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

Students, this is the schedule for Week 10 of History Optional Foundation 2025 Lectures.

All the lectures are free on youtube.

Here is the channel -
https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryOptionalforUPSC?sub_confirmation=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYrAqrpshw

Orientalism is not dead. It is here. All around us. Chinua Achebe, a great African novelist of 20th century, has said, "Unless the lions produce their own historians, the story of the hunt will glorify only the hunter."

I am sure most of us have not read Radhakrishnan. As a teacher I have to read his commentary on Upanishads and Vedanta. I have loved those and always refer to some of his ideas in class. However, beyond that even I have not read much.

Today I felt the intense need to read him more after reading the Opinion written by Pratap Bhanu Mehta in Indian Express. He has expounded upon one of the brilliant speeches given by Radhakrishnan a century ago.

As an after effect, I just placed an order on Amazon for his biography. It's written by his son S Gopal and published by Oxford Paperbacks. Waiting in anticipation.

Happy Teacher's Day to all. Atta Dipa Bhava. Be your own light.

Nikhil

Once, Sage Vyasa, knowing the Mahabharata was vast & complex, sought Lord Ganesha’s help to write it down. Lord Ganesha agreed on the condition that Vyasa must narrate without pause.

Vyasa also put up a condition that Lord Ganesha must only write after fully understanding each verse. This created a dynamic balance: Lord Ganesha wrote swiftly, but only after deep comprehension, while Vyasa gained time to compose complex verses.

For UPSC aspirants, this story underscores the importance of answer writing. Like Lord Ganesha, writing answers requires both speed and depth. It’s not about hurriedly filling pages but about understanding the question fully before putting pen to paper. Each answer must be clear, precise, and well-structured, just like Lord Ganesha’s inscriptions of the Mahabharata.

May Lord Ganesh, the ‘Vighnaharta’, remove every obstacle from your path and bless you with wisdom and clarity.🙏

Students, here is the schedule for Week 11 of History Optional Foundation 2025

Note: Full program is available for FREE with classes uploaded daily at 9 am.

https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryOptionalforUPSC?sub_confirmation=1