This is the document prepare for Sunday Live program.

Every week, we will have two themes
(a) Discuss one theme related to answer writing. For example, for week 2, it will be how to write introduction?

(b) Topic-wise answer writing practice, with threadbare discussion and model answers. These questions are provided in one week advanced. The questions for Week 2 will be posted today and students will get time to read/revise the syllabus accordingly. As far as possible, we try to keep the answers in word limit (about 200-300 words), which is practically required.

(c) These model answers are just indicative. What we discuss in class is actually various ways of approaching the same questions. It helps us appreciate the demand of the question better and improves critical thinking.

https://youtu.be/boVAg2hIpNY?si=5UWJS3pPU7IfFtTp

While listening to extenely emotive rendition, it felt like Kabir's poem was speaking Gandhian voice. Ekdam Gandhi ki Bhajan Sandhya wala feeling aaya.

This is the condition of Indian cities. We are living in a country, in which many government/municipal employees prioritize corruption, caste and inefficiency over lives of common people. This is an unfortunate reality.

https://youtu.be/X6ACmLCAF8g

Do watch this book review. It's a cut section of a longer documentary. In just about 20 mins, it is a very good summary of the 4 books by Eric Hobsbawm. It will enrich your answers and approach towards World History.

I thank Siddhi for suggesting this documentary.

https://youtu.be/m2-zzc1pkP4?

https://youtu.be/XcOmmkTFkrU?si=aiX6X26-mpI1rxSZ

First 40 minutes of this lecture are very important for GS 2.

To understand the proper context of the comparison of Indian, American and British constitutionalism, do watch the first 40 minutes.

A new book is released. It's about the century of history of Awadh from after Buxar to it's dissolution in 1856.

I have a couple of books of Ira Mukhoty already. They are quite refreshing. One on women in History, another one on Akbar etc.

This time, she is writing a History of how in 18th century, some foreigners from Persia entered India and in a short time, created a brand-new state in UP (Awadh state) which witnessed Shia cultural renaissance. And all these in the background of collapse of Mughals, expansion of Marathas and global conflict between British and French.

She shows that Shia culture of Lucknow, which was eventually finished, was more refined while Europeans, who claimed to be morally superior, were actually brutal savages.

In all this, how has she painted the Marathas in 18th century? Marxist historians have always painted them as looters and plunderers. How about her? To find out, read the book.

#bookreview

This book is the recent addition to the collection. The author was an IAS officer of 1959 batch. What a refreshing view he has taken:

"The book argues that Nehru and Patel must have been aware of the seriousness of Jinnah's illness and still pressed for Partition. India, which is better off with Partition, should be eternally indebted to them for their farsightedness, political courage and statesmanship."

#bookreview

There is a possibility that Telegram might be banned by the government. So, we have created an official WhatsApp channel just in case it happens.

You are all requested to join WhatsApp channel.

All the future content will be shared in both Telegram and WhatsApp.

Apart from encryption, WhatsApp channels have added privacy features. Unlike in Telegram, even the admins cannot know the members there, if they already dont have the phone number saved. So, you are not required to worry about privacy or safety.

Here are the links:

GS History and Culture
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahCVaIB4hdU6bU5iA45


For History Optional (LevelUp IAS) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahsPBQHFxP7vxUfsZ1f

There is some news about government considering action against telegram. It may all be just speculation. But to be on safer side and to ensure that you keep getting regular updates please follow the following channels:

Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9hcyh7IUYWPIp2JO0l

Whatsapp Current Affairs Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamFgit6BIEl1sXP753B
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Sociology Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamxiYIElagyIBOgs93z
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Anthro Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai5ZfABadmQremclj0K
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahsPBQHFxP7vxUfsZ1f
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Philosophy Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamJP7MJP21B9GrRaD3g
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS PSIR Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai1WBIKgsNxDWirJg2u
Whatsapp History and Culture Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahCVaIB4hdU6bU5iA45

Youtube LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpIAS
Youtube LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryOptionalforUPSC

About Privacy of Whatsapp: Apart from encryption, WhatsApp channels have added privacy features. Unlike in Telegram, even the admins cannot know the members there, if they already dont have the phone number saved. So, you are not required to worry about privacy issue there.


Regards,
Santosh Kumar
Team LevelUp IAS