This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
The meaning of the term Subaltern is explained in very lucid language by an eminent historian Prof Partha Chatterjee in 2 mins.
We often read about Subaltern History in Indian history and esp in Modern India but rarely are we told the meaning of the word.
#historian #footage #subaltern
@nikhilhistoryoptional
We often read about Subaltern History in Indian history and esp in Modern India but rarely are we told the meaning of the word.
#historian #footage #subaltern
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π7β€1
Answer Writing Practice
Medieval India
Question 10 feedback comments: Students were able to touch the basic facts well. However, some students mistook analysis of industry for survey of industry. Thus, they gave more space to factual details and geographic locations while neglecting the analytical approach. In this question, generally, analysis is to be done with respect to introduction of new technology, state's role in expanding industry, impact of/on trade/urbanization, geographic spread and connection to society (nobility, labour, gender).
Also, I noticed that some students are not effectively able to cite the primary sources or include relevant historiographical approach easily. It takes practice to think in that way and the only solution is to keep writing more and more.
ββββββββββββββββββββββ
Question 11: (on a students demand, this question is included)
"The policy of creating heterogeneous nobility by Muhammad Tughlaq started the process of disintegration of Delhi Sultanate". Explain. [UPSC, 2018, 20 Marks]
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Medieval India
Question 10 feedback comments: Students were able to touch the basic facts well. However, some students mistook analysis of industry for survey of industry. Thus, they gave more space to factual details and geographic locations while neglecting the analytical approach. In this question, generally, analysis is to be done with respect to introduction of new technology, state's role in expanding industry, impact of/on trade/urbanization, geographic spread and connection to society (nobility, labour, gender).
Also, I noticed that some students are not effectively able to cite the primary sources or include relevant historiographical approach easily. It takes practice to think in that way and the only solution is to keep writing more and more.
ββββββββββββββββββββββ
Question 11: (on a students demand, this question is included)
"The policy of creating heterogeneous nobility by Muhammad Tughlaq started the process of disintegration of Delhi Sultanate". Explain. [UPSC, 2018, 20 Marks]
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π5
Here are the factual details on MBT's heterogenous nobility
Barani mentions a few names but has not given any complete list of officers after MBT came to the throne, but Yahya Bin Sirhindi has given one. There were 7 parts of the ruling class during Barani's reign -
1. Officials and families who were there since the days of Alauddin Khilji
a. Examples β Wazir Khwaja-i-Jahan Ahmad Ayaz, son of Kotwal of Delhi in the era of AK, now involved in all policies of MBT; Qutlugh Khan (teacher of MBT) who became wazir of Daulatabad but disastrously failed to solve the problem of Deccan; Ain -ul-Mulk was a famous official who combined ruling skills with deep study was a leader of nobles and did a good work as ruler of Awadh.
b. Comment β With the arrival of new nobles, all these old nobles families suffered loss of power in the administration.
2. Recently converted families recently appointed to the high posts (shaikhzada)
a. Azizuddin Khammar (distiller) β Barani has adverse criticism for them as he originally belonged to lower castes. Ibn Battuta saw him as tax collector at Amroha, later he became the ruler of Malwa.
b. Kawanul Mulk βHe got the highest post among all the Hindus converted to Islam. He was born in a noble family of Warangal and was extremely efficient at work despite being illiterate. Later he became naib-wazir of the entire empire.
c. Pira Mali (gardener) was given diwan-i-wazirat
d. Comment β Sultan MBT had deep faith in the people converted to Islam and provided them high posts, one of them was even made in charge of drinking water supply of the capital city of Delhi. However, Barani was extremely critical of MBT for appointing people of lower origin (jawahir-i lutrah) being appointed to high posts and given iqta positions. Old Nobility saw the state as the preserver of their high birth privileges and thus remained disgruntled.
3. Religious families or mystics appointed to the high post by MBT
a. MBT introduced a new policy of employing religious families in administrative work. Sultan justified it by saying that it was even done under the Caliph but it is difficult to accept this argument because the time and situation had by then changed a lot. Besides, all the official under the Delhi sultanate had to learn some art of war which was not possible for these families. Consequently, trouble began. (Barani even mentions how they couldnβt even ride horses)
i. Sheikh Muizuddin was sent as the administrator of Gujarat but was killed by rebels at a critical time.
ii. Sheikh Imamuddin died fighting against Bahram Aiba
iii. Sheikh Shibauddin was made chief of revenue and his duty was to collect arrears. It was impossible for a sheikh to do it.
b. Comment β this group remain inefficient and couldnβt exert any influence in the administration.
4. Foreign officials
a. MBT had pity-cum-love for the foreigners and appointed them to very high posts. He used to call them aizza. He gave an order that in the empire, they should be addressed honourably.
b. However, these people didnβt know the local language and therefore they couldnβt be employed in regular offices. They were given generally judicial posts to interpret sharia or in the department of grants to provide to ulemas and madrasas. Battuta says that MBT had appointed them mostly to confidential posts.
c. Example - even Ibn Battuta himself was a foreigner appointed as Qazi
d. Comment β They remained more or less loyal to the Sultan but from the severe criticism of Barani it may be understood that these group of nobles didnβt have much local base/power.
#AnswerWritingPractice #Delhisultanate #MBT
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Barani mentions a few names but has not given any complete list of officers after MBT came to the throne, but Yahya Bin Sirhindi has given one. There were 7 parts of the ruling class during Barani's reign -
1. Officials and families who were there since the days of Alauddin Khilji
a. Examples β Wazir Khwaja-i-Jahan Ahmad Ayaz, son of Kotwal of Delhi in the era of AK, now involved in all policies of MBT; Qutlugh Khan (teacher of MBT) who became wazir of Daulatabad but disastrously failed to solve the problem of Deccan; Ain -ul-Mulk was a famous official who combined ruling skills with deep study was a leader of nobles and did a good work as ruler of Awadh.
b. Comment β With the arrival of new nobles, all these old nobles families suffered loss of power in the administration.
2. Recently converted families recently appointed to the high posts (shaikhzada)
a. Azizuddin Khammar (distiller) β Barani has adverse criticism for them as he originally belonged to lower castes. Ibn Battuta saw him as tax collector at Amroha, later he became the ruler of Malwa.
b. Kawanul Mulk βHe got the highest post among all the Hindus converted to Islam. He was born in a noble family of Warangal and was extremely efficient at work despite being illiterate. Later he became naib-wazir of the entire empire.
c. Pira Mali (gardener) was given diwan-i-wazirat
d. Comment β Sultan MBT had deep faith in the people converted to Islam and provided them high posts, one of them was even made in charge of drinking water supply of the capital city of Delhi. However, Barani was extremely critical of MBT for appointing people of lower origin (jawahir-i lutrah) being appointed to high posts and given iqta positions. Old Nobility saw the state as the preserver of their high birth privileges and thus remained disgruntled.
3. Religious families or mystics appointed to the high post by MBT
a. MBT introduced a new policy of employing religious families in administrative work. Sultan justified it by saying that it was even done under the Caliph but it is difficult to accept this argument because the time and situation had by then changed a lot. Besides, all the official under the Delhi sultanate had to learn some art of war which was not possible for these families. Consequently, trouble began. (Barani even mentions how they couldnβt even ride horses)
i. Sheikh Muizuddin was sent as the administrator of Gujarat but was killed by rebels at a critical time.
ii. Sheikh Imamuddin died fighting against Bahram Aiba
iii. Sheikh Shibauddin was made chief of revenue and his duty was to collect arrears. It was impossible for a sheikh to do it.
b. Comment β this group remain inefficient and couldnβt exert any influence in the administration.
4. Foreign officials
a. MBT had pity-cum-love for the foreigners and appointed them to very high posts. He used to call them aizza. He gave an order that in the empire, they should be addressed honourably.
b. However, these people didnβt know the local language and therefore they couldnβt be employed in regular offices. They were given generally judicial posts to interpret sharia or in the department of grants to provide to ulemas and madrasas. Battuta says that MBT had appointed them mostly to confidential posts.
c. Example - even Ibn Battuta himself was a foreigner appointed as Qazi
d. Comment β They remained more or less loyal to the Sultan but from the severe criticism of Barani it may be understood that these group of nobles didnβt have much local base/power.
#AnswerWritingPractice #Delhisultanate #MBT
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π4
5. Afghan families
a. A few Afghan families were appointed by MBT in administration. Example β Malik Makh, Shah Lodhi
b. Comment β Hvowever, they couldnβt agree with MBTβs policies and became rebels.
6. Hindu officials
a. Many Hindus were appointed by MBT to high posts.
b. Examples β Saha Raja as wazir, Dhara as naib-wazir of Deccan, ratan as administrator of Shewan, Vishan Rai as administrator of Gulbarga,
c. Comment β Older Muslim nobles used to consider high appointments of Hindu as against their interests. They also felt that their honour and privileges were reduced because of employment of Hindus. However, it should be noted that despite too many revolts against MBT by various nobles, not a single example of Hindu is there.
7. Sadah Amirs
a. Appointed in Deccan
b. Comment β They became hostile to Sultan when he took new administrative projects in Deccan and started appointing wazirs above them. The last few years of Sultan were spent in suppressing the revolts by Amiran-e Sadah who had spread their conspiracy from Cambay to Daulatabad. As a result, the atmosphere of the empire completely changed and this revolt later led to the establishment of the independent kingdom of Bahmanis. (details are given by both Barani and Battuta)
#AnswerWritingPractice #Delhisultanate #MBT
@nikhilhistoryoptional
a. A few Afghan families were appointed by MBT in administration. Example β Malik Makh, Shah Lodhi
b. Comment β Hvowever, they couldnβt agree with MBTβs policies and became rebels.
6. Hindu officials
a. Many Hindus were appointed by MBT to high posts.
b. Examples β Saha Raja as wazir, Dhara as naib-wazir of Deccan, ratan as administrator of Shewan, Vishan Rai as administrator of Gulbarga,
c. Comment β Older Muslim nobles used to consider high appointments of Hindu as against their interests. They also felt that their honour and privileges were reduced because of employment of Hindus. However, it should be noted that despite too many revolts against MBT by various nobles, not a single example of Hindu is there.
7. Sadah Amirs
a. Appointed in Deccan
b. Comment β They became hostile to Sultan when he took new administrative projects in Deccan and started appointing wazirs above them. The last few years of Sultan were spent in suppressing the revolts by Amiran-e Sadah who had spread their conspiracy from Cambay to Daulatabad. As a result, the atmosphere of the empire completely changed and this revolt later led to the establishment of the independent kingdom of Bahmanis. (details are given by both Barani and Battuta)
#AnswerWritingPractice #Delhisultanate #MBT
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π4
Answer Writing Practice
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 12:
To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi? [UPSC 2017, 15 marks]
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #Economy #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 12:
To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi? [UPSC 2017, 15 marks]
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #Economy #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π2
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/explained-manusmriti-ancient-sanskrit-text-controversy-8111255
Manusmriti text helps us understand socisty, economy and also polity in post Mauryan era. It's a normative text.
#literature
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Manusmriti text helps us understand socisty, economy and also polity in post Mauryan era. It's a normative text.
#literature
@nikhilhistoryoptional
The Indian Express
Explained: What is the Manusmriti, the ancient Sanskrit text recently under controversy?
The Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, recently criticised the Manusmriti, the ancient Sanskrit text, over its gender bias.
π2
Manusmriti is always a topic relevant for our Mains.
Already one question is asked related to it, on Varnashramadharma.
Other possible dimensions of the question -
1. It is a normative text, to what extent reflects the reality of the era?
2. Social Philosophy ke alawa what are political and economic angles one gets to know from the text ?
3. Gender relationship in ancient era based on the book?
4. Gradual evolution of Hindu law from Vedic Era to early Medieval?
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Already one question is asked related to it, on Varnashramadharma.
Other possible dimensions of the question -
1. It is a normative text, to what extent reflects the reality of the era?
2. Social Philosophy ke alawa what are political and economic angles one gets to know from the text ?
3. Gender relationship in ancient era based on the book?
4. Gradual evolution of Hindu law from Vedic Era to early Medieval?
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π10
Answer Writing Practice
Paper I: Medieval India
Lets start with 2 questions now.
Question 13:
Describe the idea of the composite culture in India as developed during the era of the Delhi Sultanate. (15 marks)
Question 14:
Identify the different categories of Persian literature which emerged during the Delhi Sultanate. (10 marks, 2021)
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Paper I: Medieval India
Lets start with 2 questions now.
Question 13:
Describe the idea of the composite culture in India as developed during the era of the Delhi Sultanate. (15 marks)
Question 14:
Identify the different categories of Persian literature which emerged during the Delhi Sultanate. (10 marks, 2021)
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Delhisultanate #medieval
@nikhilhistoryoptional
β€2π1
One more topic you should look carefully at. It is anyway an important topic that we have to read, not only because of current relevance.
#world #USSR #Coldwar
@nikhilhistoryoptional
#world #USSR #Coldwar
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π7
World History - Chapterwise Sources.pdf
122 KB
Many aspirants are doing self-preparation and are looking for definite sources of world history. I have also seen that not all Foundation courses cover all aspects of World History comprehensively and focus more on European History than other parts of the syllabus.
Here is one note prepared by me a few years ago which will help identify correct source for every chapter of the World History Syllabus.
#worldhistory #syllabus #sources
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Here is one note prepared by me a few years ago which will help identify correct source for every chapter of the World History Syllabus.
#worldhistory #syllabus #sources
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π8
Mikhail Gorbachev
1 Article-1
2 Article-2
3 Article-3
4 Article-4
5 Article-5
6 India and Mikhail Gorbachev
@nikhilhistoryoptional
1 Article-1
2 Article-2
3 Article-3
4 Article-4
5 Article-5
6 India and Mikhail Gorbachev
@nikhilhistoryoptional
The Indian Express
Mikhail Gorbachevβs tragedy β a flawed reformer on an impossible mission
Mikhail Gorbachev was a tragic figure who failed in the historic mission he had defined for his own country.
Answer Writing Practice
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 15:
Examine the causes of Babur's success against Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. (10m, 2021)
Question 16:
Bring out the significance of the reign of Sher Shah in the history of India. (15m)
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Medieval #MughalEmpire #Afghan #SherShah
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 15:
Examine the causes of Babur's success against Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. (10m, 2021)
Question 16:
Bring out the significance of the reign of Sher Shah in the history of India. (15m)
PS: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Medieval #MughalEmpire #Afghan #SherShah
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π3
On which topic would you like me to create a video for detailed analysis? Here are a few suggestions. You can also suggest other topics in your comment.
Anonymous Poll
19%
Mughal Autobiographies
18%
Persian sources of Delhi Sultanate
42%
Historiography of Social Reform movement
48%
Historiography of Bhakti Movment
15%
Deindustrialization debate
5%
A different suggestion in the comment
Forwarded from Nikhil Sheth - History and Culture
https://www.thehindu.com/books/200-convictions-900-suspects-book-throws-new-light-on-bengals-women-revolutionaries/article65845397.ece
'ππ¨π¦ππ§ π’π§ ππ‘π πππ« π¨π π π«ππππ¨π¦ ππ§π―ππ’π₯ππ - πππ§π ππ₯ ππππ-ππππβ by Madhurima Sen
The book is a notable addition to the literature on revolutionary nationalism in Bengal. At the backdrop of the emergence of revolutionary activities in colonial Bengal, this book reproduces the photographs of 28 women, along with their brief biodata, who were incarcerated by the British between 1919-1947. The author has placed them in the public domain by retrieving their names from the police files and photos taken in jail premises from 1874. This book, along with providing a rich treasure trove for future researchers has also rescued these unknown women in the war of freedom from the inattention of our political society.
#revolutionary #modern #freedommovement #women #bookreview
@nikhilhistoryculture
'ππ¨π¦ππ§ π’π§ ππ‘π πππ« π¨π π π«ππππ¨π¦ ππ§π―ππ’π₯ππ - πππ§π ππ₯ ππππ-ππππβ by Madhurima Sen
The book is a notable addition to the literature on revolutionary nationalism in Bengal. At the backdrop of the emergence of revolutionary activities in colonial Bengal, this book reproduces the photographs of 28 women, along with their brief biodata, who were incarcerated by the British between 1919-1947. The author has placed them in the public domain by retrieving their names from the police files and photos taken in jail premises from 1874. This book, along with providing a rich treasure trove for future researchers has also rescued these unknown women in the war of freedom from the inattention of our political society.
#revolutionary #modern #freedommovement #women #bookreview
@nikhilhistoryculture
π4
Answer Writing Practice
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 17:
Do you think that the reign of Krishnadevaraya inaugurated a new epoch in the history of Vijayanagar? Justify. (10 marks)
Question 18:
Amuktamalyada stands out not only for its poetic beauty but also for its unique religious and political themes embedded within it. Discuss. (15 marks)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 8th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Medieval #Vijayangara
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Paper I: Medieval India
Question 17:
Do you think that the reign of Krishnadevaraya inaugurated a new epoch in the history of Vijayanagar? Justify. (10 marks)
Question 18:
Amuktamalyada stands out not only for its poetic beauty but also for its unique religious and political themes embedded within it. Discuss. (15 marks)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 8th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
#Medieval #Vijayangara
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π5
Daily Answer Writing and Mentoring (DAMP) by Nikhil Sheth
Features:
βͺοΈComprehensive and thematic coverage of the entire syllabus in 4 months
βͺοΈDaily Answer Writing Practice
βͺοΈEvaluation within 24 hours
βͺοΈDaily detailed thematic discussion video
βͺοΈFour Sectional Tests
βͺοΈPersonalised handholding through regular zoom sessions
To download the schedule and Microsyllabus:
https://www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
Why should you join this?
βͺοΈTo hone answer writing skills
βͺοΈGuided revision of the complete optional in four months
βͺοΈContent enrichment with special focus on historiographical debates
βͺοΈTo tune preparation to UPSC Mains requirement
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Features:
βͺοΈComprehensive and thematic coverage of the entire syllabus in 4 months
βͺοΈDaily Answer Writing Practice
βͺοΈEvaluation within 24 hours
βͺοΈDaily detailed thematic discussion video
βͺοΈFour Sectional Tests
βͺοΈPersonalised handholding through regular zoom sessions
To download the schedule and Microsyllabus:
https://www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
Why should you join this?
βͺοΈTo hone answer writing skills
βͺοΈGuided revision of the complete optional in four months
βͺοΈContent enrichment with special focus on historiographical debates
βͺοΈTo tune preparation to UPSC Mains requirement
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π5β€1
I was thinking of modifying the structure of our Answer Writing initiative a little bit.. I received feedback and it seems that some students who are willing to write answers are not able to do so because they are presently studying some other part of the syllabus, and not Medieval.
How about posting four questions, one each from Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World? The questions would be of easy-to-medium level and try to cover the basic syllabus well which will be of immense help to the beginners. You can write either all four or any one or two from the portion which you are preparing presently.
I want this activity to be as inclusive as possible where maximum number of students can participate. If you think this is a better idea, let me know with the thumbs up here.
------------------------------------
This ongoing initiative of answer writing is different from DAMP program which is starting from 3rd October.
DAMP is a paid program and comes with syllabus-wise Daily UPSC level questions, daily evaluation, four full length papers, and most importantly, Daily detailed discussion videos with historiographical analysis as well as topical surveys. There is also a provision for personal hand holding. This program intends to take you from beginner to advanced level.
Even after DAMP resumes, our present initiative on the channel will continue. I will not discontinue it. However, the frequency of questions, coverage of topics, in depth analytical videos and other stuff will be more in DAMP and limited in the open initiative.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
How about posting four questions, one each from Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World? The questions would be of easy-to-medium level and try to cover the basic syllabus well which will be of immense help to the beginners. You can write either all four or any one or two from the portion which you are preparing presently.
I want this activity to be as inclusive as possible where maximum number of students can participate. If you think this is a better idea, let me know with the thumbs up here.
------------------------------------
This ongoing initiative of answer writing is different from DAMP program which is starting from 3rd October.
DAMP is a paid program and comes with syllabus-wise Daily UPSC level questions, daily evaluation, four full length papers, and most importantly, Daily detailed discussion videos with historiographical analysis as well as topical surveys. There is also a provision for personal hand holding. This program intends to take you from beginner to advanced level.
Even after DAMP resumes, our present initiative on the channel will continue. I will not discontinue it. However, the frequency of questions, coverage of topics, in depth analytical videos and other stuff will be more in DAMP and limited in the open initiative.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π36β€1
Answer Writing Practice
Question 19: Ancient India
The early centuries of Christian era witnessed profound changes in the field of religion in India. Examine. (15m)
Question 20: Medieval India
In what ways were Aurangzeb's Rajput and religious policies different from those of his predecessors? What were the consequences of the changes made by him? (2004) (15m)
Question 21: Modern India
Analyze the social composition of the early Congress leadership. (10m)
Question 22: World History
The second world war gave a great stimulus to the process of decolonisation. Analyse critically. (10m)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 14th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Question 19: Ancient India
The early centuries of Christian era witnessed profound changes in the field of religion in India. Examine. (15m)
Question 20: Medieval India
In what ways were Aurangzeb's Rajput and religious policies different from those of his predecessors? What were the consequences of the changes made by him? (2004) (15m)
Question 21: Modern India
Analyze the social composition of the early Congress leadership. (10m)
Question 22: World History
The second world war gave a great stimulus to the process of decolonisation. Analyse critically. (10m)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 14th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answer for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
π8