What is an encyclopaedia ? Explain its types with examples.

Answer: An encyclopaedia is a reference book that gives information on many subjects, or on all aspects of one subject, arranged in a systematic order (usually alphabetical).

• General encyclopaedia: covers all branches of knowledge, e.g. ‘Maharashtriya Dnyankosh’ edited by Dr Shridhar Venkatesh Ketkar, and ‘Marathi Vishwakosh’ published by the Government of Maharashtra.
• Subject encyclopaedia: gives detailed information on one subject, e.g. ‘Bharatiya Sanskritikosh’ edited by Pandit Mahadevshastri Joshi, on Indian culture.
• Charitrakosh: gives biographies of important persons.
• Sthalakosh: gives information about historical places.
• Shabdakosh (dictionary): gives the meanings and use of words.

Encyclopaedias preserve knowledge and are very useful to students and researchers of history.