Summary of the Article: The Mantra of “No Document, No History”
Traditional historians have long emphasized the importance of written documents as the foundation of history. The mantra “no document, no history” reflects the belief that historical facts can only be established through the existence of written records. These documents provide a documented record of humanity and its societies throughout time. Without the ability to prove historical events through written evidence, they cannot be considered as reliable historical facts.
Positivism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding the world, aligns with the mantra “no document, no history”. By relying on documented evidence, historians aim to establish objective and verifiable historical truths.
Postcolonialism, on the other hand, explores the creation of identities and understanding of societies from the perspectives of those who have been colonized. It sheds light on the challenges faced by historians in reconstructing historical narratives from societies whose histories were overshadowed by their colonial past.
The absence of documented evidence poses a significant challenge for historians. Adjectives such as “no document” describe loans made without documentation as to the borrower’s income, which can also be applied to historical records that lack written evidence.
Herodotus, often referred to as the “father of history,” is known for his deep interest in describing the customs of the people he encountered. His writings provide a valuable source of original historical information, not only for ancient Greece but also for Western Asia and Egypt during his time.
The mantra “no document, no history” gained prominence in the 19th century when Leopold Van Ranke, a German historian, emphasized the need for written evidence to separate historical facts from myths. Van Ranke argued that historical sources should be critically examined and the elements of myth reduced in order to establish a more accurate account of the past.
The oldest known written document, a map dating back to 179-41 BCE, was discovered in Gangmatan, China. Before the invention of paper, writing was done on materials such as bone or bamboo, which were less portable and convenient.
Historians may question the reliability of the Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text, as a historical document due to its oral transmission and potential alterations throughout generations. Without written evidence to verify its contents, the accuracy and authenticity of the Rig Veda become subjects of skepticism.
Questions:
- Who lived with the mantra of “no document, no history”?
- What is the significance of this mantra in historiography?
- What is positivism, and how does it align with the mantra?
- How does postcolonialism contribute to the understanding of history?
- What does the phrase “no document” mean in a different context?
- Who is often referred to as the “father of history”?
- Why did the mantra “no document, no history” gain prominence in the 19th century?
- What is the oldest known written document ever found?
- Where does the mantra of “no document, no history” originate from?
- What factors might lead a historian to question the reliability of the Rig Veda as a historical document?
Answers:
- Traditional historians
- The mantra emphasizes the importance of written documents as evidence for establishing historical facts.
- Positivism is a philosophical approach that relies on documented evidence and scientific methods to understand the world. It aligns with the mantra by emphasizing the need for written records in historical research.
- Postcolonialism explores how societies create their identities and understand their histories in the context of their colonial past. It provides a perspective for historians to reconstruct history from the point of view of the colonized.
- In a different context, “no document” can refer to a loan made without proper documentation regarding the borrower’s income.
- Herodotus
- The mantra gained prominence in the 19th century when Leopold Van Ranke emphasized the need to critically examine historical sources and reduce elements of myth to establish accurate historical accounts.
- The oldest known written document is a map dating back to 179-41 BCE, discovered in Gangmatan, China.
- The mantra originated from the ideas of Leopold Van Ranke, a German historian in the 19th century.
- The Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text, is subject to skepticism because of its oral transmission and potential alterations over generations, without written evidence to verify its contents.
Who lived with the mantra of no document no history
Traditional historians lived with the mantra of “no document, no history.” IT IS THE RECORD OF THE PAST MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE PRESENT documented record of man and his society Unless a written document can prove a certain historical event, then it cannot be considered as a historical fact.
What emphasizes the mantra no document no history
what is positivism -emphasizes the mantra "no document, no history". What is postcolonialism creating the identities and understanding their societies against the shadows of their colonial past.
What is the meaning of no document
adjective. (of a loan) Made without documentation as to the borrower's income. noun. A loan made without documentation as to the borrower's income.
Who is the father of universal history
Herodotus has been called the “father of history.” An engaging narrator with a deep interest in the customs of the people he described, he remains the leading source of original historical information not only for Greece between 550 and 479 BCE but also for much of western Asia and Egypt at that time.
What is the reason behind the motto no documents no history
In Europe, in the 19th century, a famous German historian Leopold Van Ranke says that "no document, no history". No document, there is no history, Ranke claims that in the modern world, the elements of myth in a historical source should be reduced.
What is the oldest written document ever found
The oldest known paper document is actually a map dating from 179-41 B.C.E. Found in Gangmatan in the Gansu province of China. Before that, documents were written on bone or bamboo and were extremely awkward to transport. Bonus fact: The Chinese were the inventors of “paper” as we know it today.
Where does the mantra of no document no history stem from
In Europe, in the 19th century, a famous German historian Leopold Van Ranke says that "no document, no history". No document, there is no history, Ranke claims that in the modern world, the elements of myth in a historical source should be reduced.
Why might a historian question the reliability of the Rig Veda as a historical document
As a source, why might a historian question the reliability of the Rig Veda as a historical document since they were oral stories, they may have been altered or there may have been many versions of the stories so Historians can question what is truthful and what is false about the stories.
Why is it called a document
The word originates from the Latin Documentum , which denotes a "teaching" or "lesson": the verb doceō denotes "to teach". In the past, the word was usually used to denote written proof useful as evidence of a truth or fact.
What is the meaning of all documents
All documents means every document and every non-identical copy known to you and every such document or writing which you can locate or discover by reasonably diligent efforts, including, but not limited to, documents now in the possession, custody or control of any of your companies, any of their merged or acquired …
Who is the 2nd father of history
| Herodotus | |
|---|---|
| Ἡρόδοτος | |
| A Roman copy (2nd century AD) of a Greek bust of Herodotus from the first half of the 4th century BC | |
| Born | c. 484 BC Halicarnassus, Caria, Asia Minor, Persian Empire (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) |
| Died | c. 425 BC (aged approximately 60) Thurii, Calabria, or Pella, Macedon |
Who is the founder of history
Herodotus is traditionally regarded as the father of history. because he was the first historian to collect and systematically document events and create an account. He compiled these accounts into his single major work known as The Histories.
What is the motto of National archives
Litera, Scripta, Manet
"Litera, Scripta, Manet," reads the motto of the National Archives and Records Administra- tion.
What are some mottos for history
“History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.” “History is the story of events, with praise or blame.” “History is the study of all the world's crime.” “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”
What is the oldest letter in the world
The letter 'O' is unchanged in shape since its adoption in the Phoenician alphabet c. 1300BC.
What year did history begin
History refers to the time period after the invention of written records in a given culture or society. Archaeologists have discovered written records in Egypt from as early as 3200 BCE, which is the accepted date at which history "begins" there.
What is the oldest mantra in the world
The earliest mantras were composed in Vedic Sanskrit in India. At its simplest, the word ॐ (Aum, Om) serves as a mantra, it is believed to be the first sound which was originated on earth.
Who is God according to Vedas
The Vedas conceptualize Brahman as the Cosmic Principle. In the Upanishads, it has been variously described as Sat-cit-ānanda (truth-consciousness-bliss) and as the unchanging, permanent, highest reality.
Who is supreme god according to Vedas
As Śrī Kr̥ṣṇa, the most perfect descent (avatāra) of Narayana (Vāsudeva), He is no different from the latter, and hence, the Bhāgavata states kr̥ṣṇastu bhagavān svayam – Kr̥ṣṇa is the Supreme, Blessed Lord (Nārāyaṇa) Himself.
What are the 4 types of documents
The four kinds of documentation are:learning-oriented tutorials.goal-oriented how-to guides.understanding-oriented discussions.information-oriented reference material.
What are the 7 types of documents
Types Of Documents Your Business Needs To Know AboutPlans. Business plans cover all the aspects of your business and every nook and cranny of that aspect.Proposals.Reports.Contracts and Agreements.Policies.Letters.HR Documents.Research Papers.
What are the 4 documents
The 4 legal documents every adult should haveA will. Also known as: a last will and testament.A living will. Also known as: an advance directive.Durable health care power of attorney. It appoints: a health care proxy.Durable financial power of attorney. It appoints: an attorney-in-fact or agent.
What are the 3 documents
The Three Documents That Made America: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the U.S.A. & The Bill of Rights.
Who is the father of history in the Bible
Herodotus was the first writer to perform systematic investigation of historical events. He is referred to as "The Father of History", a title conferred on him by the ancient Roman orator Cicero.
What is Herodotus famous quote
Whatever comes from God is impossible for a man to turn back. It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen.
