Letter 2: "How Early History Was Written" in English | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

 

In this letter, Nehru explains how early history was written by observing the natural world. He refers to nature as a "book" that reveals the Earth's ancient history, where rocks, mountains, rivers, and other natural elements tell stories of a time when no humans or animals existed. As time progressed, animals appeared, followed by early humans, who were initially similar to animals but developed the power of thought, which made them stronger and more capable. Nehru describes how, through experience and learning, humans advanced by discovering fire, farming, clothing, and building shelters. As people gathered in groups, cities emerged, and eventually, writing systems developed. However, for a long time, there was no paper, and people wrote on tree bark or palm leaves. Books were rare because they had to be copied by hand. With the rise of cities, nations formed, and people began to feel superior to others from different places, leading to wars—a foolish practice that continues even today. Nehru mentions that although few ancient books survive, stone inscriptions, such as those by King Ashoka, help us understand the past. He emphasizes India's rich history, citing the times when great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata were written and the country was powerful. Nehru contrasts this with the present, where India is poor and under foreign rule, but expresses hope that with effort, India could become free again and improve the lives of its people. Nehru promises to delve deeper into the early history of the earth In his next letter.