Question

Write a short note:

Orientalist historiography.

Answer 1

1. During the latter half of the eighteenth century, many European scholars developed an interest in learning about the civilizations and cultures of the Eastern countries.
2. These scholars admired and respected Indian civilization and came to be known as Orientalists.
3. They examined the similarities between Sanskrit and several European languages, with special emphasis on Vedic traditions and Sanskrit literature. This gave rise to the belief that an ancient language was the origin of all Indo-European languages.
4. Sir William Jones and Friedrich Max Müller were among the most prominent Orientalist scholars.