Problematisingperiodisation in history

Context:

The transience of the notion of periodisation is likely to become more manifest as history goes on to explore other areas of research.

Triad's Provincial Roots

• Indigenous Concepts vs. European Triad: James Mill further distorted it in India, framing periods as Hindu, Muslim, and British, validating British rule as a rescuer from medieval darkness.
• Unequal Power Dynamics in Periodisation: European colonial expansion disseminated the triad globally, supplanting native historical notions. Jack Goody termed this phenomenon as "The Theft of History," exemplifying unequal power relations.
• Challenges to Periodisation: Periodisation, a human construct, faces challenges due to its transient nature. Late Antiquity, Early Medieval, and other qualifiers emerge, questioning the dichotomy of change and continuity.

Challenges to Dichotomous Notions

• Rethinking Modernity:The West's unilateral creation of the modern world is contested, fostering a shift towards acknowledging "modernities" shaped by diverse global contributions and historical contexts.
• Universal Contributions to Modern World: The modern world emerges as a cumulative outcome of contributions from all civilizations, challenging the Eurocentric narrative.
• Transitions: As history explores climate, planetary history, and questions traditional categories like pre-history, the notion of periodisation becomes less applicable.

Future Trajectory

• Exploring Interdisciplinary Avenues: Research in areas like archaeology and questioning pre-history indicates a departure from rigid temporal classifications, fostering a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding human history.
• The Call for Universal History: Historians advocate treating history as a universal entity with regions forming constituents, emphasizing the collective contributions of civilizations. This approach challenges the prevailing Eurocentric narrative and supports a more inclusive understanding of historical processes, moving away from the limitations of temporal categorizations.
• Future Trajectory of Historical Studies: As research explores climate, planetary history, and non-linear narratives, the predominant norm of periodisation may give way to a more dynamic and holistic approach to studying human history.