Core Course- 5 Category- I

Semester- II Mark- 15

Question: How do you relate between History and Geography in Research work?

Ans: Most of the scholars agree to this fact that history and geography have very close relations with each
other. A prominent historian remarks, “Geography is the stage on which the drama of history is enacted." Prof.
Michelet writes in this context, "Without a geographical basis, the people, the makers of history, seek to be
walking on air, as in those Chinese pictures where the ground in wanting. The soil, too, must not be looked upon
only as the scene of action. Its influence appears in a hundred ways, such as food, climate etc." It fact, it is Page | 1
almost impossible to go through certain branches of history without knowledge of geography. Diplomatic and
military history cannot be properly studied without the sound knowledge of history. The study of domestic
history is also not an exception to this fact. It also requires good knowledge of geography.
Universally it is accepted that History and Geography have very close ties. In fact, it would be
practically impossible to study, certain branches of history without rudimentary knowledge of geography e.g.,
the diplomatic or military history cannot be fallowed without necessary geographical knowledge of the region.
Geography is one of the eyes of history the other eye being chronology. Time and space factors give history its
correct perspective.
Prof. Michelet was of the opinion that history was in essence found upon geography. He says "Without
a geographical basis the people, the makers of history, seek to be walking." German philosopher Kant said,
"Geography lies at the basis of history." Herder said that "history is geography set in motion."
There are others like American geographer, Ells Worth Huntington, and Allen Semple who emphasise
the importance of climate as having crucial influence on the course of history as well as on race temperament.
It is a fact that many geographical factors such as climate, social, rivers, mountains, sea. coastline and
mineral resources aided the development of river in valley. Cultures as in early Egypt Mesopotamia, India and
China. Herodotus, the Carly Greek historian describes that "Egypt is the gift of the Nile".
Even Aristotle and Montesquieu have emphasized the influence of climate on man. The physical
formation of the country such as Britain, Japan and Greece with broken coastlines had a very powerful impact
on its history. This facilitated their naval strength and empire building activities.
Similarly, the Himalayas and the jungles of Assam have acted as barriers against invasions from the
North and East of India. The Himalayas and the Gobi and Mongolian deserts were responsible for the isolation
of China. The geographical discoveries of America and a new route to India determined the character of World
History since the Renaissance.
Geography also plays an important role in the national character formation and influence the human
behaviour. As we know that climate of a country greatly affected the civilisation of a country. Hence the
knowledge of geographical is very essential for historians. It would be wise to accept the limited interpretation
of geographical influence on Inan's conduct or on his history.
Most of the scholar agreed to this fact that history and geography have very close relation with each
other’s. A prominent historians remarks, "geography is the stage on which the drama of history is enacted".
Prof. Michelet write in this context, "without geographical basis, the people, the maker of history, seek to be
walking on air, as in those Chinese pictures where the ground is wanting. The soil, too, must not be looked upon
only as the scene of action. It influences appears in hundred ways, such as food, climate etc." in fact, it is almost
impossible to go through certain branches of history without knowledge of geography. Diplomatic and military
history cannot be properly studied without the sound knowledge of history. The study of domestic history is
also not an exception to this fact. It also requires good knowledge of geography.
Knowledge of geography is also helpful in understanding the history of early period. Geography proved
to of great help in knowing the history of this period for want of authentic documents. The history of this period
can be established by observing and analysing the geographical surrounding, hence the study of geography is
essential for the understanding of history. J.R.Green write about the significance of landscape in establishing
the history of early period. "It is the fullest and most certain of all documents".

8 July 2022
 The history of England is largely influenced by the physical geography of the country. Really without
the knowledge of geography, it would not be possible to understand the process of industrialization and
urbanization in England.
Prominent writers like Montesquieu, Bukle Huntingeon etc, had the opinion that the climate of country
greatly affected the culture of a country. Climate, moisture, humidity and weather are all determining factors.
Aristotle and Montesquieu emphases the influenced of climate on men. It also influences the human behaviour Page | 2
and play a significant role in the formation of national character. To sum up we may say that the study of
geography is essential if we wish to study the history of some particular country of region. In all most all the
books of history, we find an introductory chapt the geography of the country which highlights the importance
of study of geography and its impact on the study of history.

8 July 2022