Itihasa in Hindu religion is an important concept. The two
epics – Mahabharata and Ramayana – are part of Itihasa scriptures in Hinduism. It
falls under the Smriti group of texts.
They narrate incidents that is said to have actually
happened.
Puranas are not considered as Itihasas.
Itihasa means ‘so it happened.’
The two epics are thus records of contemporary history.
Mahabharata written by Sage Vyasa and Ramayana written by
Sage Valmiki thus contains incidents, which really happened. The dates can be
traced. Place mentioned in the two epics exist. Lunar and Solar eclipses
mentioned in the Itihasa are accurate.