History Optional Paper II 2022 – First Reaction
Part I: Modern India
1. 4/t compulsory 10 markers were quite easy and direct. Every year one or two compulsory questions are quite off the track. One question (Indian scientists during colonial era) this year continues the tradition.
2. Out of 14 questions – 2 questions were from post-independence, 8 questions were from pre-1885 while only 3 questions from post-1885. Thus, is a stark change. So much importance to pre-1885 is unusual. And the questions cover wide range of area. The questions which come from post-1885 are quite easy and straightforward.
3. Possible sources hint:
a. Santhal question was expected this year – because a special dedicated book was published on it recently.
b. A dedicated question to the role of revolutionaries was also expected.
c. The question on the role of Indian scientists could be connected to the series Rocket Boys.
d. Famine question was repeated from GS1 paper of this year only. This thing has happened even in the past – the question in GS gets repeated in the Optional that year only with different language.
e. Western education’s impact question is quite traditional, but it can also be connected to what the PM Modi’s speech from Red Fort on 15th August.
4. Some innovative questions – East India Company becoming ‘Indian Ruler’ and Indian scientists in in colonial era – are good if you can maintain some sense in the exam hall.
5. Both the post-independence questions were from mainstream, and simple. India-China relations in 1950s and 60s as well as environmental movement are questions which are repeat of PYQs in different ways.
Part II: World History
World history paper came on expected line except for 2 questions.
1. 3/5 compulsory 10 markers were PYQs. Two 10 markers were difficult and new. This was not unexpected because every year that happens with compulsory 10 markers.
2. Out of 14 questions – 9 came from Euro-American history while 5 came from decolonization-third world history.
3. Out of the 9 Euro-American history, this time there were 7 from 18th-19th century while only two from 20th century. This is an important point to observe.
4. As guessed – Gorbachev question appeared. So was there a lot of focus on decolonization this year. This too was predicted by us. Entire Q8 is on third world and decolonization.
5. Almost 75-80% questions were direct or modified versions of PYQs. However, whether you get good marks or not in those traditional questions depends on how good is your clarity and how much answer writing practice you have done.
6. Questions on ideas – Enlightenment, Marxism etc. continue to occupy their traditional weightage.
7. Two new questions – one on the role of Engels and one on the feminism in the early 20th century – are generally not studied by History students. These topics are generally known to students of Sociology or Anthropology.
Your inputs, comments and observations are welcome.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Part I: Modern India
1. 4/t compulsory 10 markers were quite easy and direct. Every year one or two compulsory questions are quite off the track. One question (Indian scientists during colonial era) this year continues the tradition.
2. Out of 14 questions – 2 questions were from post-independence, 8 questions were from pre-1885 while only 3 questions from post-1885. Thus, is a stark change. So much importance to pre-1885 is unusual. And the questions cover wide range of area. The questions which come from post-1885 are quite easy and straightforward.
3. Possible sources hint:
a. Santhal question was expected this year – because a special dedicated book was published on it recently.
b. A dedicated question to the role of revolutionaries was also expected.
c. The question on the role of Indian scientists could be connected to the series Rocket Boys.
d. Famine question was repeated from GS1 paper of this year only. This thing has happened even in the past – the question in GS gets repeated in the Optional that year only with different language.
e. Western education’s impact question is quite traditional, but it can also be connected to what the PM Modi’s speech from Red Fort on 15th August.
4. Some innovative questions – East India Company becoming ‘Indian Ruler’ and Indian scientists in in colonial era – are good if you can maintain some sense in the exam hall.
5. Both the post-independence questions were from mainstream, and simple. India-China relations in 1950s and 60s as well as environmental movement are questions which are repeat of PYQs in different ways.
Part II: World History
World history paper came on expected line except for 2 questions.
1. 3/5 compulsory 10 markers were PYQs. Two 10 markers were difficult and new. This was not unexpected because every year that happens with compulsory 10 markers.
2. Out of 14 questions – 9 came from Euro-American history while 5 came from decolonization-third world history.
3. Out of the 9 Euro-American history, this time there were 7 from 18th-19th century while only two from 20th century. This is an important point to observe.
4. As guessed – Gorbachev question appeared. So was there a lot of focus on decolonization this year. This too was predicted by us. Entire Q8 is on third world and decolonization.
5. Almost 75-80% questions were direct or modified versions of PYQs. However, whether you get good marks or not in those traditional questions depends on how good is your clarity and how much answer writing practice you have done.
6. Questions on ideas – Enlightenment, Marxism etc. continue to occupy their traditional weightage.
7. Two new questions – one on the role of Engels and one on the feminism in the early 20th century – are generally not studied by History students. These topics are generally known to students of Sociology or Anthropology.
Your inputs, comments and observations are welcome.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Would you like to discuss the mapping sites in yesterday's paper? Anyone who can correctly identify more than 15 sites?
Answer Writing Chellenge
Tonight 12 olcock deadline.
Gentle reminder.
Tonight 12 olcock deadline.
Gentle reminder.
Do you want me to discuss the History optional questions of 2022? I watched a few teachers from across India recently holding such discussions online and could notice areas of improvement. Although I was not planning to do it myself, there have been quite a few requests.
For those who attempted the paper, it is an arrow that has left the bow. It may be useful for people who are preparing for 2023. If you think it will be helpful, I will do it on the weekend. Let me know.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
For those who attempted the paper, it is an arrow that has left the bow. It may be useful for people who are preparing for 2023. If you think it will be helpful, I will do it on the weekend. Let me know.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
None should put messages in the group regarding piracy and copyright infringement. It is illegal and immoral both. I just removed one such comment and disbarred the person from the group.
Coaching classes take it seriously and in some cases have filed FIR also. I personally know that many companies are hired by various coachings to take down such groups and channels where piracy is done, and copyrighted material is shared or discussed to be shared.
We are trying to build and develop a community of history optional students here which will be mutually beneficial for everyone. The last thing we want is the taking down of this group.
Be law-abiding citizens. Be moral citizens.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Coaching classes take it seriously and in some cases have filed FIR also. I personally know that many companies are hired by various coachings to take down such groups and channels where piracy is done, and copyrighted material is shared or discussed to be shared.
We are trying to build and develop a community of history optional students here which will be mutually beneficial for everyone. The last thing we want is the taking down of this group.
Be law-abiding citizens. Be moral citizens.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Issue 1
This is a typical problem with Bandypadhyay's book that the students face. Its a very good but highly dense book that presumes foundational understanding of not only historical narrative and historiographical context but also sociological-anthropological terms.
The book thus is very interesting and seems comprehensive but when it comes to answer writing, one falters, as it is not easy to digest that book, assimilate its ideas and reproduce in your own terms/language at the right place.
Issue 2
We are using a lot of sociology-anthropology without our knowing in our studies. However, we are not required to know the theories of those subjects beyond a point. It is a real handicap in the way syllabus is designed. An example being the discussion that we are holding on the terms Acculturation and Reverse Acculturation. My suggestion is - it is good if you know the concept, use it. But it is not mandatory to know them for History optional and you wont loose marks of you dont use them. So, lets not be fixated with them. We will try to make the points clear as and when we come across them, but please dont make it a point to study entire Anthro-Socio optionals for that.
This is a typical problem with Bandypadhyay's book that the students face. Its a very good but highly dense book that presumes foundational understanding of not only historical narrative and historiographical context but also sociological-anthropological terms.
The book thus is very interesting and seems comprehensive but when it comes to answer writing, one falters, as it is not easy to digest that book, assimilate its ideas and reproduce in your own terms/language at the right place.
Issue 2
We are using a lot of sociology-anthropology without our knowing in our studies. However, we are not required to know the theories of those subjects beyond a point. It is a real handicap in the way syllabus is designed. An example being the discussion that we are holding on the terms Acculturation and Reverse Acculturation. My suggestion is - it is good if you know the concept, use it. But it is not mandatory to know them for History optional and you wont loose marks of you dont use them. So, lets not be fixated with them. We will try to make the points clear as and when we come across them, but please dont make it a point to study entire Anthro-Socio optionals for that.
For those who are wondering where are these History optional discussions taking place: You can join the associated group for discussion and posting answers and for evaluation: @nikhilhistorydiscussion
The program is commencing in 5 days. For the details along the micro-schedule of daily study targets here:
https://www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
https://www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
Vernacular Language and Literature - Medieval Regional.pdf
248.6 KB
There is no need for you to refer other books. Keep yourself confined to the mainstream books. It is a job of a teacher to read other books and cull the relevant material for the exam. A student cannot and should not do it.
This is a 3 page document on this question of Vernacular language and literature - full of examples and analysis. So far I found this to be very useful for this topic.
Everyone can read these 3 pages. Will be helpful.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
This is a 3 page document on this question of Vernacular language and literature - full of examples and analysis. So far I found this to be very useful for this topic.
Everyone can read these 3 pages. Will be helpful.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Everyday around 10 new members are joining this group. I suspect some of them don’t have History Optional background but are just curious or habitual of joining so many Telegram channels… it’s a nature of Telegram…. Nonetheless, even if we are reaching out to 5-7 new History Optional students everyday, it is a good outreach.
Lets really try to put this discussion platform to as much use as possible. Don’t be shy or selfish. Our competition is not much within history optional, as much as it is with other optionals. At one point of time, History used to be the most prominent optional, generations of civil servants, who are at very high posts today have had history as their optional. We have to live up to that promise.
There is a lot of material easily available around, which is not very useful from the exam point of view. So, keep asking, sharing and discussing here. Let this group be very authentic, no-non-sense, vibrant, useful and one-stop solution for all the History Optional help.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Lets really try to put this discussion platform to as much use as possible. Don’t be shy or selfish. Our competition is not much within history optional, as much as it is with other optionals. At one point of time, History used to be the most prominent optional, generations of civil servants, who are at very high posts today have had history as their optional. We have to live up to that promise.
There is a lot of material easily available around, which is not very useful from the exam point of view. So, keep asking, sharing and discussing here. Let this group be very authentic, no-non-sense, vibrant, useful and one-stop solution for all the History Optional help.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Answer Writing Practice
This week, there is only one question as I would be more occupied in the discussion of the 2022 History Optional Paper and more so in the beginning of the DAMP on 3rd October.
Question 31: Medieval India
Assess the development of Science and Technology in the Mughal period. (2013, 20m)
PS0: This topic, mentioned in the syllabus, is not touched by UPSC for one decade now. They have asked questions on science in ancient time, technology in during Delhi sultanate, science in colonial era but the Mughal topic is amiss for 10 years. Try to write excellent answer to this question.
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 5th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
This week, there is only one question as I would be more occupied in the discussion of the 2022 History Optional Paper and more so in the beginning of the DAMP on 3rd October.
Question 31: Medieval India
Assess the development of Science and Technology in the Mughal period. (2013, 20m)
PS0: This topic, mentioned in the syllabus, is not touched by UPSC for one decade now. They have asked questions on science in ancient time, technology in during Delhi sultanate, science in colonial era but the Mughal topic is amiss for 10 years. Try to write excellent answer to this question.
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 5th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
I have received this question again and again over last few days, so here is again the answer:
Question: Will DAMP be useful for those who have just finished the reading of the syllabus and who are just starting answer writing, the ones who don’t have much experience?
Answer: Yes. DAMP is designed for following nine categories of students:
1. If you have just finished the Foundation course and now want to just start answer writing.
2. Even after doing some Foundation course, you realize that you are not Mains-ready and need support
3. If you have done complete self-study and now want to get into Exam ready environment
4. If you have given previous attempts, written multiple Main Examinations but the score in History Optional is not improving
5. If you have finished the syllabus properly but still confused with latest historiography and its exact application in answers
6. If you need disciplined and time-bound revision of the entire syllabus in 4 months before switching completely to Prelims preparation
7. If you are just looking for good amount of answer writing practice and are not comfortable with run-of-the-mill test series which are available around
8. If you have BA or MA in History but want to switch from the University exam mode to the Civil Service Exam mode
9. If you have taken a gap of an year and now want to come upto the speed with History optional pace very quickly
If you fall in any of these categories, DAMP will be useful.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Question: Will DAMP be useful for those who have just finished the reading of the syllabus and who are just starting answer writing, the ones who don’t have much experience?
Answer: Yes. DAMP is designed for following nine categories of students:
1. If you have just finished the Foundation course and now want to just start answer writing.
2. Even after doing some Foundation course, you realize that you are not Mains-ready and need support
3. If you have done complete self-study and now want to get into Exam ready environment
4. If you have given previous attempts, written multiple Main Examinations but the score in History Optional is not improving
5. If you have finished the syllabus properly but still confused with latest historiography and its exact application in answers
6. If you need disciplined and time-bound revision of the entire syllabus in 4 months before switching completely to Prelims preparation
7. If you are just looking for good amount of answer writing practice and are not comfortable with run-of-the-mill test series which are available around
8. If you have BA or MA in History but want to switch from the University exam mode to the Civil Service Exam mode
9. If you have taken a gap of an year and now want to come upto the speed with History optional pace very quickly
If you fall in any of these categories, DAMP will be useful.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Starting tomorrow.
Register here:
www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Register here:
www.levelupias.com/course/upsc-damp-history-optional/
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Hello students,
I have been away from the group for last 4-5 days due to some sudden family emergency. I even had to postpone the DAMP by one week. However, things are coming back to normal gradually.
I will come back to Delhi in next 3 days. We will begin the DAMP on Monday. After it takes pace, we can convert a few weekends into active days to compensate for the lost first week, so that the entire schedule comes back on time.
About our activity here, why are people silent? How is the preparation going on? Only two people submitted the answers by the deadline this time. I will review them today and then post a new question for the next week.
Nikhil
I have been away from the group for last 4-5 days due to some sudden family emergency. I even had to postpone the DAMP by one week. However, things are coming back to normal gradually.
I will come back to Delhi in next 3 days. We will begin the DAMP on Monday. After it takes pace, we can convert a few weekends into active days to compensate for the lost first week, so that the entire schedule comes back on time.
About our activity here, why are people silent? How is the preparation going on? Only two people submitted the answers by the deadline this time. I will review them today and then post a new question for the next week.
Nikhil
Okay Madhu. Then in that case, let me elaborate it little further here. It will be useful to all of you also.
In medieval era, there are two generic questions on science and technology that can be asked.
One on Delhi Sultanate and other on Mughal era. In our normal study material, write a similar answer to both of them by just changing the examples specifics. To remember that, I even suggest that you make a table - military tech in DS vs Mughal, building tech in DS vs Mughal... etc This will help in easy memorization of facts and avoid any confusion.
However, you should also know that we are not interested, as students of history optional, in pure history of science in medieval era. We are interested in the prevailing socio-economic context more. So, whenever such question is asked, be sure of the premise:
Premise of Delhi sultanate science question - impact of Turkish invasion positive or negative, socio-economic changes in 13th-15th century (crafts, castes, labour, urbanization, bhakti etc), did it lead to the end of feudalism
Premise of Mughal era science question - why did we lag behind Europe by 17th century and who all were responsible for it, How did we respond to European exposure, was there potential for industrial revolution and capitalism?
If the question directly asks it, it is good. Even if it doesn't, awareness of this context gives proper perspective and intro/conclusion. I hope this gives you requisite perspective to read/write the topic properly.
There could also be other questions specifically on individuals like on Akbar or Sawai Jai Singh, but those are for later time.
In medieval era, there are two generic questions on science and technology that can be asked.
One on Delhi Sultanate and other on Mughal era. In our normal study material, write a similar answer to both of them by just changing the examples specifics. To remember that, I even suggest that you make a table - military tech in DS vs Mughal, building tech in DS vs Mughal... etc This will help in easy memorization of facts and avoid any confusion.
However, you should also know that we are not interested, as students of history optional, in pure history of science in medieval era. We are interested in the prevailing socio-economic context more. So, whenever such question is asked, be sure of the premise:
Premise of Delhi sultanate science question - impact of Turkish invasion positive or negative, socio-economic changes in 13th-15th century (crafts, castes, labour, urbanization, bhakti etc), did it lead to the end of feudalism
Premise of Mughal era science question - why did we lag behind Europe by 17th century and who all were responsible for it, How did we respond to European exposure, was there potential for industrial revolution and capitalism?
If the question directly asks it, it is good. Even if it doesn't, awareness of this context gives proper perspective and intro/conclusion. I hope this gives you requisite perspective to read/write the topic properly.
There could also be other questions specifically on individuals like on Akbar or Sawai Jai Singh, but those are for later time.
Answer Writing Practice
Question 32: Modern India
How did industrialization in England give rise to the process of deindustrialization in India? (10m)
PS0: It is a simple question technically but to be able to bring out its essence in the word limit holistically is a challenge. Lets try that one out. Answer writing is not only about more content, you also need to work on your expression. So, it is a straightforward question. Do not go into the debate of deindustrialization (whether, why, how and to what extent it happened) in this question. That part, the whole detailed debate on deindustrialization we shall cover separately in DAMP. In this question, assume that deindustrialization is a reality. And just try to write as fluently as possible within the word limit, and see if your answer stands out as impressive and distinctive.
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 9th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Question 32: Modern India
How did industrialization in England give rise to the process of deindustrialization in India? (10m)
PS0: It is a simple question technically but to be able to bring out its essence in the word limit holistically is a challenge. Lets try that one out. Answer writing is not only about more content, you also need to work on your expression. So, it is a straightforward question. Do not go into the debate of deindustrialization (whether, why, how and to what extent it happened) in this question. That part, the whole detailed debate on deindustrialization we shall cover separately in DAMP. In this question, assume that deindustrialization is a reality. And just try to write as fluently as possible within the word limit, and see if your answer stands out as impressive and distinctive.
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 9th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
Pax Britannica, Tax Britannica, Axe Britannica. For reference.
Don't work on all the things at the same time while practicing answer writing. It evolves gradually.
1. First objective: right/good content in the answer
2. Second stage: Word limit, better presentation, language quality etc.
3. Third stage: time limit
1. First objective: right/good content in the answer
2. Second stage: Word limit, better presentation, language quality etc.
3. Third stage: time limit
Shivam Yadav.:
WHY does most of architecture in ancient and medieval related to religion?
Sir is ques k ly patronage hai ek point to.. iske alawa ar 2 4 POINT ky likh skte h ?
History Optional (UPSC):
Most architecture in ancient Medieval does not belong to religion. There are palaces, variety of forts, common people houses, sarais, bridges, administrative buildings. We don't study them for our syllabus. Historians do study these things. (Selection bias)
However, there are two other points too. Religious structures being sacred are not generally demolished easily. Other architecture types get renovated, replaced, demolished, decayed, rebuilt etc. So relatively less number of other specimens survive today. (Survival bias)
Secondly, religious architecture, which recieve Political and Other kinds of patronage are more important for us because they represent dominant ideas, ideologies and socio-cultural aspects. So, we study all those things by using religious architecture as a means.
WHY does most of architecture in ancient and medieval related to religion?
Sir is ques k ly patronage hai ek point to.. iske alawa ar 2 4 POINT ky likh skte h ?
History Optional (UPSC):
Most architecture in ancient Medieval does not belong to religion. There are palaces, variety of forts, common people houses, sarais, bridges, administrative buildings. We don't study them for our syllabus. Historians do study these things. (Selection bias)
However, there are two other points too. Religious structures being sacred are not generally demolished easily. Other architecture types get renovated, replaced, demolished, decayed, rebuilt etc. So relatively less number of other specimens survive today. (Survival bias)
Secondly, religious architecture, which recieve Political and Other kinds of patronage are more important for us because they represent dominant ideas, ideologies and socio-cultural aspects. So, we study all those things by using religious architecture as a means.