History: A Profound Subject

History! What is it? Can we ignore it? The answer to the latter question has to be a resounding no. While it’s true that history is a collection of past events; its beauty lies in its encompassing nature, capturing the happenings and developments across different eras. Memories may fade with time, but they cannot be erased; the past is essential for recollecting, reviewing, and revitalising the present. By considering the pros and cons of past events, institutions, countries, and individuals, we can better understand and improve our lives universally. History is a profound subject and needs to reside at the heart of every classroom.

History not only recollects but enhances the magnificence of the known and the unknown. Archaeologists dig deep to unearth remains and artefacts, revealing what was previously hidden or undiscovered, expanding our understanding of the past. Sources introduce diverse perspectives, seamlessly interwoven and presented in various styles, reflecting a historian's unique approach and preference. The past reveals, enhances and deepens our understanding of how a certain geographical area changed politically, socially, and demographically, along with the cultural transformations that occur occasionally.

Impact of Revolutions

History should not be limited to classrooms alone, as past events are lessons for the present and challenges for the future. It is not a recollection of kings and queens alone but the course of events that shaped and reshaped history. Revolutions have created transformations, as were the different civilisations like the four Bronze Age Civilisations (Mesopotamian, Indus, Chinese and Egyptian). The Chinese made significant contributions to history with the invention of the seismograph, the use of both solar and lunar calendars, and the creation of the mariner's compass, all of which left a lasting impact on future generations. Meanwhile, the Mesopotamians introduced the world to the first written script, cuneiform, and likely the earliest legal code, Hammurabi’s set of 282 laws. The Pyramids, on the other hand, revealed the sophistication and precision of the engineering expertise of ancient Egyptians. These became the subject of study and exploration, which proved to be a treasure trove of information and reminders of the past, the legacies which were left behind to be retold and revived. Isn’t that fascinating and challenging at the same time in the class of explorers, mathematicians, writers and poets of the future? 

The American Revolution (1775-1783) sparked democratic ideas across different corners of the globe, marking and changing the political landscape, heralding changes in the early and late 18th-19th-centuries in terms of anti-colonial resistance movements and freedom struggles in Afro-Asian societies in particular.

In his book Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari identifies three major revolutions that profoundly shaped the course of human history: the Cognitive Revolution, which began around 70,000 years ago; the Agricultural Revolution, which took place approximately 10,000 years ago; and the Scientific Revolution, which started about 500 years ago. (Harari 2011). The first empowered Homo Sapiens to communicate freely and uniquely; the second revolutionized food consumption, distribution, and dietary habits; and the third ushered in transformative changes in thought, marked by significant advancements in science and technology. “War is one of the constants of history, and has not diminished with civilization or democracy,” writes Will Durant. He emphasizes that despite progress, conflict remains a recurring feature of our stories and histories, often rooted in competition for resources, land, power, lust and greed for more wealth amid inequality and inequity amongst the 8.2 billion inhabitants on our planet. History shows the progress and also helps us to reflect on the successes and failures as individuals, as communities, societies and countries, large or small.

Past & the Present

Several events in the past, recorded or not, have played a crucial role in shaping the present-day developments politically, socially, economically and technically. The impact of AI on various aspects of the world today is immense. It has even been instrumental in visualising significant events, such as urban planning in the Indus valley, the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, Fa Hein’s travels to India and the palace life of the Early Mughals.

Diverse narratives must be included in modern history to encompass the voices of women, indigenous peoples in pre-colonial societies, revolutionaries and marginalised groups who fought against imperialistic powers.

Additionally, the era of economic liberalisation amidst geopolitical tensions must also be examined. History is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for a historically conscious generation. Making informed decisions and wise choices to create local impacts and transformations requires an understanding of the past and its implications on the present and future.

Conclusion

History can be brought alive in the classroom through innovative and creative approaches that encourage interaction, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement. These include open discussions, the exchange of diverse perspectives, source analysis, and the introduction of debatable questions surrounding key events or personalities.

This quote ‘Those who ignore History are doomed to repeat it’ is attributed to either Winston Churchill or the Spanish-American philosopher, George Santayana. Both were correct as experiences and events of the past have demonstrated dangers which can befall anybody or societies that ignore the statement and the fact.