Preparing content for the upcoming Art and Culture lectures (in PMP) while traveling on some random road in Srilanka.
In this year's edition, I am planning to add some new content on linguistic history of India using a fantastic new book just published. It's by GN Devy, who has authored civilizational history of India through linguistic lens.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCTjqI6NK1B/?igsh=MTlzY3RsNnVpM284MA
#bookreview
In this year's edition, I am planning to add some new content on linguistic history of India using a fantastic new book just published. It's by GN Devy, who has authored civilizational history of India through linguistic lens.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCTjqI6NK1B/?igsh=MTlzY3RsNnVpM284MA
#bookreview
Sigiriya
Today I visited Sigiriya, which is a unesco world heritage site in srilanka.
For last exactly 10 years, I have been teaching about it in my Art and Culture classes, when we dicuss Ajanta paintings. Ajanta paintings were trendsetter in a way that it influenced entire Asian art. Its replicas/derivative paintings are found in Srilanka, Afghanistan, Thailand and China. India was indeed the 'light of Asia'. More on this in our lecture on Art and Culture during Gupta Era.
This time though, I got to visit it. Climbed all the way up but it was worth it. Its a breathtaking view of surrounding.
An anecdote:
Once upon a time, Gandhiji collected public funds for Kaka Kalelkar to visit Girosoppa waterfall. When Kaka Kalelkar said he won't go alone without students and since funds were not enough, it would be better to cancel the plan. Gandhiji replied that if one student sees it, it is only one. But when a teacher sees it, it's all the students who get to see it through him. Kaka Kalelkar was thus persuaded to go.
I am hoping to be true to Gandhiji's ideal of a teacher.
(For photos, visit https://www.instagram.com/nikhilhistoryculture?igsh=ZjczcTUzdWMzMGZp )
#unesco
Today I visited Sigiriya, which is a unesco world heritage site in srilanka.
For last exactly 10 years, I have been teaching about it in my Art and Culture classes, when we dicuss Ajanta paintings. Ajanta paintings were trendsetter in a way that it influenced entire Asian art. Its replicas/derivative paintings are found in Srilanka, Afghanistan, Thailand and China. India was indeed the 'light of Asia'. More on this in our lecture on Art and Culture during Gupta Era.
This time though, I got to visit it. Climbed all the way up but it was worth it. Its a breathtaking view of surrounding.
An anecdote:
Once upon a time, Gandhiji collected public funds for Kaka Kalelkar to visit Girosoppa waterfall. When Kaka Kalelkar said he won't go alone without students and since funds were not enough, it would be better to cancel the plan. Gandhiji replied that if one student sees it, it is only one. But when a teacher sees it, it's all the students who get to see it through him. Kaka Kalelkar was thus persuaded to go.
I am hoping to be true to Gandhiji's ideal of a teacher.
(For photos, visit https://www.instagram.com/nikhilhistoryculture?igsh=ZjczcTUzdWMzMGZp )
#unesco
How did Shivaji Maharaj create the Maratha Navy?
Despite calling him as the father of Indian Navy, we don't often read about this fascinsting episode of Indian history.
Actually, there are a lot of fascinsting stories about it. Watch a historian of Marathas giving a very quick capsule perspective on hurdles faced and overall strategy followed by Shivaji. It must have been a hell lot of daring act...! And it did yield wonderful results.
https://youtu.be/Jq8bFLkhBWQ
Despite calling him as the father of Indian Navy, we don't often read about this fascinsting episode of Indian history.
Actually, there are a lot of fascinsting stories about it. Watch a historian of Marathas giving a very quick capsule perspective on hurdles faced and overall strategy followed by Shivaji. It must have been a hell lot of daring act...! And it did yield wonderful results.
https://youtu.be/Jq8bFLkhBWQ
YouTube
How Shivaji created Indian Navy? - Uday S Kulkarni
Dr. Uday S. Kulkarni is a distinguished historian, author, and retired surgeon who has carved a niche in Indian historical research, particularly on the Maratha Empire. With a deep passion for history, he has authored several critically acclaimed books that…
Dambulla Cave Temple
The day started with another 600 steps hillock climb. There are 5 caves with many large and small painted Buddha murtis. The cave walls are all painted.
The era to which it belongs to spans from 100 BCE (Sangama period for our rederence, or specifically, pre-Christian period) to 1700 CE (Maratha period for our reference again).
It was originally constructed by the king Walagamba. He was the king of Anuradhapura in north srilanka. But invasion from South India Tamil kings led to his flight from his capital. He went to further south in Lanka and came to this area. When he reconquered his capital in Anuradhapura, he constructed this place.
If we take our reference, the caves belong to the time when Satavahanas started excavating Ajanta and Shakas started funding Kanheri. Exactly at the time when Satavahana and Shakas were fighting to control the Roman trade in Deccan, the king Walagamba accepted Buddbism and used it to consolidate his own power in Srilanka.
What I find wonderful is that we see spread of Buddhism to Andhra coast and Sri Lanka in this period. While Tamilnadu was sandwiched by these two areas, we see least impact of Buddhism in Sangam Literature, which has much more traces of Hinduism. And all these areas were not isolated but had frequent intercourse. This to me seems like a puzzle.
----------------------------------
This place also a unesco world heritage site. Well protected. There is not a single foodshop in a near vicinity and the entire hill is clean. Both Sigiriya and Dambulla are some of the cleanest historic sites that I have so far seen in Indian subcontinent.
Visit for Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCVttPHyUAZ/?igsh=MXR5YmZsazMxd3Nieg==
The day started with another 600 steps hillock climb. There are 5 caves with many large and small painted Buddha murtis. The cave walls are all painted.
The era to which it belongs to spans from 100 BCE (Sangama period for our rederence, or specifically, pre-Christian period) to 1700 CE (Maratha period for our reference again).
It was originally constructed by the king Walagamba. He was the king of Anuradhapura in north srilanka. But invasion from South India Tamil kings led to his flight from his capital. He went to further south in Lanka and came to this area. When he reconquered his capital in Anuradhapura, he constructed this place.
If we take our reference, the caves belong to the time when Satavahanas started excavating Ajanta and Shakas started funding Kanheri. Exactly at the time when Satavahana and Shakas were fighting to control the Roman trade in Deccan, the king Walagamba accepted Buddbism and used it to consolidate his own power in Srilanka.
What I find wonderful is that we see spread of Buddhism to Andhra coast and Sri Lanka in this period. While Tamilnadu was sandwiched by these two areas, we see least impact of Buddhism in Sangam Literature, which has much more traces of Hinduism. And all these areas were not isolated but had frequent intercourse. This to me seems like a puzzle.
----------------------------------
This place also a unesco world heritage site. Well protected. There is not a single foodshop in a near vicinity and the entire hill is clean. Both Sigiriya and Dambulla are some of the cleanest historic sites that I have so far seen in Indian subcontinent.
Visit for Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCVttPHyUAZ/?igsh=MXR5YmZsazMxd3Nieg==
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Today afternoon I visited the The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Kandy, Srilanka. It is one of the holiest places of Buddhism in Lanka. However, the building housing it is not very old, it was constructed hardly a few centuries ago.
Notwithstanding, there is a long story of the chain of custody of Buddha's tooth relic. How it kept on changing hands from Khema to some Odiya King then finally it reached Srilanka. The role of Dantha and Hemamala, the Odiyan royals, who took it from India to Srilanka in the 4th century, sometime during the beginning of the Gupta era, is well remembered in this respect. The reason for this transfer is cited to be local rivalry, both political and religious.
Interestingly, after reaching Srilanka the story doesn't end. It rather takes a new lease of life. Many new episodes were added to it. The most recent episodes in the life of the tooth relic are from British era who added some new content to it. Its worth reading from it's very scratch.
This entire story/history/myth is very central to the identity of Srilanka Budhhism and Buddhists here. Everyone knows about it. Its a popular story. As recent as in 2014, there was even a movie on this named Siri Daladagamanaya.
Visit for Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCWqj75NDia/?igsh=ZW5ldmh5OGRlYmhm
Today afternoon I visited the The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Kandy, Srilanka. It is one of the holiest places of Buddhism in Lanka. However, the building housing it is not very old, it was constructed hardly a few centuries ago.
Notwithstanding, there is a long story of the chain of custody of Buddha's tooth relic. How it kept on changing hands from Khema to some Odiya King then finally it reached Srilanka. The role of Dantha and Hemamala, the Odiyan royals, who took it from India to Srilanka in the 4th century, sometime during the beginning of the Gupta era, is well remembered in this respect. The reason for this transfer is cited to be local rivalry, both political and religious.
Interestingly, after reaching Srilanka the story doesn't end. It rather takes a new lease of life. Many new episodes were added to it. The most recent episodes in the life of the tooth relic are from British era who added some new content to it. Its worth reading from it's very scratch.
This entire story/history/myth is very central to the identity of Srilanka Budhhism and Buddhists here. Everyone knows about it. Its a popular story. As recent as in 2014, there was even a movie on this named Siri Daladagamanaya.
Visit for Photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCWqj75NDia/?igsh=ZW5ldmh5OGRlYmhm
International Day against Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.
Agar isko really celebrate karna hai to London, Paris, NewYork ke sare museums khaali karne padenge... 😂
Agar isko really celebrate karna hai to London, Paris, NewYork ke sare museums khaali karne padenge... 😂
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
Attend FREE Webinar by Karandeep sir
Topic- PYQ Trend analysis for UPSC Prelins 2025 and common mistakes you must avoid in your prelims preparation
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16th Nov | 6 pm | Online (Zoom)
We'll whatsapp and email you the Zoom link
This webinar will also include a QnA session with Karandeep sir.
Topic- PYQ Trend analysis for UPSC Prelins 2025 and common mistakes you must avoid in your prelims preparation
Register FREE - https://forms.gle/9yeo5akTmuX2xtHUA
16th Nov | 6 pm | Online (Zoom)
We'll whatsapp and email you the Zoom link
This webinar will also include a QnA session with Karandeep sir.
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
🏆 Get Prelims Ready in 3-Months🏆
📝Register for the FREE STRATEGY and ORIENTATION session for UPSC Prelims 2025 here👇
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✅Watch video by Santosh sir:
https://youtu.be/hEZkjQk3QTM?si=eJVbbDfUm3HXCyyN
📝Register for the FREE STRATEGY and ORIENTATION session for UPSC Prelims 2025 here👇
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✅Watch video by Santosh sir:
https://youtu.be/hEZkjQk3QTM?si=eJVbbDfUm3HXCyyN
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
We have started a new initiative for CUET PG. If you are preparing for this exam, you must not miss it. Its a whole new YT channel completely dedicated to CUET.
Don't forget to subscribe for a lot of new exciting content.
https://youtu.be/7YW-gqNO_NE
Don't forget to subscribe for a lot of new exciting content.
https://youtu.be/7YW-gqNO_NE
YouTube
Decoding the Syllabus | Ancient History | CUET PG History (HUQP09)
Target CUET PG History (HUQP09) with Santosh Sir: https://www.levelupias.com/cuet-pg-history-target/
Check Out the details of the CUET PG Course: https://www.levelupias.com/university-entrance/
In this video, Santosh Kumar, sir, CUET PG History faculty…
Check Out the details of the CUET PG Course: https://www.levelupias.com/university-entrance/
In this video, Santosh Kumar, sir, CUET PG History faculty…
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
✅Register for the FREE STRATEGY and ORIENTATION session for UPSC Prelims 2025 here👇
https://forms.gle/jVRwH85rv8dy7BUr7
💻Watch video by Santosh sir:
https://youtu.be/hEZkjQk3QTM?si=eJVbbDfUm3HXCyyN
https://forms.gle/jVRwH85rv8dy7BUr7
💻Watch video by Santosh sir:
https://youtu.be/hEZkjQk3QTM?si=eJVbbDfUm3HXCyyN
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
https://www.youtube.com/live/OWeLMrTIEtg?si=hHAg1iNartiI7ywD
PMP Orientation & Strategy Session | Today | 5PM
PMP Orientation & Strategy Session | Today | 5PM
YouTube
🔴Prelims Master Program Orientation | UPSC Prelims 2025 | LevelUp IAS | #upsc #levelupias
🏆Prelims Master Program (PMP) 2025: 3 Months to Crack UPSC Prelims | Starts 22 November 2024| Details Inside👇
✅ Enrol here-https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-prelims-master-program...
Queries? Call 08045248491 / 7041021151
🔴 Check the Schedule and program…
✅ Enrol here-https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-prelims-master-program...
Queries? Call 08045248491 / 7041021151
🔴 Check the Schedule and program…
Forwarded from Level Up IAS (Official Channel)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVP1eiZh2A
First lecture of our Prelims Masters Program. The batch started yesterday.
Link: https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-prelims-master-program-pmp-batch-1/
First lecture of our Prelims Masters Program. The batch started yesterday.
Link: https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-prelims-master-program-pmp-batch-1/
YouTube
Prehistoric India & Harappan Civilization | Lecture 1 | Prelims Master Program (PMP)
#levelupias #harappancivilisation #prehistoricera
Prehistoric India & Harappan Civilization | Lecture 1 | Prelims Master Program (PMP)
🔴 Check the schedule and program details of the Prelims Master Program (PMP) 2025: https://www.levelupias.com/upsc…
Prehistoric India & Harappan Civilization | Lecture 1 | Prelims Master Program (PMP)
🔴 Check the schedule and program details of the Prelims Master Program (PMP) 2025: https://www.levelupias.com/upsc…
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_k6r5iyfR1/?igsh=dm9kMnB0ZjA3bWM0
It is so true. I was just telling it the other day in the class. Our houses were always painted in many vibrant, bright colours. That was our culture. But now we have lost colours, become so plain and boring.
It is so true. I was just telling it the other day in the class. Our houses were always painted in many vibrant, bright colours. That was our culture. But now we have lost colours, become so plain and boring.
Forwarded from Speak with Sonali
🎬 Gear up for our second movie screening!
Open to All – Watch Inside Out 2 (2024) at LevelUp IAS!
👉 Register Here: https://bit.ly/LevelUp_FREE_Movie
Date: 1st December | Time: 5 PM
📍 Location: LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh
LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh Centre (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNGTrbR4KmxBa6um8) 2nd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh
Inside Out 2 (2024) is the much-anticipated sequel that takes us back into Riley’s mind as she navigates the rollercoaster of teenage life. This time, new emotions join the team, adding depth and humor to the journey of understanding feelings and mental health.
Perfect for UPSC aspirants, the screening will be followed by an insightful discussion on how these themes connect to mental well-being and UPSC preparation.
Invite your friends too!
📞 For queries, call: 08045248491 / 7041021151
Open to All – Watch Inside Out 2 (2024) at LevelUp IAS!
👉 Register Here: https://bit.ly/LevelUp_FREE_Movie
Date: 1st December | Time: 5 PM
📍 Location: LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh
LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh Centre (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tNGTrbR4KmxBa6um8) 2nd Floor, 45 Pusa Road, Opp. Metro Pillar 128, Karol Bagh
Inside Out 2 (2024) is the much-anticipated sequel that takes us back into Riley’s mind as she navigates the rollercoaster of teenage life. This time, new emotions join the team, adding depth and humor to the journey of understanding feelings and mental health.
Perfect for UPSC aspirants, the screening will be followed by an insightful discussion on how these themes connect to mental well-being and UPSC preparation.
Invite your friends too!
📞 For queries, call: 08045248491 / 7041021151
Forwarded from History Optional (UPSC)
Just got seven new books. I am all set for next few weeks, till the annual World Book Fair comes to Delhi.
There is one Fiction also there in the list of you see closely. I had almost stopped reading fiction for last 15 years. I used to read either academic books, history non fiction on one extrme or directly poetry (Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu and rarely English) on the other extreme. Now, after this loooooong gap, trying to read a historical fiction. Hoping to find that I still have some patience for it.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/nikhilhistoryculture/3512832812791703087?igsh=emFrbnB2MWl4MDZ6
#bookreview
There is one Fiction also there in the list of you see closely. I had almost stopped reading fiction for last 15 years. I used to read either academic books, history non fiction on one extrme or directly poetry (Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu and rarely English) on the other extreme. Now, after this loooooong gap, trying to read a historical fiction. Hoping to find that I still have some patience for it.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/nikhilhistoryculture/3512832812791703087?igsh=emFrbnB2MWl4MDZ6
#bookreview