This site is in UNESCO WHS Tentative List. Govt of India prepared a whole dossier on this. And now such news is coming...
Will it survive on ground before it gets inscribed as a World Heritage? Or will it vanish before that??
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/call-to-save-hirebenakal-lest-it-fades-away-from-the-canvas-of-time-3729472
Will it survive on ground before it gets inscribed as a World Heritage? Or will it vanish before that??
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/call-to-save-hirebenakal-lest-it-fades-away-from-the-canvas-of-time-3729472
Deccan Herald
Call to save Hirebenakal, lest it fades away from the canvas of time
According to Gangavathi-based historian Sharanabasappa Kolkar, who has done extensive study on the cave paintings and pre-historic sites in and around Gangavathi, at least 130 caves in the region have over 250 wall paintings.
❤4
Proud to be from the same Engineering college. He is a real celebrity and model icon...
Everyone is remembering today how he saved Hyderabad from recurring devastating floods by building two dams upstream. I read half a dozen articles since morning on this.
But his connection with design of marvelous Marine Drive in Bombay for land reclamation is rerely talked about.
Is it because Flood is a major problem faced by Indian cities today? Or sea reclamation is seen as insensitive thing to do in the 21st century?
What do you think?
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/southern-states/telangana/remembering-sir-mokshagundam-visvesvaraya-the-engineer-who-secured-hyderabad-from-floods-1903794
Everyone is remembering today how he saved Hyderabad from recurring devastating floods by building two dams upstream. I read half a dozen articles since morning on this.
But his connection with design of marvelous Marine Drive in Bombay for land reclamation is rerely talked about.
Is it because Flood is a major problem faced by Indian cities today? Or sea reclamation is seen as insensitive thing to do in the 21st century?
What do you think?
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/southern-states/telangana/remembering-sir-mokshagundam-visvesvaraya-the-engineer-who-secured-hyderabad-from-floods-1903794
Deccanchronicle
Remembering Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: The Engineer Who Secured Hyderabad From Floods
Birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna celebrated; Architect of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar hailed for his vision
❤21
Is it a step in the right direction?
Such things have happened a lot recently. The Begums of Bhopal, the Indian excavators of Harappa, the king of Benares, Brahmins of Calcutta etc get the credit. Not their British rulers/patrons.
There is a pattern. Method. A kind of thinking at work.
All credit should flow to Indians. All blame is reserved only for the British.
Why such black and white? Where are Shades of Grey?
Always note that people are complex. History is complex.
Such things have happened a lot recently. The Begums of Bhopal, the Indian excavators of Harappa, the king of Benares, Brahmins of Calcutta etc get the credit. Not their British rulers/patrons.
There is a pattern. Method. A kind of thinking at work.
All credit should flow to Indians. All blame is reserved only for the British.
Why such black and white? Where are Shades of Grey?
Always note that people are complex. History is complex.
👍28🔥6❤3👎2👏1
His criticism extends to the UPSC exam, India’s gateway to its most prestigious civil services. “Hundreds of thousands of brilliant young people waste their prime years mugging up random trivia for 500 seats,” he writes. “Even the army does psychological testing—not UPSC.”
“It’s not just unfair. It’s stupid. It’s destructive,” Suhag concludes. “India kills its own talent before the world even gets to see it.”
https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/india/story/mugging-up-random-trivia-for-500-seats-founder-slams-upsc-iit-system-for-killing-talent-494110-2025-09-16
“It’s not just unfair. It’s stupid. It’s destructive,” Suhag concludes. “India kills its own talent before the world even gets to see it.”
https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/india/story/mugging-up-random-trivia-for-500-seats-founder-slams-upsc-iit-system-for-killing-talent-494110-2025-09-16
Business Today
'Mugging up random trivia for 500 seats': Founder slams UPSC, IIT system for killing talent - BusinessToday
“It’s not just unfair. It’s stupid. It’s destructive,” Suhag concludes. “India kills its own talent before the world even gets to see it.”
💯31👎5❤1
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
Tomorrow evening
Vishal sir and I will be discussing History Optional (2025) Paper 2.
Join us offline or on Zoom.
Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/a6nz5etz
-
Nikhil Sheth
Vishal sir and I will be discussing History Optional (2025) Paper 2.
Join us offline or on Zoom.
Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/a6nz5etz
-
Nikhil Sheth
Level Up IAS
What Makes a High-Scoring History Optional Answer
upsc history optional 2025 paper discussion
❤2
This is a very personal message.
17 Sept 2025
Historian Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale sir passed away today evening. And an era has ended.
He had severe diabetes. There were some complications after minor eye surgery today. May be that was the reason.
It was only last week that I met him at his home with another historian friend. He had been a constant guiding light for exploration of historic themes for me, directly or indirectly, for about 2 decades. He helped me learn reading Urdu language back in 2006.
I was so much interested in History that in 2007-08, even though I was pursuing mechanical engineering degree from one of the prestigious colleges, I would bunk it and spend hours and hours in history reading. Looking at this, it was Mehendale sir who clearly instructed me not to do so. He strongly suggested that I finish proper eduction first, get some good job etc, get settled in conventional manner and only then enter the field of history research. And I followed.
Today, I cried like a child when I heard the news of his demise. I couldn't stop myself. I feel like in the field of history, I have become an orphan.
He was my only connection with the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal (BISM). Rather, he was the Mandal tradition personified for many like me.
For all sorts of Maratha historical queries, he was the most credible source. Not only for me but also for all people interested in Shivaji's history. There is no historian worth his/her salt, working in the field of Maratha, in last 40 years, either in India, Europe or America, who hadn't consulted him. Such was the respect for his knowledge.
Even after the latest debate over Maratha map in the latest NCERT book, which showed parts of Rajaputana under Marathas, he was one of the experts requested to be on the review committee by the government.
Mehendale sir can truly be considered as the last in the series of great historians of Pune school of Maratha history, that was started by VK Rajwade in late 19th century. He was directly mentored by great G H Khare. This lineage continued non-stop from 1890s till 2020s. The contribution by this school to Maratha history is immense.
However, this is not how he started his research career. His original interest was war history. Before writing history, he wanted to learn how wars are fought first hand. So, he secretly went East Pakistan in 1971 as a member of mukti bahini. And participated in the Bangladesh liberation war.
Later on, when he wrote a book on this, the government of the day banned it due to sensitive information involved. Finally, in the mid 1970s, he shifted to the study of Maratha history.
And so much engrossed he was, so much dedicated he became, that he never married. Never settled. He had no time for earning money. He had no formal PhD in History but his knowledge of history was no less than 100 PhDs. His entire life was literally dedicated to the single cause of study of history of Shivaji. It was a life of a tapasvi sadhu.
His most significant contribution will alway remain his massive and extremely scholarly Shiv Charitra. In Marathi, it has 2 big volumes. In English, it is in single huge volume. It is the most authentic Shiv Charitra written ever.
Many great scholars have tried to lift this shivadhanushya in the past century. TS Shejwalkar couldn't finish history of Shivaji. Setu Madhavrao Pagadi couldn't attempt it properly. Kurundkar could write his brilliant prastavana but not the book. And Mahamahopadhyaya DV Potdar didnt have that baithak. Mehendale sir had finally achieved with his Shiv Charitra something these earlier generation of brilliant historians couldn't do. At least that much is there as a solace.
He always taught us to remain true to primary sources, whether Modi, Farsi, Arabic, French, Dutch or Portuguese. In the days when interpretation of history is more fashionable, his insistence on remaining true to the primary sources was very fundamental.
His extremely important ongoing series of books on Religious policy of medieval Indian rulers will remain incomplete now.
17 Sept 2025
Historian Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale sir passed away today evening. And an era has ended.
He had severe diabetes. There were some complications after minor eye surgery today. May be that was the reason.
It was only last week that I met him at his home with another historian friend. He had been a constant guiding light for exploration of historic themes for me, directly or indirectly, for about 2 decades. He helped me learn reading Urdu language back in 2006.
I was so much interested in History that in 2007-08, even though I was pursuing mechanical engineering degree from one of the prestigious colleges, I would bunk it and spend hours and hours in history reading. Looking at this, it was Mehendale sir who clearly instructed me not to do so. He strongly suggested that I finish proper eduction first, get some good job etc, get settled in conventional manner and only then enter the field of history research. And I followed.
Today, I cried like a child when I heard the news of his demise. I couldn't stop myself. I feel like in the field of history, I have become an orphan.
He was my only connection with the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal (BISM). Rather, he was the Mandal tradition personified for many like me.
For all sorts of Maratha historical queries, he was the most credible source. Not only for me but also for all people interested in Shivaji's history. There is no historian worth his/her salt, working in the field of Maratha, in last 40 years, either in India, Europe or America, who hadn't consulted him. Such was the respect for his knowledge.
Even after the latest debate over Maratha map in the latest NCERT book, which showed parts of Rajaputana under Marathas, he was one of the experts requested to be on the review committee by the government.
Mehendale sir can truly be considered as the last in the series of great historians of Pune school of Maratha history, that was started by VK Rajwade in late 19th century. He was directly mentored by great G H Khare. This lineage continued non-stop from 1890s till 2020s. The contribution by this school to Maratha history is immense.
However, this is not how he started his research career. His original interest was war history. Before writing history, he wanted to learn how wars are fought first hand. So, he secretly went East Pakistan in 1971 as a member of mukti bahini. And participated in the Bangladesh liberation war.
Later on, when he wrote a book on this, the government of the day banned it due to sensitive information involved. Finally, in the mid 1970s, he shifted to the study of Maratha history.
And so much engrossed he was, so much dedicated he became, that he never married. Never settled. He had no time for earning money. He had no formal PhD in History but his knowledge of history was no less than 100 PhDs. His entire life was literally dedicated to the single cause of study of history of Shivaji. It was a life of a tapasvi sadhu.
His most significant contribution will alway remain his massive and extremely scholarly Shiv Charitra. In Marathi, it has 2 big volumes. In English, it is in single huge volume. It is the most authentic Shiv Charitra written ever.
Many great scholars have tried to lift this shivadhanushya in the past century. TS Shejwalkar couldn't finish history of Shivaji. Setu Madhavrao Pagadi couldn't attempt it properly. Kurundkar could write his brilliant prastavana but not the book. And Mahamahopadhyaya DV Potdar didnt have that baithak. Mehendale sir had finally achieved with his Shiv Charitra something these earlier generation of brilliant historians couldn't do. At least that much is there as a solace.
He always taught us to remain true to primary sources, whether Modi, Farsi, Arabic, French, Dutch or Portuguese. In the days when interpretation of history is more fashionable, his insistence on remaining true to the primary sources was very fundamental.
His extremely important ongoing series of books on Religious policy of medieval Indian rulers will remain incomplete now.
❤78😢9👏4
The first book in this series was on history of Islam. It came last year.
The second book on religious policy of Aurangzeb was almost complete for last few months, but he kept on adding this or that. When I met him last week, he was reading medieval Akhbars to add some more data. So the book remained unfinished.
In the era when Aurangzeb has become extremely contentious, Mehendale sir's ability to read primary sources was very important. I really hope the publisher finally brings the book out. That would a very great and necessary tribute.
Rest of the books in the series were all planned but now they won't come.
His pet project of history of World Wars, on which he worked for many years, will also not see the daylight now. However, he had managed to write a book on Codes and Deciphers, based on his interest in secret communication during the world wars.
His other books like the one on Shivaji's navy will remain classic. The chapter in that on Shivaji's Khanderi campaign, how Shivaji finally subdued the British of Mumbai, is a classic exposition of his scholarly style.
He was that kind of scholar who can be read more in footnotes of his books. A page with 20% write up and 80% foot notes was his style. Never wrong in citations, quotations and reference to primary material.
Study of his footnotes has created career of so many young scholars today. Incredible! His works will aways remain a mine of knowledge for all future scholars.
In our last meeting, he appeared tired, but still enthusiastic to finish Aurangzeb book. And despite momentary memory lapses, he was planning details of the next books. He kept on learning new things every day till 78...!
And he passed away while working on a book, fully active till the last day. It reminds us of Narhar Kurundkar, who had passed away while giving speech. Karmayogi.
Although he never had any formal disciples, he helped and guided many many history enthusiasts. I only hope that the seeds of his knoweldge, memories of his interactions, and ideas given by him will continue to inspire generations of historians to come.
He passed away today. As Tukaram says,
कर्मधर्म त्याचे जाला नारायण ।
त्याचेनी पावन तिन्ही लोक ॥
Om Shanti.
The second book on religious policy of Aurangzeb was almost complete for last few months, but he kept on adding this or that. When I met him last week, he was reading medieval Akhbars to add some more data. So the book remained unfinished.
In the era when Aurangzeb has become extremely contentious, Mehendale sir's ability to read primary sources was very important. I really hope the publisher finally brings the book out. That would a very great and necessary tribute.
Rest of the books in the series were all planned but now they won't come.
His pet project of history of World Wars, on which he worked for many years, will also not see the daylight now. However, he had managed to write a book on Codes and Deciphers, based on his interest in secret communication during the world wars.
His other books like the one on Shivaji's navy will remain classic. The chapter in that on Shivaji's Khanderi campaign, how Shivaji finally subdued the British of Mumbai, is a classic exposition of his scholarly style.
He was that kind of scholar who can be read more in footnotes of his books. A page with 20% write up and 80% foot notes was his style. Never wrong in citations, quotations and reference to primary material.
Study of his footnotes has created career of so many young scholars today. Incredible! His works will aways remain a mine of knowledge for all future scholars.
In our last meeting, he appeared tired, but still enthusiastic to finish Aurangzeb book. And despite momentary memory lapses, he was planning details of the next books. He kept on learning new things every day till 78...!
And he passed away while working on a book, fully active till the last day. It reminds us of Narhar Kurundkar, who had passed away while giving speech. Karmayogi.
Although he never had any formal disciples, he helped and guided many many history enthusiasts. I only hope that the seeds of his knoweldge, memories of his interactions, and ideas given by him will continue to inspire generations of historians to come.
He passed away today. As Tukaram says,
कर्मधर्म त्याचे जाला नारायण ।
त्याचेनी पावन तिन्ही लोक ॥
Om Shanti.
❤73👏4
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
Hello everyone,
My mentor historian GB Mehendale passed away yesterday. He was 78 years old.
Due to this sudden occurrence, I have come to Pune early this morning for his antim samskar.
Therefore, we are postponing todays scheduled History Optional 2025 paper II discussion.
We will reschedule it quickly in a few days. I am really sorry for inconvenience.
Nikhil
My mentor historian GB Mehendale passed away yesterday. He was 78 years old.
Due to this sudden occurrence, I have come to Pune early this morning for his antim samskar.
Therefore, we are postponing todays scheduled History Optional 2025 paper II discussion.
We will reschedule it quickly in a few days. I am really sorry for inconvenience.
Nikhil
❤42👍8😢1
Today (20 Sept) we will have a great talk with Dr Peggy Mohan on history of languages.
There will be many interesting topics including the reconstruction of the Harappan language, story of Indo Aryan and Dravidian languages, what are Prakrits/Pali, how did the modern vernaculars emerge and how are they shaping us today...
He books are extremely captivating to read and discussion with her will be full of new views.
It overlaps with syllabus, it helps us to broaden our perspective for the exam as well as the interview (issues like language based identity clashes today) and more than that, such interactions give us unique insights aboit the society around us.
She is a great scholar. Her books have radically changed my perspectives regarding Indian languages, history of languages and politics of languages.
Do attend. Don't miss it.
5 PM, LevelUp IAS
Both Karan sir and I will engage with her in QnA and then the floor will be open to all of you.
Nikhil
There will be many interesting topics including the reconstruction of the Harappan language, story of Indo Aryan and Dravidian languages, what are Prakrits/Pali, how did the modern vernaculars emerge and how are they shaping us today...
He books are extremely captivating to read and discussion with her will be full of new views.
It overlaps with syllabus, it helps us to broaden our perspective for the exam as well as the interview (issues like language based identity clashes today) and more than that, such interactions give us unique insights aboit the society around us.
She is a great scholar. Her books have radically changed my perspectives regarding Indian languages, history of languages and politics of languages.
Do attend. Don't miss it.
5 PM, LevelUp IAS
Both Karan sir and I will engage with her in QnA and then the floor will be open to all of you.
Nikhil
❤22
"Let us not forget that it is only intellectual virtues, and by no means our individual affections, that are thought of as surviving death."
- Ananda Coomarwamy (essay named The Christian and Orient, or True Philosophy of Art).
- Ananda Coomarwamy (essay named The Christian and Orient, or True Philosophy of Art).
❤20
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
UPSC History Optional Paper-2 (2025) – Trend Analysis & Detailed Discussion
📅 26th September | 🕔 5 PM
📍 Online (Zoom) + Offline at LevelUp IAS
🔗 Register FREE: https://shorturl.at/5lnjB
🔥 Why you must attend this session:
✅ In-depth breakdown of Paper-2 with expert insights
✅ How toppers approach & write high-scoring answers
✅ Golden do’s & don’ts to avoid common mistakes
✅ Key trends that will shape your Mains 2026 prep
This isn’t just analysis, it’s a strategy blueprint for your next attempt. Book your spot now!
📅 26th September | 🕔 5 PM
📍 Online (Zoom) + Offline at LevelUp IAS
🔗 Register FREE: https://shorturl.at/5lnjB
🔥 Why you must attend this session:
✅ In-depth breakdown of Paper-2 with expert insights
✅ How toppers approach & write high-scoring answers
✅ Golden do’s & don’ts to avoid common mistakes
✅ Key trends that will shape your Mains 2026 prep
This isn’t just analysis, it’s a strategy blueprint for your next attempt. Book your spot now!
❤1
After the latest H1-B visa crackdown by Trump, now China is attracting our high talent with newly announced K visa.
Our talent will serve everyone else, but us.
A friend had said once, "our grand father learnt Sanskrit, our father learnt Persian, we learnt English, and our son will learn Mandarin."
India has always provided the world all physical and intellectual labour. But its fruits are not for herself now.
https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/flash-alert-2025-161.html
Our talent will serve everyone else, but us.
A friend had said once, "our grand father learnt Sanskrit, our father learnt Persian, we learnt English, and our son will learn Mandarin."
India has always provided the world all physical and intellectual labour. But its fruits are not for herself now.
https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/flash-alert-2025-161.html
KPMG
People’s Republic of China – New K Visa to Attract Foreign STEM Talent
The People’s Republic of China recently revised its immigration rules, adding a new visa category (K visa), effective 1 October 2025. The new K visa category is tailored to the needs of foreign young science and technology talent who meet certain conditions…
😢19👍5❤3🔥1🤯1
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
There was trade relationship between Tamil Nadu ajnd Harappa civilization in the 17th c BCE... it is proved now.
In our notes on Harappan trade network, we should not only write Mesopotamia and Oman etc, we need to add Tamil Nadu now.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-had-trade-contact-with-north-during-late-harappan-period-indicates-scientific-dating-of-sarcophagus-in-kilnamandi/amp_articleshow/124020060.cms
In our notes on Harappan trade network, we should not only write Mesopotamia and Oman etc, we need to add Tamil Nadu now.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-had-trade-contact-with-north-during-late-harappan-period-indicates-scientific-dating-of-sarcophagus-in-kilnamandi/amp_articleshow/124020060.cms
The Times of India
TN had trade contact with north during late harappan period indicates scientific dating of sarcophagus in Kilnamandi | Chennai…
The first-ever scientific dating of a sarcophagus (terracotta coffin) found in Kilnamandi village in Tiruvannamalai district indicates that Tamil Nadu.
❤8👍2😱1
This theme is becoming increasingly important. Keep reading more about it.
https://www.deccanherald.com/science/ancient-indias-math-mastery-from-zero-to-fibonacci-centuries-before-the-west-3736713
https://www.deccanherald.com/science/ancient-indias-math-mastery-from-zero-to-fibonacci-centuries-before-the-west-3736713
Deccan Herald
Ancient India’s Mathematical Genius: Zero, Pi, and Fibonacci Centuries Ahead of the West
From zero to the Fibonacci sequence, ancient Indian scholars like Baudhayana, Brahmagupta, and Madhava pioneered groundbreaking mathematics centuries before Europe.
❤5👍4