Provocative headline...

Mention of Razia and Nur Jahan, although significant, is not the touchstone of women's role in History.

All latest NCERTs actually provide much well rounded appreciation of women's role in History. In various capacities, from various social background and from various regions. It is also gender inclusive...

TheHindu, your people should actually read each of latest 6/7/8 standard social science books.

UPSC preparation is not only about classes, notes, revision, and answer writing. It also requires physical and mental strength. It can make or break the whole thing.

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Hello,

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I would request all of you to like and Hype our first episode of Dharohar Diaries. Its a short documentary on Rakhigarhi.

So far it has got about 18k Hypes. More the merrier.

We have planned two more episodes. If this episode gets some traction, entire LevelUp team will feel encouraged to do more of this...

Here is the link once more.
https://youtu.be/nTKIDOft4IA?si=MrkagTIEPY_emxVp

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Starting UPSC prep? Santosh Sir shares a simple 3-phase plan for beginners to build a strong foundation for 2026.

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Second episode of Dharohar Diaries...

https://youtu.be/Jm7UAD9d2pk

This was a fun game to play....

https://youtu.be/RguDbdR5a2E

Today this report appeared in Times of India.

#harappa

JnK State PCS
CSE (Main) 2025
History Optional
Paper 1 Part A

SECTION - A

1. Mark the following places on the map with a short note not exceeding 30 words.
(20 × 2.5 = 50)

i) Birbhanpur
ii) Sannati
iii) Pandu Rajar Dhibi
iv) Rakhigarhi
v) Ter
vi) Kargil
vii) Lalitgiri
viii) Kanispur
ix) Jorwe
x) Hastinapur
xi) Muziris
xii) Inamgaon
xiii) Manda
xiv) Bodh Gaya
xv) Golconda
xvi) Dandi
xvii) Bayana
xviii) Lahuradeva
xix) Mathura
xx) Bhimbetka

2.
a) “Megalithic cultures of peninsular India were not merely mortuary in purpose but reflected complex societal, economic and ritual dimensions of early Iron Age communities.” Critically examine the above statement in the light of archaeological evidence, regional variations and technological transitions
(20)

b) “The Vedic tradition, though anchored in ritual, was never static—it evolved continuously through internal debate, social change and geographical expansion.” Discuss in light of textual and archaeological sources. (15)

c) “The Indus Valley Civilization was not just a Bronze Age urban experiment, but a sophisticated ecological, technological and cultural achievement that defies simplistic labels.” Elaborate with examples from major sites. (15)

3.
a) What were the key factors that led to the emergence of the Mahajanapadas in the 6th century BCE? How did they change early Indian political and social life? (20)

b) “The Kushanas acted as a cultural and economic bridge between India and the wider world, while also shaping internal religious and artistic developments.” Discuss with reference to their political role, trade networks and patronage activities. (15)

c) Why did Buddhism become popular in ancient India? Which social groups supported it and why? (15)

4.
a) “Ancient Indian educational institutions were not only centres of learning but also hubs of cultural exchange and state patronage.” Examine with reference to major institutions like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi. (20)

b) Trace the development of temple architecture in ancient India with reference to its main regional styles. (15)

c) How did the Pallavas promote religious pluralism? Illustrate with reference to their patronage of different sects and art forms. (15)

JnK State PCS
CSE (Main) 2025
History Optional
Paper 1 Part B

5. Write short notes in not more than 150 words on each of the following:
(5 × 10 = 50)

a) Why is Shankaracharya seen as a key figure in reviving Hindu philosophy and uniting different traditions of his time?

b) How did the Rashtrakutas build a powerful empire from the Deccan and connect different parts of India through politics and culture?

c) Why is Kalhana’s Rajatarangini considered an important step in the writing of Indian history?

d) What do Gupta coins tell us about the economy, kingship and artistic taste of that time?

e) How did the Khaljis bring new changes in the Delhi Sultanate’s politics and break the control of old Turkish nobles?

6.
a) “The Cholas built a powerful imperial state through strong administration, naval expansion, and temple-based economy.” Discuss with examples. (20)

b) How did the Bhakti movement challenge ritual caste dominance and offer a more personal path to devotion in medieval India? (15)

c) Examine how the Vijayanagara Empire balanced decentralised military control with centralised royal authority. (15)

7.
a) “The 13th and 14th centuries saw a significant growth in urban centres and non-agricultural production, driven by political expansion and commercial integration.” Discuss. (20)

b) How did Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir strengthen a regional identity through policies of tolerance, art patronage and good governance? (15)

c) In what ways did the jagirdari and mansabdari systems serve the dual function of military recruitment and revenue extraction in the Mughal Empire? (15)

8.
a) “Credit, brokerage and trust were the foundations of mercantile capitalism in pre-colonial India.” Examine the role of Indian mercantile classes in the development of indigenous credit systems and their links with state and commercial networks in the 16th and 17th centuries. (20)

b) How did Mughal painting reflect the synthesis of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian elements, and what were its main themes and patrons? (15)

c) What were the major features of the Maratha financial system, and how did it support their military and administrative expansion? (15)