Explain the factors that should be kept in mind by the historians while handling textual traditions.
While studying the literary traditions or sources, the historians should keep the following points in their minds:
(i) They should examine the language of the book. They should see if it is in the Pali, Prakrit or Tamil language — the language of the common people or if it is in Sanskrit, the language of the priests of the distinct or the elite people.
(ii) The book is in what form - whether it is in the form of the Mantras chanted by the ritual specialists or it is in narrative form, that is stories read, heard and retold by the people.
(iii) To get information about the author of the book as his attitude and views, perspective and ideas affect the writing of the book.
(iv) For whom the book written, as the author must have keep in his mind the taste and interest of the readers or audience.
(v)To get information about the period of the creation or compilation of the book and to analyse its background.
