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.

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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.

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Answer Writing Practice

Question 33: World History
“The French Revolution attacked privileges and not property.” Comment. (20m, 2003)

PS0: It appears to be a simple PYQ but once you start thinking about it, there are a lot of dimensions underneath. Also, in 2021 and 2022, UPSC has asked questions on Napoleon but not French Revolution, so it automatically becomes a very important topic for 2023.

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 15th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Reminder of the deadline for question submission. Question 33: World History topic.

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Answer Writing Practice

Question 34: Modern India
“The Ilbert Bill was the most extreme but by no means isolated expression of white racism.” Comment. (1987, 20m)

PS0: It appears to be a simple PYQ but once you start thinking about it, there are a lot of dimensions underneath.
Hint:
1. Don't confine your answer only to the other examples of racism. Try to go beyond mere factual examples, and incorporate elements of 'why'. Why the empire was racist in its orientation?
2. Always try to locate the question in chronological context. If it belongs to 1860s/70s/80s, then most probably it is in the context of the rise of modern nationalism in India. Can you connect Racism with the rise of nationalism?

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 27th October.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Tomorrow is the last date of answer submission of Question 34.

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Answer Writing Practice

Henceforth, I will try to be more regular in posting the questions. That is why the timeline given here is now shorter. Next 3 days. Lets revive the activity and have a good amount of writing practice before turning to Prelims preparation fully.

Question 35: Medieval India
How could the local self-government under the Cholas adjust with their centralized administration structure? (10)

PS0: It is not about the features of the local self government, it is also not about the formation of committees, election process and qualification criteria. Therefore, please don't focus on the typical factual data about the LSG that we gather from some inscriptions. Try to think analytically.

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 7th November.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Answer Writing Practice

Question 36: Medieval India
Write a critical note on the role played by the Ulama in the Delhi Sultanate Polity. (10)

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 14th November.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Answer Writing Practice

Question 37: Medieval India
To what extent is ‘Segmentary State’ model relevant for defining the Vijayanagar State? Critically examine. (15)

Question 38: Medieval India
What impact did Kabir and Nanak leave on Indian Society and Culture? (15)

Question 39: Medieval India
Describe the role of Sufi saints in influencing the social milieu of Medieval India. (10)

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 26th November.
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Answer Writing Practice
Some important dimensions of Mughal Era are covered here. Even if you need to do some digging, do that. It will be immensely helpful in your preparation.

Question 40: Medieval India
Mughal paintings reflect the contemporary socio-political conditions. Discuss. (15m)

Question 41: Medieval India
Give your opinion on the urban development in India during the Mughal times. (20m)

Question 42: Medieval India
Write a short essay on: “The Mughals and the European trading companies.” (15m)

Question 42: Medieval India
Will it be correct to say that the rural economy in Mughal India was relatively self-sufficient? (10m)

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 4th December. (1 week from today)
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Answer Writing Practice
This time, let me up the game and see how many of you are able give satisfactory answers to the following questions. The facts you are already in possession of, but applying them properly in the context of what is asked requires conceptual clarity.

Question 43: Modern India
To what extent was there a continuity between pre-colonial forms of political and social organization and those of the East India Company? (15)

Question 44: Medieval India
Why is Kabir so central in the context of monotheistic thought in India? (10)
(Hint: the question is primarily asking why amongst all other monotheistic saints, Kabir is more central comparatively)

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 11th December. (1 week from today)
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting and posting.

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Answer Writing Practice (A Free Initiative)

These are four questions from the Topic Impact of Colonial Economy. Try to write good answers, with some views and some facts. The questions are not difficult to understand, and the approach is also conceptually easy. However, when you start writing them, it seems difficult to write 4 pages (20 markers). And therein lies your real challenge. Try to think, do some homework properly, and may be then write the answers.

Question 45: Modern India
In British India “the impact of the government on the people meant essentially the impact of government on the village.” (20)

Question 46: Modern India
“A self-sufficient village, based on agriculture carried on with the primitive plough and bullock power, and handicraft by means of simple instruments, was a basic feature of pre-British Indian economy.” Comment. (20)

Question 47: Modern India
“The hey-day of the British power in India was also the high noon of laissez faire’ economic doctrine.” Comment. (20)

Question 48: Modern India
The Indian Middle Class firmly believed that "Britain had imposed a colonial economy on India which had impoverished the country." Comment. (20)


PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 15th December. (1 week from today)
PS2: Reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting, posting, and evaluation.

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Parent Channel: @nikhilhistoryoptional

Answer Writing Practice (A Free Initiative)

These are four questions from the topic: Socio-Religious Reform Movements. Try to write analytical answers with a dash of historiography to get good marks.

Question 49: Modern India
Discuss the extent to which the Indian Renaissance movement contributed towards the rise of nationalist consciousness. (20)

Question 50: Modern India
Do you agree with the view that the growth of vernacular literature in the 19th and the 20th centuries paved the way for social reform and cultural revival in India? (15)

Question 51: Modern India
“The religious reform movements of the 19th century were endeavours to recast the old religion (Hinduism) into a new form suited to meet the needs of the new society.” Comment. (20)

PS1: Submit your answers by the end of 22nd December. (1 week from today)
PS2: To submit the answers, reply here in the comment section with your answers (scanned image) for evaluation. Or join the discussion group @nikhilhistorydiscussion for commenting, posting, and evaluation.

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Parent Channel: @nikhilhistoryoptional

History Optional: Weekly Question Discussion
Week 2: 12 May 2024, 8 PM

Hello students, these are the questions for Week 2:
1) Examine the factors responsible for the process of state formation during the Mahajanapada Age. (15 Marks)
2) Analyze the policy of expansion of Peshwas in the 18th century. (15 marks)

For participating in the weekly zoom session, you will have to register yourself using the link provided. You will receive zoom link at you registered email ID.
Link for Registration: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

See you all there with an attempted answer. I sincerely request you try writing your answer before the Zoom session so that you can extract maximum out of it.

Nikhil Sheth
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This is the answer for the weekly Zoom discussion for History Optional. The question is:
Analyze the policy of expansion of Peshwas in the 18th century. (15 marks)

The question from Ancient India will be covered by Vishal sir next week. Do attend the weekly answer writing Zoom session where we cover two practice question. You can register here to get a zoom link: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

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History Optional: Weekly Question Discussion
Week 3: 19 May 2024, 8 PM

Hello students, these are the practice questions for Week 3:
1) Alexander’s invasion of India was fated to be famous and far reaching. Discuss. (10 Marks)
2) “Thus ended the famous battle of Buxar, on which depended the fate of India and which was as gallantly disputed as was important in its results.” Comment. [1985, 20m]

For participating in the weekly zoom session, register using the link provided. You will receive zoom link at you registered email ID.
Link for Registration: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

I sincerely request you try writing your answer before the Zoom session so that you can extract maximum out of this initiative.

Nikhil Sheth
#AnswerWritingPractice #SundayLive

History Optional: Weekly Live Question Discussion
Week 4: 26 May 2024, 8 PM

Hello students, these are the practice questions for Week 4:
1) Reflect on the doctrinal similarities and differences between the Upanishads and early Buddhism. (15 Marks)
2) Robert Clive was not a planner but an experimenter who revealed some of the possibilities of creating a British empire in India. Discuss. (10 Marks)

For participating in the weekly zoom session, register using the link provided. You will receive zoom link at you registered email ID.
Link for Registration: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

I sincerely request you try writing your answer before the Zoom session so that you can extract maximum out of this initiative.

Nikhil Sheth
#AnswerWritingPractice #SundayLive

History Optional: Sunday Live Question Discussion
Week 5: 2 June 2024, 8 PM

Hello students, these are the practice questions for Week 5:
1) To what extent can we blame Ashoka for causing the decline of the Mauryan empire? [15 marks]
2) "The Maratha polity disintegrated through internal stress." Critically examine. [2017, 10m]

For participating in the weekly zoom session, register using the link provided. You will receive zoom link at you registered email ID. Link for Registration: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

Try writing your answer before the Zoom session so that you can extract maximum out of this initiative.

Nikhil Sheth
#AnswerWritingPractice #SundayLive

These are the model answers we discussed in detail in our Sunday Live Discussion. So far, we have conducted 5 Sunday Lives. This is the whole compilation.

Next Sunday, we will have our last Sunday Live session before the Prelims. On the day of Prelims, we will not have Sunday Live. We will resume after that.

You can all participate in this open activity on Zoom every Sunday. Share your answer, discuss your doubts, learn how to write a good answer, create arguments and provide supportive facts, and then finally score well in the exam. Provide us your email ID/Phone number to receive Zoom link every Sunday.

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History Optional: Sunday Live Question Discussion
Week 6: 9 June 2024, 8 PM

Hello students, following are the practice questions for the upcoming Sunday Live discussion:
1) Highlight the impact of socio-economic and political factors on Gupta age society. [15 Marks]
2) Explain how the Permanent Settlement initiated a rule of property in Bengal and what were its consequences? [2022, 20m]

This will be our last Sunday Live before Prelims. The Sunday after that, on 16th, we have Prelims examination. So, we will not conduct Sunday Live on 6th. We will resume after that.

For participating in the weekly zoom session, register using the link provided. You will receive zoom link at you registered email ID. Link for Registration: https://bit.ly/History_LevelUp

Try writing your answer before the Zoom session, so that you can extract maximum out of this initiative.

Nikhil Sheth
#AnswerWritingPractice #SundayLive