some Famous Museums
- Museums preserve and display antiquities and historical artefacts.
- The Louvre Museum is famous for the Mona Lisa and its rich collections.
- The British Museum has a large collection from different countries.
- The National Museum of Natural History (USA) preserves fossils and minerals.
- India has famous museums such as the Indian Museum, the National Museum, and the CSMVS Museum in Mumbai.
- Many museums have archives, libraries and museology courses.
Key Points: Libraries and Archives
- Libraries collect, organise, preserve books and provide information using modern technology.
- Ancient libraries like Alexandria, Takshashila and Ashurbanipal’s library were early centres of knowledge.
- Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur, is an important historical library developed by the Bhosale rulers.
- Archives preserve original and reliable documents with proper indexing and retrieval systems.
- India’s official archives preserve records in many languages; state archives, such as Maharashtra’s Peshwa Daftar, hold valuable historical documents.
Key Points: Encyclopaedias
- An encyclopaedia is a systematic collection of knowledge arranged for easy access.
- Encyclopaedias provide basic, accurate and objective information and encourage further study.
- Information is arranged alphabetically or topic-wise with an index for quick reference.
- Encyclopaedias are created by editors and subject experts and are updated through revised editions.
- Types of encyclopaedias include dictionaries, comprehensive encyclopaedias, encyclopaedic literature and indexes.
Key Points: Encyclopaedias on History-related Subjects
- India has a rich tradition of history-related encyclopaedias.
- Maharashtriya Dnyankosh was created to spread knowledge among Marathi readers.
- Bharatvarshiya Charitrakosh gives biographies from the ancient to the modern periods.
- Special encyclopaedias cover music, revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
- Sthalakosh provides information about important historical places.
- Vishwakosh and Bharatiya Samskruti Kosh focus on Indian history and culture.
- History scholars have career opportunities in encyclopedia writing and publication.
Important Questions [15]
- Explain the statement with reasons. Only trained persons who are duly qualified can take up the tasks involved in the work of conservation and preservation.
- Give elaborate answer to the following. What kind of training is required to study written sources ?
- Write short notes on Louvre Museum
- ______ at Kolkata is the first museum in India.
- Louvre Museum has in its collection the much acclaimed painting of ______ by Leonardo da Vinci.
- Explain the following statement with reason. Archives and libraries publish research journals, informative pamphlets, leaflets, posters, etc.
- Identify the wrong pair in the following and rewrite: City Library Kolkata National Library Delhi Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Hyderabad State Central Library
- Complete the Following Concept Chart
- Why is library management important?
- Explain the following statement with reasons. Archives and libraries publish research journals, informative pamphlets, leaflets, posters, etc.
- Give an elaborate answer to the following. Which tasks are important in archives management?
- Complete the Following Concept Chart. Types of Encyclopaedia
- Complete the following timeline regarding Encyclopaedias related to History subject: bharatvarshiya prachin aitihasik kosh Bharatvarshiya madhyayugin charitrakosh
- Write a note on Sthalakosh.
- Write a short note on Bhartiya Samskruti Kosh.
