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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.
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