Q.110
Pointers:
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions that are engraved on stone tablets, metal plates, pillars, walls of caves, etc. It serves as primary documentary evidence to establish legal, socio-cultural, literary, religious, archaeological, and historical antiquity based on engravings.
Significances
• Chronological Framework: Inscriptions provide valuable historical data, allowing scholars to establish a chronological framework for different periods of Indian history. The Ashoka inscriptions, such as the Rock Edicts, provide insights into the reign of Emperor Ashoka, his policies, and the spread of Buddhism.
• Political History: Epigraphy helps reconstruct the political history of ancient India by providing information about dynasties, rulers, and their administrative systems.The Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman I offers details about the Saka ruler's reign and his conquests in western India.
• Socio-economic Aspects: Epigraphic records shed light on ancient Indian society's socio-economic structure, including the existence of guilds, trade networks, and economic activities.The inscriptions at the Satavahana site of Nasik mention donations to Buddhist monasteries, highlighting the patronage of religious institutions and the economic prosperity of the period.
• Religious and Cultural Practices: Inscriptions provide information on religious beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices of ancient India.The Ellora Cave inscriptions offer insights into the religious and social context in which the caves were built, including references to Hindu deities and royal patronage.
• Linguistic and Literary Studies: Epigraphy helps trace the development of ancient Indian languages, scripts, and literature.The Hathigumpha Inscription in Prakrit, found in Udayagiri, Odisha, describes King Kharavela's military exploits and patronage of Jainism, contributing to our understanding of ancient Indian languages and Jain history.
• Administrative Systems: Epigraphic records reveal details about ancient Indian administrative systems, including land grants, tax collection, and legal practices.The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta provides information about the Gupta Empire's administrative policies, territorial expansion, and the king's patronage of arts and culture.
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@nikhilhistoryculture
Pointers:
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions that are engraved on stone tablets, metal plates, pillars, walls of caves, etc. It serves as primary documentary evidence to establish legal, socio-cultural, literary, religious, archaeological, and historical antiquity based on engravings.
Significances
• Chronological Framework: Inscriptions provide valuable historical data, allowing scholars to establish a chronological framework for different periods of Indian history. The Ashoka inscriptions, such as the Rock Edicts, provide insights into the reign of Emperor Ashoka, his policies, and the spread of Buddhism.
• Political History: Epigraphy helps reconstruct the political history of ancient India by providing information about dynasties, rulers, and their administrative systems.The Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman I offers details about the Saka ruler's reign and his conquests in western India.
• Socio-economic Aspects: Epigraphic records shed light on ancient Indian society's socio-economic structure, including the existence of guilds, trade networks, and economic activities.The inscriptions at the Satavahana site of Nasik mention donations to Buddhist monasteries, highlighting the patronage of religious institutions and the economic prosperity of the period.
• Religious and Cultural Practices: Inscriptions provide information on religious beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices of ancient India.The Ellora Cave inscriptions offer insights into the religious and social context in which the caves were built, including references to Hindu deities and royal patronage.
• Linguistic and Literary Studies: Epigraphy helps trace the development of ancient Indian languages, scripts, and literature.The Hathigumpha Inscription in Prakrit, found in Udayagiri, Odisha, describes King Kharavela's military exploits and patronage of Jainism, contributing to our understanding of ancient Indian languages and Jain history.
• Administrative Systems: Epigraphic records reveal details about ancient Indian administrative systems, including land grants, tax collection, and legal practices.The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta provides information about the Gupta Empire's administrative policies, territorial expansion, and the king's patronage of arts and culture.
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@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.111. Coins hold immense relevance to the study of ancient Indian history. In the light of this statement, analyze the significance of coins as historical source.
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@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Although this group is strictly for History and Culture, this was a news I couldnot resist sharing.
@nikhilhistoryculture
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.111
Pointers:
Political and Dynastic History:
• Coins offer insights into the political landscape and succession of rulers in ancient India.
• The coins issued by different rulers or dynasties often depict their portraits, titles, and symbols, aiding in identifying and dating specific periods.
• The Indo-Greek coins of the Bactrian rulers, such as Menander I and Demetrius, demonstrate the interaction between Greek and Indian cultures during the Hellenistic period.
• The variety of coins found across different regions of ancient India helps in mapping the chronology and extent of historical territories.
• The punch-marked coins found in various parts of India, marked with symbols representing different kingdoms, aid in understanding the political divisions during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods.
Economic Insights:
• Coins provide valuable information about ancient Indian economic systems, including the types of currency, denominations, and minting techniques.
• For example, the gold coins of the Gupta Empire, such as the Gupta dinar, reveal the flourishing state of the empire's economy and its trade connections.
• Coins serve as evidence of ancient trade routes and commercial connections.
• The Roman gold coins, discovered in southern India, demonstrate the existence of maritime trade links between ancient Rome and India.
Cultural Interactions:
• Coins provide evidence of cultural exchanges and influences between ancient Indian civilizations and neighboring regions.
• The Kushan coins, featuring Greek, Persian, and Indian deities, highlight the syncretism of cultures during the Kushan Empire.
Religious Beliefs:
• Inscriptions on coins reveal religious affiliations and practices prevalent during ancient times.
• The coins of the Western Kshatrapas, with images of Hindu gods like Shiva and Kartikeya, signify the influence of Hinduism in the western regions of India.
Level of Prosperity:
• The purity of gold and silver coins revealed the levels of prosperity in that age.
• The coins issued by Gupta rulers till the opening decades of 5th AD were pure but there after the percent of impurity had decreased which indicates that the level of prosperity had gone down.
#MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Pointers:
Political and Dynastic History:
• Coins offer insights into the political landscape and succession of rulers in ancient India.
• The coins issued by different rulers or dynasties often depict their portraits, titles, and symbols, aiding in identifying and dating specific periods.
• The Indo-Greek coins of the Bactrian rulers, such as Menander I and Demetrius, demonstrate the interaction between Greek and Indian cultures during the Hellenistic period.
• The variety of coins found across different regions of ancient India helps in mapping the chronology and extent of historical territories.
• The punch-marked coins found in various parts of India, marked with symbols representing different kingdoms, aid in understanding the political divisions during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods.
Economic Insights:
• Coins provide valuable information about ancient Indian economic systems, including the types of currency, denominations, and minting techniques.
• For example, the gold coins of the Gupta Empire, such as the Gupta dinar, reveal the flourishing state of the empire's economy and its trade connections.
• Coins serve as evidence of ancient trade routes and commercial connections.
• The Roman gold coins, discovered in southern India, demonstrate the existence of maritime trade links between ancient Rome and India.
Cultural Interactions:
• Coins provide evidence of cultural exchanges and influences between ancient Indian civilizations and neighboring regions.
• The Kushan coins, featuring Greek, Persian, and Indian deities, highlight the syncretism of cultures during the Kushan Empire.
Religious Beliefs:
• Inscriptions on coins reveal religious affiliations and practices prevalent during ancient times.
• The coins of the Western Kshatrapas, with images of Hindu gods like Shiva and Kartikeya, signify the influence of Hinduism in the western regions of India.
Level of Prosperity:
• The purity of gold and silver coins revealed the levels of prosperity in that age.
• The coins issued by Gupta rulers till the opening decades of 5th AD were pure but there after the percent of impurity had decreased which indicates that the level of prosperity had gone down.
#MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
https://youtu.be/8iI1xbBIi_Y
#harappa #archaeology #footage #prehistory #protohistory #ancient #documentary
#harappa #archaeology #footage #prehistory #protohistory #ancient #documentary
YouTube
An old documentry on Mohenjodaro
An old documentry on Mohenjodaro by BBC.
Sir Mortimer Wheeler's 1957 tour of Mohenjo-daro, although outdated in many ways, has some great footage, close shots of Indus objects, and an engaging host. Gripping to Indus fans.
Sir Mortimer Wheeler's 1957 tour of Mohenjo-daro, although outdated in many ways, has some great footage, close shots of Indus objects, and an engaging host. Gripping to Indus fans.
Q.112. Discuss the significance and contributions of religious literary sources in understanding the cultural and social aspects of ancient India.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.112
Pointers:
Preservation of Ancient Knowledge:
• The religious texts, particularly the Vedas, served as a repository of ancient knowledge and wisdom. They were orally transmitted for generations before being compiled in written form.
• The Rigveda, for instance, contains hymns composed by different seers, offering glimpses into the early religious, social, and cultural practices. It sheds light on rituals, sacrifices, and deities worshiped during that era.
Religious Beliefs and Rituals:
• Religious literary sources elucidate the religious beliefs and rituals prevalent in ancient India. They provide detailed descriptions of various ceremonies, sacrifices, and rites performed by the ancient Indians.
• The Yajurveda, one of the four Vedas, provides instructions for performing rituals and ceremonies. It describes rituals like Agnihotra (fire oblations) and Soma Yajna (sacrifice of the Soma plant) and their significance in ancient religious practices.
Moral and Ethical Values:
• Religious texts emphasize moral and ethical values, shaping the social fabric of ancient Indian society. They provide guidelines for leading a righteous life and highlight the importance of virtues such as truth, compassion, and righteousness.
• The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the epic Mahabharata, presents a discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by Arjuna and provides insights into the concept of dharma (duty), righteousness, and the eternal soul.
Social Hierarchies and Duties:
• Ancient religious texts reflect the social hierarchies and prescribed duties for different sections of society. They elaborate on the four varnas (castes) and their roles and responsibilities.
• The Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) is a significant text that provides a code of conduct for different castes. It defines the duties and responsibilities of individuals belonging to different varnas, emphasizing social order and harmony.
Epics and Folklore:
• Religious literary sources often encompass epic narratives and folklore that provide valuable insights into ancient Indian culture and social practices.
• The Ramayana, an epic attributed to the sage Valmiki, narrates the story of Lord Rama and his journey. It reflects the ideal virtues of a king, the importance of loyalty, devotion, and righteousness. It also showcases the societal structure, gender roles, and familial bonds prevalent during that time.
Influence on Art and Architecture:
• Religious texts influenced the art and architectural traditions of ancient India. Temples, sculptures, and paintings were often inspired by the narratives and characters mentioned in these texts.
Pointers:
Preservation of Ancient Knowledge:
• The religious texts, particularly the Vedas, served as a repository of ancient knowledge and wisdom. They were orally transmitted for generations before being compiled in written form.
• The Rigveda, for instance, contains hymns composed by different seers, offering glimpses into the early religious, social, and cultural practices. It sheds light on rituals, sacrifices, and deities worshiped during that era.
Religious Beliefs and Rituals:
• Religious literary sources elucidate the religious beliefs and rituals prevalent in ancient India. They provide detailed descriptions of various ceremonies, sacrifices, and rites performed by the ancient Indians.
• The Yajurveda, one of the four Vedas, provides instructions for performing rituals and ceremonies. It describes rituals like Agnihotra (fire oblations) and Soma Yajna (sacrifice of the Soma plant) and their significance in ancient religious practices.
Moral and Ethical Values:
• Religious texts emphasize moral and ethical values, shaping the social fabric of ancient Indian society. They provide guidelines for leading a righteous life and highlight the importance of virtues such as truth, compassion, and righteousness.
• The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the epic Mahabharata, presents a discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by Arjuna and provides insights into the concept of dharma (duty), righteousness, and the eternal soul.
Social Hierarchies and Duties:
• Ancient religious texts reflect the social hierarchies and prescribed duties for different sections of society. They elaborate on the four varnas (castes) and their roles and responsibilities.
• The Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) is a significant text that provides a code of conduct for different castes. It defines the duties and responsibilities of individuals belonging to different varnas, emphasizing social order and harmony.
Epics and Folklore:
• Religious literary sources often encompass epic narratives and folklore that provide valuable insights into ancient Indian culture and social practices.
• The Ramayana, an epic attributed to the sage Valmiki, narrates the story of Lord Rama and his journey. It reflects the ideal virtues of a king, the importance of loyalty, devotion, and righteousness. It also showcases the societal structure, gender roles, and familial bonds prevalent during that time.
Influence on Art and Architecture:
• Religious texts influenced the art and architectural traditions of ancient India. Temples, sculptures, and paintings were often inspired by the narratives and characters mentioned in these texts.
Q.113. Assess the contributions of Greco Romans and the Chinese accounts in reconstructing the social history of India.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.113
Pointers:
Greco-Roman accounts highlighting Social Conditions:
• Megasthenes: Megasthenes in his book Indica gave detailed descriptions of the Indian caste system. He was the first outsiders to observe and document the complex hierarchy of castes that governed Indian society. Megasthenes reveals that Indian society was divided into seven classes: philosophers, cultivators, herdsman, artisans and traders, soldiers, overseers, and councilors. This division should be regarded as the equivalent of the caste system, because the number of castes was now far larger than seven.
• Strabo: Greek traveler Strabo in his work Geographica described the Indian system of slavery in his account. He noted that slaves were owned by both the wealthy and the poor, and that they were used as household servants, farm laborers, and soldiers.
• Plutarch: Greek historian Plutarch in his work "Parallel Lives" described about the education of Indian princes and the role of women in Indian society. He also provided information about India He described the wealth and power of Indian kings and the use of elephants in warfare.
Chinese travelers' accounts highlighting Social Conditions:
• Fa Xian: He in his travelogue “Record of Buddhist Kingdom” noted that Indian society was deeply influenced by the caste system, with Brahmins occupying the highest social status. Hinduism was the dominant religion during the Gupta period and Buddhism and Jainism also continued to flourish.
• Hieun Tsang: His account of his travels, known as the "Record of the Western Regions," provides a detailed description of Indian society and culture. He visited Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and religious practices of the temple. He mentioned that during Harsha period women were expected to be subservient to men whereas women enjoyed equality and dignified life in Pallavas kingdom.
• I-Tsing: His travel account, known as the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,". He noted that there was a great deal of poverty and social inequality. He also observed that India was a and of great learning and scholarship, with many universities and centers of knowledge.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Pointers:
Greco-Roman accounts highlighting Social Conditions:
• Megasthenes: Megasthenes in his book Indica gave detailed descriptions of the Indian caste system. He was the first outsiders to observe and document the complex hierarchy of castes that governed Indian society. Megasthenes reveals that Indian society was divided into seven classes: philosophers, cultivators, herdsman, artisans and traders, soldiers, overseers, and councilors. This division should be regarded as the equivalent of the caste system, because the number of castes was now far larger than seven.
• Strabo: Greek traveler Strabo in his work Geographica described the Indian system of slavery in his account. He noted that slaves were owned by both the wealthy and the poor, and that they were used as household servants, farm laborers, and soldiers.
• Plutarch: Greek historian Plutarch in his work "Parallel Lives" described about the education of Indian princes and the role of women in Indian society. He also provided information about India He described the wealth and power of Indian kings and the use of elephants in warfare.
Chinese travelers' accounts highlighting Social Conditions:
• Fa Xian: He in his travelogue “Record of Buddhist Kingdom” noted that Indian society was deeply influenced by the caste system, with Brahmins occupying the highest social status. Hinduism was the dominant religion during the Gupta period and Buddhism and Jainism also continued to flourish.
• Hieun Tsang: His account of his travels, known as the "Record of the Western Regions," provides a detailed description of Indian society and culture. He visited Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya and religious practices of the temple. He mentioned that during Harsha period women were expected to be subservient to men whereas women enjoyed equality and dignified life in Pallavas kingdom.
• I-Tsing: His travel account, known as the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,". He noted that there was a great deal of poverty and social inequality. He also observed that India was a and of great learning and scholarship, with many universities and centers of knowledge.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.114. Discuss the aspects of daily life and societal characteristics of the people living during the Indus Valley civilization based on the artifacts associated with the archaeological sites.
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@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
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Q.114
Pointers:
• The various aspects of their life may be discerned from various artefacts linked with Indus Valley sites:
• Sculptures: The Indus Valley civilization produced remarkable sculptures, demonstrating their mastery of techniques such as cire perdue (lost-wax casting). Notable examples include the bronze statue of a dancing girl and steatite images depicting a bull and a priest.
• Seals: More than 2000 seals made of steatite and copper have been discovered, featuring intricate engravings of animals like oxen, bulls, and unicorns, as well as inscriptions. These seals served various purposes, including trade transactions and as amulets.
• Pottery: The Indus Valley people crafted pottery primarily using red clay, both plain and glazed. Additionally, black polished ware has been unearthed. The widespread use of the potter's wheel indicates their advanced pottery-making techniques.
• Clothing, cosmetics, and ornaments: Spindles used for spinning wool and cotton have been found, suggesting the production of textiles. The Indus Valley inhabitants used cosmetics such as cinnabar and kohl. Beaded necklaces, worn by both men and women, were discovered at the site of Lothal. Even the deceased were buried with ornaments.
• Religion: The religious practices of the Indus Valley civilization encompassed the worship of a Mother goddess, Lord Pashupati, as well as reverence for trees and animals.
• Trade: Trade within the Indus Valley civilization primarily relied on the barter system. The people possessed knowledge of the wheel and navigation, facilitating commercial links with regions like Mesopotamia and Afghanistan.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Pointers:
• The various aspects of their life may be discerned from various artefacts linked with Indus Valley sites:
• Sculptures: The Indus Valley civilization produced remarkable sculptures, demonstrating their mastery of techniques such as cire perdue (lost-wax casting). Notable examples include the bronze statue of a dancing girl and steatite images depicting a bull and a priest.
• Seals: More than 2000 seals made of steatite and copper have been discovered, featuring intricate engravings of animals like oxen, bulls, and unicorns, as well as inscriptions. These seals served various purposes, including trade transactions and as amulets.
• Pottery: The Indus Valley people crafted pottery primarily using red clay, both plain and glazed. Additionally, black polished ware has been unearthed. The widespread use of the potter's wheel indicates their advanced pottery-making techniques.
• Clothing, cosmetics, and ornaments: Spindles used for spinning wool and cotton have been found, suggesting the production of textiles. The Indus Valley inhabitants used cosmetics such as cinnabar and kohl. Beaded necklaces, worn by both men and women, were discovered at the site of Lothal. Even the deceased were buried with ornaments.
• Religion: The religious practices of the Indus Valley civilization encompassed the worship of a Mother goddess, Lord Pashupati, as well as reverence for trees and animals.
• Trade: Trade within the Indus Valley civilization primarily relied on the barter system. The people possessed knowledge of the wheel and navigation, facilitating commercial links with regions like Mesopotamia and Afghanistan.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.115. Discuss the major characteristics and components of Vedic religion, highlighting its significance in the ancient Indian society.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Its a history season all around. Oppenheimer is releasing. A new movie on Napoleon is coming. Lots of new History books are recently published. (about them later) but right now about Netflix releasing a docu-series of 4 documentaries.
The first one is regarding a lost pyramid and shows the excitement of being an archaeologist. The third one is about a new homo species found, Homo Naledi, and shows the thrill of being an archaeo-anthropologist.
Watching these two documentaries gave the rush of Indian Jones or Lora Croft. Not only from the the point of view of adrenaline rush, but also deep profound thoughts about human nature.
If you have time, do watch these.
#footage #prehistory #documentary
@nikhilhistoryculture
The first one is regarding a lost pyramid and shows the excitement of being an archaeologist. The third one is about a new homo species found, Homo Naledi, and shows the thrill of being an archaeo-anthropologist.
Watching these two documentaries gave the rush of Indian Jones or Lora Croft. Not only from the the point of view of adrenaline rush, but also deep profound thoughts about human nature.
If you have time, do watch these.
#footage #prehistory #documentary
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.115
Pointers:
• Vedic religion emerged during the late Bronze Age in the Indus Valley region, blending Aryan and indigenous beliefs.
• The Vedas, sacred texts written in Sanskrit, formed the foundation of Vedic religion.
• Belief in a divine order (Rita) governed by a pantheon of gods and goddesses.
• Emphasis on performing elaborate rituals and sacrifices (yajnas) to establish a connection with deities.
• Fire sacrifice (agni-homa) was a central ritual in maintaining cosmic harmony and seeking divine blessings.
• Brahmins, the priestly class, held significant influence in conducting rituals and interpreting Vedic texts.
• Doctrine of karma and rebirth, which governed an individual's fate based on their actions.
• Pursuit of spiritual liberation (moksha) through virtuous living and breaking the cycle of reincarnation.
• Vedic religion played a crucial role in the social organization of ancient Indian society.
• Varna system categorized individuals into four social groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
• Brahmins occupied the highest social position as custodians of religious and intellectual pursuits.
• Vedic religion provided a moral and social framework, fostering a sense of duty and ethical conduct.
• Vedic texts contributed to knowledge in fields such as philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
• Vedic religion influenced the religious, social, and cultural fabric of ancient Indian society.
• It established order and cohesion, promoting righteousness and ethical behavior.
• Vedic religion's influence continues in contemporary Hinduism, highlighting its enduring significance.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Pointers:
• Vedic religion emerged during the late Bronze Age in the Indus Valley region, blending Aryan and indigenous beliefs.
• The Vedas, sacred texts written in Sanskrit, formed the foundation of Vedic religion.
• Belief in a divine order (Rita) governed by a pantheon of gods and goddesses.
• Emphasis on performing elaborate rituals and sacrifices (yajnas) to establish a connection with deities.
• Fire sacrifice (agni-homa) was a central ritual in maintaining cosmic harmony and seeking divine blessings.
• Brahmins, the priestly class, held significant influence in conducting rituals and interpreting Vedic texts.
• Doctrine of karma and rebirth, which governed an individual's fate based on their actions.
• Pursuit of spiritual liberation (moksha) through virtuous living and breaking the cycle of reincarnation.
• Vedic religion played a crucial role in the social organization of ancient Indian society.
• Varna system categorized individuals into four social groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
• Brahmins occupied the highest social position as custodians of religious and intellectual pursuits.
• Vedic religion provided a moral and social framework, fostering a sense of duty and ethical conduct.
• Vedic texts contributed to knowledge in fields such as philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
• Vedic religion influenced the religious, social, and cultural fabric of ancient Indian society.
• It established order and cohesion, promoting righteousness and ethical behavior.
• Vedic religion's influence continues in contemporary Hinduism, highlighting its enduring significance.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
Q.116. Buddhism, as a profound religious and philosophical tradition, has left an indelible impact on the socio-cultural landscape of India. Discuss.
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture
#modern #MainsAnswerWriting
@nikhilhistoryculture