INDIA'S HISTORICAL MONUMENTS


India is blessed with number of world heritage monuments showcasing the breathtaking architecture and intricate work. Taj Mahal, a unique master-piece is the wonder in itself, an absolute epitome of Indian culture, heritage and civilization. Behind each monument is an underlying sense of mystery, intrigue and romance. Five thousand years of Indian History has given us the treasure of thousands of monuments across the country, monuments belonging to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Visit the monuments of India, they are not only fairy tales carved out of stones, bricks, and mortar narrating the tales of valor and courage of Indian rulers.

Monuments in India form a great heritage of India and they are evidence of India's historical past. These monuments reflect the culture and the heritage of yore days. Visit India in order to spectacle the miraculous beauty of Indian monuments. Be it Taj Mahal or Khajuraho temple, Indian monuments forms an attractive tourist spots for travellers from all over the world. Plan your monument tour to India and come across the diversity of culture and heritage.

SOCIAL STUDIES -VALUE BASED TEACHING AND LEARNING

Powerful social studies teaching considers the ethical dimensions of topics and addresses controversial issues providing an arena for reflective development of concern for the common good and application of social values. Students learn to be respectful of the dignity and rights of others when interacting socially, and to emphasize basic democratic concepts and principles when making personal policy decisions or participating in civic affairs.

Topics are treated comprehensively and realistically, with attention to their disturbing or controversial aspects. Students are made aware of potential social policy implications and taught to think critically and make value-based decisions about related social issues. They learn to gather and analyze relevant information, assess the merits of competing arguments, and make reasoned decisions that include consideration of the values within alternative policy recommendations. Through discussions, debates, simulations, research, and other occasions for critical thinking and decision-making, students learn to apply value-based reasoning when addressing social problems.

The best social studies teachers develop awareness of their own values and how those values influence their selection of content, materials, questions, activities, and assessment methods. They assess their teaching from multiple perspectives and, where appropriate, adjust it to achieve a better balance.

Rather than promulgating personal, sectarian, or political views, these teachers make sure that students: (1) become aware of the values, complexities, and dilemmas involved in an issue; (2) consider the costs and benefits to various groups that are embedded in potential courses of action; and (3) develop well-reasoned positions consistent with basic democratic social and political values. The teacher provides guidance to such value-based reasoning especially when it is difficult to discern the connections between core democratic values and the issues at hand, when various core values suggest conflicting policies, or when there is conflict between these core values and students’ personal or family values. When this is done most effectively, students may remain unsure about the teacher’s personal views on an issue, at least until after it has been discussed thoroughly. Students become more aware of the complexities involved in addressing the issue in ways that serve the common good, and are more articulate about their own and others’ policy recommendations and supporting rationales.

Powerful social studies teaching encourages recognition of opposing points of view, respect for well-supported positions, sensitivity to cultural similarities and differences, and a commitment to social responsibility and action. It recognizes the reality and persistence of tensions but promotes positive human relationships built on understanding, commitment to the common good, and willingness to compromise and search for common good.