Itihasa (Sanskrit: इतिहास - itihāsa in IAST notation, literally meaning that which happened) is the word for History. The word is also used in most other Indian languages, with the same meaning.

The word is often used within India to refer to Hindu Epics, (aka Mahakavyas) such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata. It includes the Yogavasishtha and Harivamsa.

Itihasa can also refer to the puranas.

Some historians may also accept this use, with a view to attribute historic veracity to such legends. This usage is eschewed by most historians because the dating of events alluded to in these legends, as also the substantiation of their historic veracity and accuracy, is generally impossible.

See also

• History of India

• Hindu scriptures

• Hindu Epics
  • Ramayana, Mahabharata, the Puranas

• Hindu mythology, Vedic mythology, Aryan mythology

• Hindu deities

• List of Hindu deities

• List of Hinduism-related articles

Hindu texts

Itihâsa | Itihasa