Fresh episode of BTQ (Behind the Question) is here... this time with a question from 2024 paper.

https://youtu.be/vfVeUkfhvz8

This is our Behind the Question (BTQ) podcast so far. We have released 8 episodes covering the story behind the questions in many UPSC CSE PYQs.

These podcasts are not about discussing the model answers but we are actually trying to dig deeper. Why this question may have been asked, what is the relevance of this topic, how the changing historical narrative makes this topic more appropriate, and what kind of things one should keep in mind while crafting the answer. We try to look behind, and look from above.

I am sure it will be very enriching to all students and history lovers. We have recorded one more episode, slated to be released after Diwali.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRY4mFD-4D6sOarydNTosvlS-LGN3mr0F

Someone has written this comment on latest BTQ podcast. I think this is a wrong interpretation by this anonymous account. Our whole efforts is to try to decode what/why behind the questions asked by UPSC and try to make sense of it.

We may be off the mark, when it comes to our guess. There is no access to the people who really prepare these questions. We will never know their actual intent. We only try to guess as best as we could. It does not mean that we endorse every point of view. One mark of a dispassionate scholar is to try to entertain a thought without necessarily accepting it. Here we have to imagine a thought to exist and then entertain it for 15-20 minutes.

If anyone properly watches the complete video and even watches the entire series of 8 podcasts, he/she would understand and appreciate the efforts rather than attributing the motives.

Besides, there a whole philosophy of history, where terms like 'neutral' are highly debated. We can pardon the person for not knowing about it.

I really don't want leave this impression for future viewers that this is some biased or ideologically motivated video.

I request some of the viewers here to spare a few seconds and comment on that YT video. However, comment only if you have watched the video. Any comment, either positive or negative would do, as long as it is genuine.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/vfVeUkfhvz8

To find the course details, click here:
https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-cse-history-optional-through-500-questions/

https://youtu.be/AMZFAbImJgA

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DBssjymyHZ2/?igsh=anY0ejNhMzM3cWhw


I am told that instagram would be a better place to reach out to wider audience with interesting books and comments. While Telegram is the platform suitable for UPSC CSE preparation, for more generic history stuff, insta will be better.

So, here I am reviving an old insta page which was laying dormant for many years.

Will gradually try to shift all non UPSC related history updates like some new events, books, reviews, visits and historians to Instagram.

We finished the first phase of HOT500 today. Instead of originally planned 15 lectures on World History, we managed to have about 21 lectures in about three and half weeks. The total number of questions practiced in class easily crossed 200 in number. They include all sorts of questions covering almost every conceivable dimension.

Now, we will have a sectional test on World History coming up by the weekend. And in next week, post Diwali on 4th of November, we will start with Ancient India.

This has been a very intense journey so far. Not only for students but also for teachers. We had never run such a program in the past. Neither does such a model exist anywhere else. But this is already turning out to be very interesting, enriching and comprehensively useful.

Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBMfaGYFl3LwC_416k6CpxA

https://youtu.be/IZxbS9JVg0I

This is a fabulous after-story in the life of great Rakhaldas Banerjee, the man who discovered the identity of Mohenjodaro. Did he become a thief? Or it was a usual colonial arrogance of sorts?

All of it must have been a massive misunderstanding, if at all. But lI don't think he was unaware of the value of the item involved in the story.

Do watch this facinsting story, being retold by Prof Nayanjot Lahiri.

For more details, visit:

https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-cse-history-optional-test-series/

🪔Celebrate Diwali with LevelUp IAS. We are offering a 24% off on all LevelUp IAS courses including Prelims Master Program 2025, Mains Master Program 2025, Current Affairs Pre-cum-mains 2025, GS Foundation 2025, HOT 500, Optional DAMP program and more.

For any queries Contact: 08045248491 / 7041021151

👉Use coupon code - DIWALI24 to avail the discount.

Steps to avail the discount:
1. Visit our Website: https://www.levelupias.com/
2. Select any Course
3. Add them to Cart
4. Apply Coupon Code DIWALI24

HOT500 2.0

This is the first lecture by Vishal sir. He has covered some part of the Sources chapter from Ancient Indian history. It is done through QnA format. Do watch it....

https://youtu.be/VOfuUz19aYc?si=uFeQDssbO4J0smST

Episode 9 of our Behind The Question (BTQ) Explained podcast is on its way. This is an early peak.

This time we dicuss a 2024 question on Gandhi and Aurobindo, and try to open its multiple layers in a very analytical way.

Stay tuned for a very insightful episode.

https://youtu.be/bDTO8gC9n7k?si=GH1TSRyK4S3ReKMI

For more details, visit:

https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-cse-history-optional-test-series/

Ninth episode of BTQ is out.

https://youtu.be/4C633EyWOAc

Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBMfaGYFl3LwC_416k6CpxA

In this very short video, we get to see whether Gandhian ideas are still relevant.

It seems that a lot of section of new protectors prefer Fanon and not Gandhi. Will it help in resolution of the problem?

How relevant is Gandhi today? UPSC has asked this question a few times. Its an evergreen question. We generally write a very typical answer. This short video will provide a different case study and a different view point. Most revealing and must watch.

https://youtu.be/flNADE-IKYQ

Preparing content for the upcoming Art and Culture lectures (in PMP) while traveling on some random road in Srilanka. In this years edition, I am planning to add some new content on linguistic history of India using a fantastic new book just published. It's by GN Devy, who has authored civilizational history of India through linguistic lens.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCTjqI6NK1B/?igsh=MTlzY3RsNnVpM284MA

#bookreview

Today I visited Sigiriya, which is a unesco world heritage site in srilanka.

For last exactly 10 years, I have been teaching about it in my Art and Culture classes, when we dicuss Ajanta paintings. Ajanta paintings were trendsetter in a way that it influenced entire Asian art. Its replicas/derivative paintings are found in Srilanka, Afghanistan, Thailand and China. India was indeed the 'light of Asia'. More on this in our lecture on Art and Culture during Gupta Era.

This time though, I got to visit it. Climbed all the way up but it was worth it. Its a breathtaking view of surrounding.

An anecdote:
Once upon a time, Gandhiji collected public funds for Kaka Kalelkar to visit Girosoppa waterfall. When Kaka Kalelkar said he won't go alone without students and since funds were not enough, it would be better to cancel the plan. Gandhiji replied that if one student sees it, it is only one. But when a teacher sees it, it's all the students who get to see it through him. Kaka Kalelkar was thus persuaded to go.

I am hoping to be true to Gandhiji ideal of a teacher.

(For photos, visit https://www.instagram.com/nikhilhistoryculture?igsh=ZjczcTUzdWMzMGZp )

#unesco