Historical Sources of Modern India

Before the advent of Europeans the India did not integrated politically as a Nation and the concept of Indian Nationalism did not arise among the Indians.

The Indians were disintegrated into many regional nations based on language and culture. But the arrival of Europeans particularly the rule of British in India united all Indians against them because of their economic exploitation.

The Europeans introduced many modern technologies like Press, Railway and Telegraph brought the people of India together as Indians.

During the rule of Europeans the cultural and political philosophies (Democratic, republic, voting and representation) of India and Europe merged and it became the foundation of our new Indian Nation.

 Sources of Modern India

  • The Europeans came to know about the immense Wealth of India from the accounts of Marco Polo and similar sources.
  • Initially the trade between Asia and Europe was monopolized by Venice and Genoa (Modern Italy).
  • The cotton textiles and Spices are the most important imported products from India.
  • Ananda Rangam was a Dubash (Translator) in Pondicherry to assist French trade in India. He recorded the events that took place in French India. His diaries contain the daily events from 1736 to 1760, which are the only written secular records available during that period.
  • The National Archives of India (NAI) is located in New Delhi. It is one of the largest Archives in Asia.
  • George William Forrest can rightly be called as the “Father of National Archives of India”.
  • The Madras Record Office, presently known as Tamil Nadu Archives (TNA) is located in Chennai.
  • The national museum in Delhi is the largest museum in India which was established in 1949.
  • Dodwell prepared with great effort and the first issue of the calendar of Madras records was published in 1917

History of Modern Indian Coins

  • The first coinage in modern India under the crown was issued in 1862.
  • Edward VII ascended after Queen Victoria and the coins issued by him bore his model.
  • The first paper currency issued by RBI in January 1938 was 5 rupee notes bearing the portrait of King George VI.

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