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
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
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
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
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
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
Forwarded from Nikhil Sheth - History and Culture
https://m.thewire.in/article/politics/archaeologist-padma-vibhushan-awardee-b-b-lal-passes-away
His work included: (topics which are related to our exam)
1. Excavation at Delhi, Mathura etc cities - Epic Archaeology during Second Urbanization?
2. Vedic People as Indigenous People? - Archaeological evidences for locating the origin of Aryans
3. Calling Harappa as Sindhu Saraswati civilization?
#archaeology #historyinnews
@nikhilhistoryoptional
His work included: (topics which are related to our exam)
1. Excavation at Delhi, Mathura etc cities - Epic Archaeology during Second Urbanization?
2. Vedic People as Indigenous People? - Archaeological evidences for locating the origin of Aryans
3. Calling Harappa as Sindhu Saraswati civilization?
#archaeology #historyinnews
@nikhilhistoryoptional
The Wire
Archaeologist B.B. Lal Passes Away
Lal was the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India and had found temple-like pillars during excavation at the Ayodhya site where the Ram temple is now being built.
History Optional (UPSC)
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 differentβ¦
Last day reminder for answer submission.
Decolonization Notes.pdf
5.1 MB
This year, I feel the topic of decolonization is very important. For two reasons - the Queen is now dead, she was the head of Commonwealth for so long. More importantly, the prime minister has given the call for Pancha-Prana during his 15th August speech which included "Get rid of any signs of slavery" by which he meant mental and cultural decolonization.
Moreover, disintegration of USSR was nothing but the final phase of political decolonization in the previous century and recently its architect, Gorbachev, has passed away.
Decolonization as a topic is important everywhere, in Essay, in GS and also in Optional. Questions could be thematic, cause-consequence type or specific to individual nations.
Prepare that thoroughly. The best source for this is still Arjun Dev NCERT. Revise it from there. Additionally, I am attaching a short PDF for value addition. These 5-6 pages will definitely provide you rich content and requisite depth of analysis.
#decolonization
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Moreover, disintegration of USSR was nothing but the final phase of political decolonization in the previous century and recently its architect, Gorbachev, has passed away.
Decolonization as a topic is important everywhere, in Essay, in GS and also in Optional. Questions could be thematic, cause-consequence type or specific to individual nations.
Prepare that thoroughly. The best source for this is still Arjun Dev NCERT. Revise it from there. Additionally, I am attaching a short PDF for value addition. These 5-6 pages will definitely provide you rich content and requisite depth of analysis.
#decolonization
@nikhilhistoryoptional
DAMP History Schedule 2022.pdf
324.9 KB
Daily Answer Writing and Mentorship Program - Micro Schedule and Study Plan
Would it be okay that instead of writing, I give audio comments to everyone? It will reduce some pressure on my side. As the total number of answers to evaluate is much more than earlier, it would take much longer for me to type.
To answer the question:
I have shared the Daily micro plan already above. You can refer to that.
The idea is to divide the entire syllabus into daily study goals. Four months in all. And there will be two questions daily, one for evaluation and one for practice. One question at least would have historiographical context and other one analytical at least.
I will provide a detailed discussion video everyday, that will explain the topic/theme, cover a few PYQs on the similar topic very briefly, discuss various Historians' opinions and approach to the answer in that context.
Also, there will be month end test, in all four sectional tests. Thus around 70-80 questions of each section, and total around 300 questions would be covered in four months. If you really write 300 questions in four months you can imagine what would be your level of preparation.
Apart from that I am also planning to provide handouts for reading on certain topics, for value addition. These handouts would be filled from various books, and will fill the gap between upsc expectation and our regular text books.
There would obviously be weekly zoom doubt solving sessions.
If there is a demand from students side, we can think of adding another component to it - weekly practice map test. In 16 weeks, we can cover 16 themes of maps that would be good to cover a large amount of sites. However, this component depends on the demand of the students. I am not committing to it because I will need to put in more resources into it and i my hands are already full with above commitments. So, i am still thinking whether it would be possible for me to include it or not.
I have shared the Daily micro plan already above. You can refer to that.
The idea is to divide the entire syllabus into daily study goals. Four months in all. And there will be two questions daily, one for evaluation and one for practice. One question at least would have historiographical context and other one analytical at least.
I will provide a detailed discussion video everyday, that will explain the topic/theme, cover a few PYQs on the similar topic very briefly, discuss various Historians' opinions and approach to the answer in that context.
Also, there will be month end test, in all four sectional tests. Thus around 70-80 questions of each section, and total around 300 questions would be covered in four months. If you really write 300 questions in four months you can imagine what would be your level of preparation.
Apart from that I am also planning to provide handouts for reading on certain topics, for value addition. These handouts would be filled from various books, and will fill the gap between upsc expectation and our regular text books.
There would obviously be weekly zoom doubt solving sessions.
If there is a demand from students side, we can think of adding another component to it - weekly practice map test. In 16 weeks, we can cover 16 themes of maps that would be good to cover a large amount of sites. However, this component depends on the demand of the students. I am not committing to it because I will need to put in more resources into it and i my hands are already full with above commitments. So, i am still thinking whether it would be possible for me to include it or not.
I think except for Aditya's who would re-submit the answers, all other answers are evaluated. Done and dusted. Keep writing, so much so that one day, your thumb/fingers should grow grey matter (read: brain) for ready thinking-writing.
Answer Writing Practice
This time, questions are little more difficult. All the four are very standard and UPSC-like questions. Try to attempt at least one.
Question 23: Ancient India
Analyze the political, economic and social impact of land grants in the post-Gupta era. (15m)
Question 24: Medieval India
Discuss the peculiarity of the Mughal foreign policy in context of relations with contemporary powers of Safavids, Uzbegs and Ottoman empire. (10m)
Question 25: Modern India
Even after Orientalism was replaced by Utilitarianism, it continued to serve the same purpose. Do you agree? Justify. (10m)
Question 26: World History
If Rousseau revealed that man is everywhere in chains, it was Karl Marx who gave a clue to break free of them. Discuss. (15m)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 20th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
This time, questions are little more difficult. All the four are very standard and UPSC-like questions. Try to attempt at least one.
Question 23: Ancient India
Analyze the political, economic and social impact of land grants in the post-Gupta era. (15m)
Question 24: Medieval India
Discuss the peculiarity of the Mughal foreign policy in context of relations with contemporary powers of Safavids, Uzbegs and Ottoman empire. (10m)
Question 25: Modern India
Even after Orientalism was replaced by Utilitarianism, it continued to serve the same purpose. Do you agree? Justify. (10m)
Question 26: World History
If Rousseau revealed that man is everywhere in chains, it was Karl Marx who gave a clue to break free of them. Discuss. (15m)
PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 20th September.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation.
#AnswerWritingPractice
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Has anyone here attended the Live Stream feature on Telegram? Will it be useful for our purpose here to discuss some doubts/issues regarding history optional??
The recent debate that is happening about the origin of urbanization in South India - when did it begin and how old it is... So far the narrative has been that second urbanization began in Ganga valley during Buddha age and then spread to other parts of India during Maurya and post-Maurya.
Sangam literature says otherwise and paints an urban picture. We didnt agree with it and thus put the dates of Sangam literature to post-Mauryan era.
However, the archaeological discoveries are now hinting that southern cities may be as old as cities in ganga valley, there is a possibility of it having independent basis. So, if it is proven (may be in next few decades), the Mahajanapada era chapter in out textbooks will then have two sub-parts - North Indian urbanization (Mahajanapada) and South Indian urbanization (Sangama Era)....
I am summarizing some recent archaeological findings in the image here.
@nikhilhistoryoptional
Sangam literature says otherwise and paints an urban picture. We didnt agree with it and thus put the dates of Sangam literature to post-Mauryan era.
However, the archaeological discoveries are now hinting that southern cities may be as old as cities in ganga valley, there is a possibility of it having independent basis. So, if it is proven (may be in next few decades), the Mahajanapada era chapter in out textbooks will then have two sub-parts - North Indian urbanization (Mahajanapada) and South Indian urbanization (Sangama Era)....
I am summarizing some recent archaeological findings in the image here.
@nikhilhistoryoptional