(a) It is known to all that human society has reached the
present stage through a long process of evolution. The reading of history enables us to know this process of evolution, that is to say, the process of change and development of mankind.
(b) History is not only about the things that great men did and about wars and battles the great kings fought, but it is also about the common people. It tells us how people grew their food and produced their clothes, how they built great cities; how they fought against one another and how they helped one another.
(c) From history we learn about popular leaders, famous scientists, etc. History also tells us how common people were oppressed and how bravely they fought against the oppressors. By the study of history we are warned against the tyranical rulers who brought down sufferings on the people.
(d) The reading of history thus makes us wise. By knowing the past we understand the present and can anticipate the future. We also take from history noble idealism that serves as'a guide to us in our journey through life.
(e) History also helps us to know about society or nation. It is known from history how the society developed over a long period. That is to say, it is possible to know from the study of history how people started agriculture, how they came to know the art of weaving, how they developed metalworking and such other things.
(f) It is also possible to know about the patterns of life of the people, which is called culture, of a country from the study of history. The study of art and architecture, evolution of language, literature and religion, etc. are all included in history. And knowledge of such things helps to know about the people in a better way.
(g) It has been very rightly pointed by historian Romila Thapar that the study of history is like playing a game of "treasure hunt. There are clues hidden in everything found and examined. One clue will lead to another and gradually,step by step, one can arrive to the treasure'. In this case 'treasure' is nothing but an understanding how the world went on in the past.