Kalhaṇa also writes, 'That noble-minded poet is alone worthy of praise whose words, like that of a judge, remain free from love or hatred in relating the facts of the past.' What does he mean by 'free from love or hatred'? How would meeting this condition make a historian more reliable?
By 'free from love or hatred', Kalhaṇa means that a historian should not be biased in favor of or against any person or group being described.
A historian should present facts objectively without letting personal feelings, loyalties, or prejudices influence the narrative.
Meeting this condition makes a historian more reliable because readers can trust that the account is not distorted by the writer's emotions or interests, and the facts presented are accurate and fair.
Explanation
The chapter highlights Kalhana's emphasis on objectivity in historical writing. His comparison of a historian to a judge emphasizes the need for impartiality. This principle remains fundamental to modern historical methodology.
Solution Steps
Kalhaṇa's phrase 'free from love or hatred' means a historian should not be biased in favor of or against any person or group being described
A historian should present facts objectively without letting personal feelings, loyalties, or prejudices influence the narrative
Meeting this condition makes a historian more reliable because readers can trust the account is not distorted by the writer's emotions or interests