The reliabilty of any document is established by three tests:
- Bibliographical Evidence test
- Internal Evidence test
- External Evidence test
The bibliographical test is an examination of the textual transmission by which documents reach us. In other words, not having the original documents, how reliability are the copies we have in regards to the number of manuscripts (MSS) and the time interval between the original and extant copy?
In Internal Evidence test, one must listen to the claims of the documents under analysis and not assume fraud or error unless the author disqualifies himself by contradictions or known factual inaccuracies. This is the area where actual understanding of the book will play a major role. Many a times it is found specially with the religious books we tend to sway away by the sentiments rather than the reasoning logically. We belive something and based on the assumptions only, we analyze the book and we end up in the sentimental understanding rather than logical study.We must analyze the book with out any baised or prejudice. The language of the book,the situations in the book, names of characters in the book,choice of name of the character in an situation,all together should be taken into considerations in this type of study. If we are baised then there is a chance that we may overlook these finer points and may only analyze cultural and social aspect with historical relevance.The internal evidence test is very important for the purpose of reality.
In External Evidence test,History, Science and Archaeology together should externally confirmed the authenticity of the book. Now this is where most of the actual and physical evidences are collected. This the area where in most of the re-search and development is done. The re-search is usally done with the pre-suppositions;one knows what should be the end result. Here, since we already know how a social,cultural and monumental aspectes are to be proven, we take slightest clue to jump to the conclusions.Since this approch is more appealing to the masses and generates more sentimantal reactions,and usally is over discussed.