History is the study of past events, societies, cultures, and significant developments that have shaped human civilization. It is a record of human experiences, achievements, struggles, and progress over time.

Definition of History

1. The Greek historian Herodotus (often called the "Father of History") defined history as "an inquiry" into past events.
2. The Roman historian Cicero described history as "the witness of time, the light of truth, and the life of memory."
3. Modern historians see history as a systematic study of past events based on evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

Divisions of History Based on Time Period

To study history systematically, historians divide it into different time periods. These divisions vary by region, but the broad classifications are:

1. Prehistoric Period (Before 3000 BCE) – The Age Before Writing

Prehistory refers to the time before written records. Historians rely on fossils, tools, cave paintings, and bones to understand this era. It is divided into:

1. Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age) (Up to 10,000 BCE)
2. Early humans lived in caves and hunted animals.
3. Use of stone tools and discovery of fire.
4. Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age) (10,000 BCE – 8000 BCE)
5. Transition to settled life began.
6. Domestication of animals and simple agriculture.
7. Neolithic Age (New Stone Age) (8000 BCE – 3000 BCE)
8. Permanent settlements developed.
9. Pottery, weaving, and advanced agriculture started.

2. Ancient History (3000 BCE – 500 CE) – Early Civilizations

This period marks the beginning of organized societies and written records. Some major civilizations include:

1. Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BCE – 1900 BCE)
2. One of the earliest urban civilizations in India.
3. Advanced cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
4. Egyptian Civilization (3000 BCE – 332 BCE)
5. Built pyramids and developed hieroglyphic writing.
6. Mesopotamian Civilization (3100 BCE – 539 BCE)
7. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
8. Developed the first known writing system – Cuneiform.
9. Chinese Civilization (2000 BCE – 220 CE)
10. Known for the Great Wall and early dynasties.
11. Vedic Period (1500 BCE – 500 BCE)
12. Early Hindu texts (Vedas) were written.
13. Caste system and religious practices evolved.
14. Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE)
15. Chandragupta Maurya united India.
16. Ashoka spread Buddhism across Asia.

3. Medieval History (500 CE – 1500 CE) – Kingdoms and Empires

This period saw the rise and fall of powerful empires and the spread of religions like Islam and Christianity.

1. Gupta Empire (319 CE – 550 CE)
2. Known as the "Golden Age" of India.
3. Advances in science, math (concept of zero), and literature.
4. Islamic Caliphates (7th – 13th Century CE)
5. Spread of Islam across the Middle East and Asia.
6. Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE – 1526 CE)
7. Muslim rulers established rule in India.
8. Medieval Europe (500 CE – 1500 CE)
9. Feudalism, the rise of the Catholic Church, and the Renaissance.
10. Vijayanagar Empire (1336 CE – 1646 CE)
11. One of the most powerful South Indian empires.

4. Modern History (1500 CE – 1947 CE) – Age of Revolutions and Colonialism

This period saw great transformations in society, science, and politics.

1. European Renaissance (14th – 17th Century CE)
2. A revival of art, science, and literature.
3. Famous figures: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo.
4. Age of Exploration (15th – 17th Century CE)
5. European nations explored new lands, including India and America.
6. Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498.
7. Mughal Empire (1526 CE – 1857 CE)
8. Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb ruled India.
9. The Taj Mahal was built.
10. Industrial Revolution (18th – 19th Century CE)
11. Machines replaced manual labor, leading to major economic growth.
12. British Rule in India (1757 CE – 1947 CE)
13. India was under British colonial rule for nearly 200 years.
14. Revolt of 1857 and the rise of Indian nationalism.
15. American and French Revolutions (18th Century CE)
16. Established democratic values and ended monarchies.

5. Contemporary History (1947 CE – Present) – The Modern World

This period includes major global events that shaped today's world.

1. India’s Independence (1947 CE)
2. India became free from British rule.
3. The Indian Constitution was adopted in 1950.
4. World Wars (1914 – 1945 CE)
5. Two world wars reshaped global politics.
6. The United Nations was established in 1945.
7. Cold War (1947 – 1991 CE)
8. Tensions between the USA and the USSR.
9. Technological Revolution (20th – 21st Century)
10. Advancements in computers, space exploration, and the internet.
11. Globalization (2000 CE – Present)
12. Countries became interconnected through trade and communication.