Guest lecture on ‘The Relevance of Primary Sources in Research’

The Department of History organized a Guest lecture on “The Relevance of Primary Sources in Research” for the students of History department on 28th March 2016. The Guest Speaker on this occasion was Prof. Mahaveer Singh, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. Prof. Sharad Rathore, Head of Department of History introduced the speaker to the students.

In this lecture Prof. Singh talked about the importance of primary sources. When dealing directly with primary sources, one has to examine them with caution and be very careful in reading them.  He said that historians should also read between the lines and to develop the deeper understanding. This process would help to develop knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities. He also suggested that the students should read extensively to understand the issues involved and then use the primary sources in research process. It will help in better understanding the subject because original sources contain a first-hand account of an actual event which should be read objectively.