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When it comes to history, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is
political history. This is because the traditional notion of history taught in
academic circles is largely centered on politics, with a focus on the rise and
fall of nations, the reign of various dynasties, battles, treaties, territorial
gains and losses, and so on. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there
are other forms of history that are equally important, including social history,
constitutional history, the history of literature, and the history of
philosophy.
Today, the knowledge and achievements of humankind have grown rapidly in the
last few centuries, and there is no discipline that cannot boast of a rich
history of its own. History, in general, encompasses the beginning, growth
stages, agents of progress, personalities, actions, and reactions within and
outside a particular field. As a result, it is important for individuals to have
a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of history, given the
complexities of life. For instance, a non-scientist may be interested in the
Viking probe to Mars, and a study of its history will deepen their appreciation
of the achievements in the field.
When it comes to social history, it revolves around society as its nucleus and
deals with the social forces influencing it, religion, industry, family
structure, the relationship between rulers and the ruled, the force of law, and
the general flow of life during a specific period. The study of social history
provides insights into how events, discoveries, or inventions have impacted the
course of history and the lives of people. For example, the advent of the steam
engine changed life in England, while the opening of the Suez and Panama Canals
transformed commerce. The discovery of petroleum and the invention of vulcanized
rubber revolutionized road transport.
Constitutional history, on the other hand, deals with the study of various
constitutions of the world, their historical background, and the social forces
that brought about constitutional changes. To effectively evaluate a
constitution, a student of constitutional history must have a thorough
understanding of different constitutions.
The history of literature is just as vast as political history, with each
language in the world having its own history. It delves into the progress of
literary thought as reflected in the works of poets, dramatists, novelists, and
others. The study of literary history provides a deep appreciation of the social
history of a period, as the literature of that time can shed light on the
personalities, customs, manners, and prevailing notions of the time. For
instance, a study of Shakespeare provides an understanding of Elizabethan
England, while Dickens' works reveal the England immediately after the
Industrial Revolution.
Finally, there is the history of science, which is often overlooked, but equally
important. The history of science is a charming account of the steady progress
of science from the time humankind discovered fire to the present day. Science
has progressed so fast in recent times that it has outstripped the grasp of the
average person. The history of science is marked by the contributions of great
giants of science whose names are household words today. Who doesn't know the
name of Newton? Unlike political history, which is often marked by conflicts and
ruin, the history of science is one of construction and the acquisition of
greater knowledge about the things and forces around us.
In conclusion, it is crucial to appreciate the significance of studying
non-political histories, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the
complexities of life, and the events, discoveries, and inventions that have
shaped our world. |
