SUNDAY LIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 3.0 | History Optional – UPSC CSE 2026

Join the Orientation Session Tomorrow at 11 AM

For Offline, Visit LevelUp IAS, Karol Bagh

For Online, Join Here: https://youtube.com/live/gkcA5ptxH0U (click on notify me)

A good article

https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/devdutt-pattanaik-how-hindu-temples-survived-political-upheavals-10272849/

As declared on 26th, we are discussing Opitonal Paper 2 (World History) of 2025 today. At 5 PM.

Registered students: Zoom link & venue details already shared via Email. You can also come offline.

See you there.

I really enjoyed this conversation—it turned out quite insightful and analytical. I’m sure you’ll also find it helpful.

Even though it’s mainly for the Optional, do try to watch it if you get the time. The Modern India syllabus overlaps a lot between GS and Optional, and honestly, I sometimes feel that UPSC asks tougher and deeper questions in GS than even in Optional

Why were Indians putting mithuna sculptures on the sacred walls of temples exactly 1000 years ago?

This is an old debate with various theories. UPSC asked a question in GS1 on features of Chandel temple sculptures, and everyone just thought of erotic ones.

I anyway wanted to discuss this topic for quite some time. And this seems to be a good opportunity given by the almighty UPSC....

So, I will be coming soon with a detailed discussion on mystery behind the erotic sculptures at Khajuraho.

Nikhil

"Politics in society is like the toilet in the house. You cannot showcase it, but you cannot avoid it either."

This is what Golwalkar Guruji used to say about the role of politics in society. This was generally the approach of RSS' old generations towards politics since its foundation in 1925.

This attitude started to change gradually after 1970s, during the tenure of Balasaheb Deoras, the third Sarsanghachalak. And today, after 100 years, the things are very different.

Kalay Tasmai Namaha.

Earlier, he had said that India and Pakistan are fighting for thousands of years... now he is saying that Communism is failing for thousands of year...

What else is a thousand years old, Mr. President? The United States of America? No. It is Jahiliyat. Jahiliyat is thousands of years old.

Download the latest updated history optional PYQ book. There are many new elements added.

Take a print out. Use it daily. Its your Bible and Geeta.

Link:
https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-cse-history-optional-pyqs/

Finally the long awaited episode is out in the public.

A detailed and extremely insightful discussion with Anirudh Kanisetti on the history of mighty Imperial Cholas.

Their empire building, Naval raids, temple building, religious policy, nataraja, great administration, local self government, all the dimensions we anyway study for the exam are discussed here, with some new info or different angle.

Enjoy.

(PS: Some of the opinions expressed there are solely author's. Carry discretion before judging... :p)

https://youtu.be/P5WH8-V6WME

#akhyandiaries

Hello,

This is a new initiative from my side - Akhyan Diaries. Its a series of podcasts with scholars and authors. Anirudha Kanisetti is the second in the series.

I, as a teacher, got little bored with regular classroom teaching. And thus I wanted to do something new, fresh and engaging. So, we started this podcast for expanding the horizons of History for upsc aspirants.

The topics here are going to be useful for upsc aspriants, but not in the regular run-of-the-mill format. We will engage with interesting people and enrich our understanding beyond typical notes and textbooks.

It adds to knoweldge, and it is fun. For you, I am deeply interested in knowing what do you think. Any and all genuine feedback is most welcome in the comment section.

Also, apart from the feedback, if you have any guest scholar/author in mind, do let us know. We will try to get him/her on board.

Nikhil

Today's session will be the next in our series of Gamification of History Optional answer writing. The previous workshop had been very interesting and helpful... the feedback encouraged us to come with one more... and with more questions.

Both Vishal sir and Me will conduct a workshop today at 2 PM. Bring your pen-paper, come to the class for action-packed drama...

Please note that it will be OFFLINE only. The earlier poster mistakenly said offline as well as online. but it is really impossible to conduct it for both groups at the same time. We will definitely try to bring its Online version soon.

Nikhil

Today, UPSC Chairman wrote this on the completion of 100 years of UPSC.

Are you all tuned in? Are you all going to attend his Youtube Live event today? It is going to be on DD's youtube channel.

The UPSC chairman is going to personally and directly answer your queries and doubts. Do attend.

Join the Live TownHall (Q&A) with Dr. Ajay Kumar, Chairman UPSC.

Ask your questions live on Twitter / Facebook
#AskChairmanUPSC

Date: Today, 1st October 2025, Wednesday 
Time: 12PM-1PM

https://youtube.com/live/kloc_70pIZk

"We select individuals capable of becoming Formula One drivers. Then we give them rickety Maruti 800s on potholed roads and expect championship lap times."

https://theprint.in/opinion/after-37-yrs-in-ias-i-can-say-upsc-exam-isnt-the-villain-postings-incentives-are/2754708/

Another extremely sad news.

The stalwarts of the 20th century, the people who created the post World War world with their sheer hardwork and intelligence, are passing away. The era is closing.

Ram and Ravana,
A Pahari Painting from Mandi, 18th century.

दसरा सण मोठा, नाही आनंदा तोटा
Happy Vijaya Dashami.