In historical studies, sources are classified into various categories to help understand past events and cultures. Here's how the provided materials can be classified:
Material Sources
These are physical objects that have survived from the past, giving insight into the daily lives and technologies of historical societies.
Copper-Plate : These are inscriptions engraved on copper sheets, often used for official documents or records.
Pottery : This includes ceramics or earthenware used by people in daily life, which can offer clues about their cultural practices.
Beads : Often used for decoration or trade, beads can tell us about the art, fashion, and economy of past civilizations.
Coins : These serve as evidence of economic practices, trade, and sometimes even political propaganda.
Stupa : Architectural structures, usually housing relics, significant in the study of ancient religious practices.
Written Sources
These are documents or texts that have been written down, providing direct information from the past.
Inscriptions : These are writings on monuments or other durable materials that often provide official proclamations or commemorate events.
Travelogues : These are accounts written by travelers, giving detailed observations of the places they visited and the cultures they encountered.
Vedic Literature : Ancient Indian scriptures that form an important part of historical texts, offering details about the early Indian society and thought.
Puranas : Ancient Indian texts that narrate the history of the universe from creation to destruction and the genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and demigods.
Oral Sources
These are spoken testimonies handed down through generations, offering insights into traditions and cultural narratives.
Folk Tales : Stories passed down orally, often stowing moral lessons or cultural values. They provide a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices of a community.
Owis : Traditional oral poetry or songs, which reflect the societal norms, values, and histories of communities.
By classifying these sources, historians can piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the past, drawing from a variety of perspectives and types of evidence.