History

Chalcolithic Age in India: Copper Age Cultures, Sites and Megalithic Culture Chalcolithic Age in India, the Copper Age of farming villages: Ahar, Kayatha, Malwa and Jorwe cultures, Inamgaon, Daimabad and the megalithic culture. Sep 202615 min read Neolithic Age in India: Tools, Sites, Pottery and Revolution Neolithic Age in India, the New Stone Age from about 10,000 years ago: polished tools, pottery, pit houses, major sites and the Neolithic revolution. Sep 202615 min read Mesolithic Age in India: Microliths, Sites and Rock Paintings Mesolithic Age in India, the Middle Stone Age of 12,000 to 10,000 years ago: microliths, major sites, the rock paintings of Bhimbetka and daily life. Sep 202612 min read Palaeolithic Age in India: Old Stone Age Tools, Phases and Sites Palaeolithic Age in India, the Old Stone Age from two million to 12,000 years ago: its phases, stone tools, major sites and early human life. Sep 202613 min read Delhi Sultanate: Five Dynasties, Rulers, Timeline and Map, 1206 to 1526 Delhi Sultanate (1206 to 1526) for UPSC: the five dynasties and their rulers, timeline and map, the iqta system, Persian sources, decline and PYQs. Sep 202614 min read The Sufi Silsilas of India: Chishti to Naqshbandi The Sufi silsilas for UPSC: the Chishti order of Moinuddin Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau, and the Suhrawardi, Qadiri and Naqshbandi orders. Jun 202626 min read The Sufi Movement: Origins, Doctrines and Institutions The Sufi movement for UPSC: the origins of tasawwuf, its arrival in India, the doctrines of fana, baqa, dhikr and sama, the wahdat debate, and the… Jun 202636 min read Regional, Vernacular and Women’s Bhakti Traditions Regional bhakti movements for UPSC: the Varkari of Maharashtra, Chaitanya's Bengal Gaudiya tradition, Shankaradeva's Assam, Mirabai, Lal Ded and women saints. Jun 202630 min read North Indian Saguna Bhakti: Ram and Krishna Devotion North Indian saguna bhakti for UPSC: Tulsidas and the Ramcharitmanas, Surdas and the Sursagar, the Ashtachhap of the Pushtimarg, Ram and Krishna devotion. Jun 202630 min read North Indian Nirguna Bhakti: Kabir, Nanak and the Sant Tradition North Indian nirguna bhakti for UPSC: Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravidas and the Sant tradition, the formless God, the divine Name, and the assault on caste and… Jun 202629 min read The Vedanta Acharyas and the Lingayat Reform Movement The Vedanta acharyas and Lingayat movement for UPSC: Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka and Vallabha, the four Vedanta schools, and Basava's Virashaiva reform. Jun 202623 min read Nayanars and Alvars: The South Indian Origins of Bhakti The Nayanars and Alvars for UPSC: the Shaiva and Vaishnava poet-saints of Tamil south India, the Tevaram and Divya Prabandham, and the origins of Bhakti. Jun 202617 min read Roots and Philosophy of the Bhakti Movement in Medieval India The Bhakti movement for UPSC: the meaning and origin of bhakti, its saguna and nirguna philosophy, the causes of its rise, and its core features. Jun 202621 min read The Mughals · Part 14 of 14 The Decline and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire The Mughal decline for UPSC: the causes after Aurangzeb, the later emperors, Nadir Shah's 1739 invasion, the Panipat of 1761, and the successor states. Jun 20268 min read The Mughals · Part 13 of 14 Mughal Art, Architecture and Painting Mughal art for UPSC: the architecture from Humayun's Tomb to the Taj Mahal, the painting at its zenith under Jahangir, Nastaliq, and the decorative arts. Jun 20268 min read The Mughals · Part 12 of 14 Mughal Administration, Society and Economy Mughal society and economy for UPSC: the classes from noble to peasant, the agrarian base, the textiles, Surat the Babul Makka, and the European companies. Jun 20267 min read The Mughals · Part 11 of 14 The Rivals of the Mughals: the Marathas, the Sikhs and the Rajputs The rivals of the Mughals for UPSC: Shivaji and the Marathas, the Ashtapradhan, the Sikhs from Guru Hargobind to the Khalsa of 1699, and the Rajput… Jun 20267 min read The Mughals · Part 10 of 14 Aurangzeb (1658 to 1707): Reign, Religious Policy and Deccan Policy Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor (1658 to 1707): war of succession, jizya and religious policy, revolts, the long Deccan wars, his death and his legacy. Jun 202622 min read The Mughals · Part 9 of 14 Shah Jahan and the Zenith of Mughal Splendour Shah Jahan for UPSC: the reign 1628 to 1658, the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, the Peacock Throne, and the succession war won by Aurangzeb over… Jun 20268 min read The Mughals · Part 8 of 14 Jahangir and Nur Jahan Jahangir and Nur Jahan for UPSC: the reign of 1605 to 1627, Nur Jahan and her family, Sir Thomas Roe and Hawkins, and the first English… Jun 20268 min read The Mughals · Part 7 of 14 Din-i-Ilahi and Akbar’s Religious Policy: Sulh-i-kul, the Ibadat Khana and the Mahzar Din-i-Ilahi of 1582 and Akbar's religious policy: sulh-i-kul, the end of the jizya, the Ibadat Khana, the mahzar of 1579 and the orthodox reaction. Jun 202613 min read The Mughals · Part 6 of 14 Akbar: Administration, Mansabdari and the Revenue System Akbar's administration for UPSC: the four central ministers, the mansabdari with zat and sawar, the dahsala revenue of Todar Mal, and the provincial units. Jun 202611 min read The Mughals · Part 5 of 14 Akbar: The Rajput Policy and the Nobility Akbar's Rajput policy for UPSC: the Amber alliance of 1562, the Battle of Haldighati and Maharana Pratap, the abolition of the jizya, and the Navaratnas. Jun 202610 min read The Mughals · Part 4 of 14 Akbar: The Conquests and the Expansion of the Empire Akbar's conquests for UPSC: the Second Battle of Panipat against Hemu, Chittor, Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir and the Deccan, and the empire at its height. Jun 20266 min read The Mughals · Part 3 of 14 Sher Shah Suri and the Sur Interregnum Sher Shah Suri for UPSC: his defeat of Humayun at Chausa and Kannauj, the silver rupiya, the Grand Trunk Road, the sarais, and his great Sasaram… Jun 20267 min read The Mughals · Part 2 of 14 Humayun and the Struggle for the Throne Humayun for UPSC: his loss of the empire to Sher Shah at Chausa and Kannauj, his long exile in Persia, his recovery of Delhi in 1555,… Jun 20266 min read The Mughals · Part 1 of 14 Babur and the Founding of the Mughal Empire Babur for UPSC: the founding of the Mughal Empire at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the battles of Khanwa, Chanderi and Ghaghra, and the… Jun 20267 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 10 of 10 The Architecture of the Deccan Sultanates Deccan Sultanate architecture for UPSC: the Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur, the Charminar of Hyderabad, the Golconda fort, and the Indo-Islamic art of the Deccan. Jun 20266 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 9 of 10 The Art and Architecture of Vijayanagara: Hampi Vijayanagara art and architecture for UPSC: the Dravidian style, the Virupaksha and Vitthala temples of Hampi, the Lotus Mahal, and the UNESCO heritage. Jun 20267 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 8 of 10 Vijayanagara: Administration, Society and the Travellers Vijayanagara administration and society for UPSC: the nayankara and amaram system, the army, the position of women, and the famous foreign travellers. Jun 20267 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 7 of 10 The Battle of Talikota, 1565, and the Fall of Vijayanagara The Battle of Talikota of 1565 for UPSC: the alliance of four Deccan Sultanates, the fall of Vijayanagara, the sack of Hampi, and the Aravidu survival. Jun 20268 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 6 of 10 The Five Deccan Sultanates The five Deccan Sultanates for UPSC: Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar and Bidar, the heirs of the Bahmani, their dynasties, capitals and Mughal end. Jun 20268 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 5 of 10 Krishnadevaraya and the Zenith of Vijayanagara Krishnadevaraya for UPSC: the Tuluva king of Vijayanagara's zenith, the Battle of Raichur, the Amuktamalyada, the Ashtadiggajas, and his administration. Jun 20268 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 4 of 10 Mahmud Gawan and the Height of the Bahmani Sultanate Mahmud Gawan for UPSC: the Persian wazir of the Bahmani Sultanate, the reform of the tarafs, the capture of Goa, the Bidar madrasa, and his fall… Jun 20267 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 3 of 10 The Sangama and Saluva Dynasties and the Deccan Conflict The Sangama and Saluva dynasties of Vijayanagara for UPSC: Harihara, Deva Raya II, the two usurpations, and the long Deccan wars over the Raichur doab. Jun 20269 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 2 of 10 The Bahmani Sultanate: Foundation and the Deccan Throne The Bahmani Sultanate for UPSC: founded in 1347 by Hasan Gangu, the capitals of Gulbarga and Bidar, and the long war with Vijayanagara of the Hindu… Jun 20267 min read Medieval Deccan · Part 1 of 10 The Rise of the Vijayanagara Empire The rise of the Vijayanagara Empire for UPSC: the founding of 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, the capital Hampi on the Tungabhadra, and the four dynasties. Jun 20267 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 10 of 10 Indo-Islamic Architecture of the Delhi Sultanate Indo-Islamic architecture of the Delhi Sultanate for UPSC: the true arch and the dome, the Qutb Minar, the Alai Darwaza, and the Tughlaq and Lodi styles. Jun 20267 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 9 of 10 Society, Religion and Culture: The Sufis and the Bhakti Movement Society, religion and culture of the Delhi Sultanate for UPSC: the Sufi orders, the Bhakti saints Kabir and Guru Nanak, and the poet Amir Khusrau of… Jun 202610 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 8 of 10 The Economy of the Delhi Sultanate: Agriculture, Trade and Coinage The economy of the Delhi Sultanate for UPSC: agriculture and the kharaj, the new technologies like the spinning wheel and paper, trade, and the coinage. Jun 20267 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 7 of 10 The Government of the Delhi Sultanate: The Iqta System and the Army The government of the Delhi Sultanate for UPSC: the Sultan, the central diwans, the iqta system (a revenue assignment, not a fief), and the standing army. Jun 20268 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 6 of 10 The Sayyids, the Lodis and the Fall of the Sultanate The Sayyids, the Lodis and the fall of the Sultanate for UPSC: the Afghan Lodi sultans and the First Battle of Panipat, in 1526, against Babur… Jun 20268 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 5 of 10 Tughlaq Dynasty: Founder, Rulers, Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq Tughlaq dynasty (1320 to 1414): founder Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq's experiments, Firoz Shah Tughlaq's canals and towns, and the dynasty's decline. Jun 202617 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 4 of 10 The Mongol Invasions and the Conquest of the Deccan The Mongols and the Deccan for UPSC: how Alauddin Khalji repelled the Mongols at Delhi and how Malik Kafur carried the war to the deep south… Jun 20268 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 3 of 10 Alauddin Khalji: The Conquests and the Market Control Alauddin Khalji for UPSC: the Khalji revolution, the conquests of Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor and Malwa, and the famous market and price-control system. Jun 20268 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 2 of 10 The Later Slave Sultans: Razia Sultana and Balban The later Slave sultans for UPSC: Razia Sultana, the first woman ever to rule Delhi, the Chahalgani or Forty, and Balban with his high theory of… Jun 20268 min read Delhi Sultanate · Part 1 of 10 Slave Dynasty: Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish The Slave dynasty (Mamluk dynasty) that founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206: Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, the rulers list to 1290 and UPSC questions. Jun 202620 min read Peninsular · Part 7 of 7 Society, Religion, Administration and Legacy in the Peninsula The peninsular society and legacy for UPSC: the nadu and village assemblies, the Bhakti saints, the three languages, and the Pallava and Chalukya legacy. Jun 20266 min read Peninsular · Part 6 of 7 The Pallava Temples: Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram The Pallava temples for UPSC: the Pancha Rathas and Descent of the Ganges at Mamallapuram, the structural Shore Temple, and the Kanchipuram Kailasanatha. Jun 20267 min read Peninsular · Part 5 of 7 The Chalukya Temples: Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal The Chalukya temples for UPSC: the Badami caves, Aihole the cradle of the temple, Pattadakal the Heritage Site, and the Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles. Jun 20267 min read Peninsular · Part 4 of 7 The Pallava-Chalukya Conflict The Pallava-Chalukya conflict for UPSC: the long war of Vatapi and Kanchipuram, the sack of Vatapi in 642, the Gangas and the Pandyas, and the outcome. Jun 20267 min read Peninsular · Part 3 of 7 The Pallavas of Kanchipuram The Pallavas of Kanchipuram for UPSC: Simhavishnu, the versatile Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I Mamalla who sacked Vatapi, and the builder Rajasimha. Jun 20266 min read Peninsular · Part 2 of 7 The Chalukyas of Badami and the Great Pulakeshin II The Chalukyas of Badami for UPSC: Pulakeshin I, the great Pulakeshin II who checked Harsha at the Narmada, the Aihole inscription and the fall of Vatapi. Jun 20266 min read Peninsular · Part 1 of 7 The Peninsula in the Age of the Pallavas and Chalukyas Peninsular India for UPSC: the rise of the Pallavas of Kanchipuram and the Chalukyas of Badami, their realms, their rivalry and the sources of the age. Jun 20266 min read Early Medieval · Part 8 of 8 The Decline and the Eve of the Turkish Invasions The eve of the Turkish invasions for UPSC: the divided north, Mahmud of Ghazni and Somnath, Al-Biruni, Muhammad of Ghor, Tarain and the Delhi Sultanate. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 7 of 8 Society, Economy, Religion and Temple Architecture Early-medieval society, religion and temple architecture for UPSC: feudal society, Adi Shankara, Bhakti saints, and the Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 6 of 8 The Rajput Kingdoms of Early-Medieval India The Rajput kingdoms for UPSC: the agnikula myth, the Chauhans and Prithviraj III, the Paramaras of Dhar, the Chandellas of Khajuraho and the Solankis. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 5 of 8 The Rashtrakutas of the Deccan The Rashtrakutas of the Deccan for UPSC: Dantidurga, Krishna I and the Kailasa temple at Ellora, Amoghavarsha I, the Kannada Kavirajamarga and Manyakheta. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 4 of 8 The Palas of Bengal and Bihar The Palas of Bengal and Bihar for UPSC: Gopala the elected founder, Dharmapala, Devapala, their great Buddhist universities and the Pala school of art. Jun 20268 min read Early Medieval · Part 3 of 8 The Gurjara-Pratiharas of Kannauj The Gurjara-Pratiharas of Kannauj for UPSC: Nagabhata I, Nagabhata II, the great Mihira Bhoja, the bulwark against the Arabs of Sind and their decline. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 2 of 8 The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj The tripartite struggle for Kannauj for UPSC: the Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas and their century-long contest for the imperial city of the north. Jun 20267 min read Early Medieval · Part 1 of 8 The Early-Medieval Age, Feudalism and the Sources Early-medieval India for UPSC: the age after Harsha, the prize of Kannauj and the three great powers, the debate on Indian feudalism, and the sources. Jun 20268 min read Harsha · Part 6 of 6 Literature, Culture and the Legacy of Harsha Harsha's literature and legacy for UPSC: Banabhatta's Harshacharita and Kadambari, Harsha's plays, the decline after 647 and the contested final verdict. Jun 20268 min read Harsha · Part 5 of 6 Religion, the Great Assemblies and Hiuen-Tsang Harsha religion and Hiuen-Tsang for UPSC: the eclectic faith, the great Kannauj and Prayag assemblies, and Xuanzang's pilgrimage and study at Nalanda. Jun 20267 min read Harsha · Part 4 of 6 The Administration and Economy of Harsha’s Age Harsha's administration and economy for UPSC: land grants, the feudal turn, Hiuen-Tsang on the mild rule and ordeals, and the decline of towns and coins. Jun 20268 min read Harsha · Part 3 of 6 Harsha’s Empire and the Check at the Narmada Harsha's empire for UPSC: a paramountcy over the north from Kannauj, the Narmada as its southern limit, and the check by Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas. Jun 20267 min read Harsha · Part 2 of 6 The Rise of Harshavardhana The rise of Harshavardhana for UPSC: Prabhakaravardhana, the killing of Grahavarman and Rajyavardhana, the accession of 606 and the Thanesar-Kannauj union. Jun 20267 min read Harsha · Part 1 of 6 Post-Gupta North India: The Regional Kingdoms and the Sources Post-Gupta North India for UPSC: the Maukharis of Kannauj, the Later Guptas, the Maitrakas of Vallabhi, Shashanka of Gauda and Pushyabhutis of Thanesar. Jun 20267 min read Gupta Empire · Part 8 of 8 Gupta Society, Religion and the Decline of the Empire Gupta society and decline for UPSC: the varna order, Fa-Hien, the Eran sati of 510, devotional Hinduism, and the Huna invasions of Skandagupta onward. Jun 202611 min read Gupta Empire · Part 7 of 8 Gupta Art and Architecture: Sculpture, Ajanta Paintings, Temples and Coins Gupta art and architecture for UPSC: Mathura and Sarnath sculpture, Ajanta and Bagh paintings, the first temples at Deogarh and Bhitargaon, and gold coins. Jun 202623 min read Gupta Empire · Part 6 of 8 The Gupta Golden Age: Classical Sanskrit Literature and Learning Gupta Sanskrit literature for UPSC: Kalidasa and Shakuntala, the Mudrarakshasa, the Mrichchhakatika, the Amarakosha and the navaratna legend explained. Jun 202611 min read Gupta Empire · Part 5 of 8 The Gupta Golden Age: Science, Mathematics and Astronomy Gupta science and mathematics for UPSC: Aryabhata on zero, pi and the rotating Earth, the astronomy of Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta on zero and gravity. Jun 202610 min read Gupta Empire · Part 4 of 8 Gupta Administration, Economy and the Rise of Land Grants Gupta administration, economy and land grants for UPSC: bhukti and vishaya, the agrahara, vishti, the gold dinar, and the R.S. Sharma feudalism debate. Jun 20268 min read Gupta Empire · Part 3 of 8 Chandragupta II Vikramaditya: Conquests, Alliances, Coins and Faxian’s Account Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (c. 375 to 415 CE): the Saka conquest, his wives and the Vakataka alliance, coins, the iron pillar and Faxian's visit. Jun 202615 min read Gupta Empire · Part 2 of 8 Samudragupta: The Allahabad Prashasti and the Making of an Empire Samudragupta for UPSC: the Allahabad prashasti of Harisena, the four-fold digvijaya, Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha, the Ashvamedha and the lyrist gold coins. Jun 20267 min read Gupta Empire · Part 1 of 8 The Gupta Empire: Origins, Sources and the Rise of the Dynasty The origins, sources and rise of the Gupta Empire for UPSC: Sri Gupta, Chandragupta I, the Lichchhavi alliance, the Gupta era, coins and inscriptions. Jun 20268 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 8 of 8 Trade, Economy and Society: Indo-Roman Commerce and Mahayana Buddhism Post-Mauryan Indo-Roman trade, economy and society for UPSC: the Periplus, Yavanapriya pepper, Roman gold, the shreni guilds, and the rise of Mahayana. Jun 202610 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 7 of 8 Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravati: The Post-Mauryan Schools of Art The Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravati schools of art for UPSC: the first Buddha images, Greco-Roman Gandhara, indigenous Mathura, marble Amaravati reliefs. Jun 202610 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 6 of 8 The Satavahanas: The First Great Empire of the Deccan The Satavahanas of the Deccan for UPSC: Simuka, Gautamiputra Satakarni and Nahapana, Pratishthana, matronymics, land grants, caves and Amaravati stupa. Jun 202612 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 5 of 8 The Kushana Empire and Kanishka: The Saka Era and Mahayana The Kushana empire and Kanishka for UPSC: the Yuezhi, first gold coins, Kanishka, the Saka era, the Fourth Buddhist Council, Mahayana and the Silk Road. Jun 20268 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 4 of 8 The Sakas and Parthians: The Western Kshatrapas and Rudradaman The Sakas and Parthians for UPSC: the Scythian satraps, the Western Kshatrapas, Rudradaman and the Junagadh inscription, the Saka era and the Parthians. Jun 20268 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 3 of 8 The Indo-Greeks: Bactria, Menander and the First Portrait Coins The Indo-Greeks for UPSC: from Bactria across the Hindu Kush, Demetrius and Menander, the Milindapanha, the first portrait coins and the Gandhara legacy. Jun 20268 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 2 of 8 The Shungas and Kanvas: North India after the Mauryas The Shungas and Kanvas for UPSC: Pushyamitra Shunga, the ashvamedha and Brahmanical revival, Bharhut and Sanchi art, the Heliodorus pillar and the Kanvas. Jun 20267 min read Post-Mauryan India · Part 1 of 8 The Post-Mauryan Age: Political Map, Invasions and Sources The post-Mauryan age for UPSC: India between the Mauryas and Guptas, the Indo-Greek, Saka and Kushana invasions, the coins and inscriptions, and the Saka era. Jun 20269 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 8 of 8 The Decline and Legacy of the Mauryan Empire Decline and legacy of the Mauryan empire for UPSC: the fall after Ashoka, Brihadratha and Pushyamitra Shunga, the debated causes, the successors and legacy. Jun 20269 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 7 of 8 Mauryan Society, Art and Architecture Mauryan society, art and architecture for UPSC: the Ashokan pillars, the Sarnath Lion Capital, the Mauryan polish, stupas, the Barabar caves and folk art. Jun 202611 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 6 of 8 Mauryan Administration and Economy: The Arthashastra State Mauryan administration and economy for UPSC: the Arthashastra state, the saptanga theory, the provinces and capitals, the spy system, revenue, guilds and coins. Jun 202612 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 5 of 8 Edicts of Ashoka: Major and Minor Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts and Their Sites Edicts of Ashoka for UPSC: the 14 major rock edicts, the minor rock and pillar edicts, their sites and scripts, Prinsep's decipherment and past questions. Jun 202618 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 4 of 8 Ashoka, the Kalinga War and the Policy of Dhamma Ashoka's Dhamma for UPSC: the Kalinga War, Rock Edict XIII, the meaning of Dhamma as an ethical code, the Dhamma Mahamatras, and the Buddhist missions. Jun 202610 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 3 of 8 Bindusara and the Accession of Ashoka Bindusara and the accession of Ashoka for UPSC: Bindusara Amitraghata, the Greek envoys Deimachus and Dionysius, and the disputed accession of Ashoka. Jun 20266 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 2 of 8 The Rise of the Mauryas: Chandragupta, Chanakya and the Conquest of Magadha Rise of the Mauryan Empire for UPSC: Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya overthrow the Nandas, defeat Seleucus, the 303 BCE treaty and the empire's extent. Jun 20268 min read Mauryan Empire · Part 1 of 8 Sources for Mauryan History: Literary Texts, Inscriptions and Foreign Accounts Sources of Mauryan history for UPSC: Kautilya's Arthashastra, Megasthenes' Indica, the Ashokan edicts and Brahmi, the Buddhist and Jain texts, and coins. Jun 202610 min read Vedic Age · Part 7 of 7 Archaeology and the Transition to the Mahajanapadas The sixteen Mahajanapadas for UPSC: the Painted Grey Ware and NBPW archaeology, the rise of territorial states, monarchies and republics, and Magadha. Jun 20269 min read Vedic Age · Part 6 of 7 Vedic Religion, Ritual and the Upanishadic Turn Vedic religion for UPSC: the Rigvedic nature gods Indra, Agni and Varuna, the yajna and priests, Later Vedic ritualism and the Upanishadic turn to atman. Jun 20269 min read Vedic Age · Part 5 of 7 Vedic Economy: Rig Vedic Pastoral Economy to Later Vedic Agriculture Vedic economy explained: the pastoral economy of the Rig Vedic period, iron and settled farming in the later Vedic period, crafts, exchange and taxes. Jun 202613 min read Vedic Age · Part 4 of 7 Vedic Society: Varna, Ashramas and the Position of Women Vedic society for UPSC: the varna order and the Purusha Sukta, the four ashramas and purusharthas, the samskaras and marriage, and the position of women. Jun 20269 min read Vedic Age · Part 3 of 7 Vedic Polity: From Tribal Assemblies to Territorial Kingship Vedic polity for UPSC: the Rigvedic rajan and the assemblies (sabha, samiti, vidatha), the Battle of the Ten Kings, and Later Vedic territorial kingship. Jun 20269 min read Vedic Age · Part 2 of 7 Vedic Literature and the Knowledge Systems of the Vedas Vedic literature and knowledge systems for UPSC: the four Vedas, the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads, the six Vedangas, and the Sulbasutras and astronomy. Jun 20267 min read Vedic Age · Part 1 of 7 The Vedic Age: Origins, Chronology and the Geography of Early India The Vedic Age for UPSC: origins, chronology and geography. The two phases, the Aryan question, the seven rivers of Sapta Sindhu, and the eastward shift. Jun 20268 min read Indus Valley · Part 8 of 8 Harappan Legacy, Historiography and Comparative Civilisation Harappan legacy, historiography and comparison for UPSC: what the Indus civilisation left, how it was studied, and how it compares with Egypt and Sumer. Jun 20269 min read Indus Valley · Part 7 of 8 The Decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Aryan Question The decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Aryan question for UPSC: why the Harappan cities fell by 1900 BCE, and the migration and DNA… Jun 202612 min read Indus Valley · Part 6 of 8 Harappan Art, the Seals and the Undeciphered Indus Script Harappan art, seals and script for UPSC: the steatite seals and the unicorn, the bronze Dancing Girl, the Priest-King, and the undeciphered Indus script. Jun 20266 min read Indus Valley · Part 5 of 8 Harappan Religion, Society and Polity: Gods, Rulers and Burials of the Indus Valley Harappan religion explained: the mother goddess, Pashupati seal, fire altars and Great Bath, with Indus Valley civilization society, rulers and burials. Jun 202617 min read Indus Valley · Part 4 of 8 The Harappan Economy, Crafts, Trade and Technology Harappan economy for UPSC: the first cotton, wheat and barley, the bead and metal crafts, the overseas trade with Mesopotamia, and the standard weights. Jun 20266 min read Indus Valley · Part 3 of 8 Harappan Town Planning, Architecture and Engineering Harappan town planning for UPSC: the grid plan, citadel and lower town, the 4:2:1 bricks, the covered drains, the Great Bath and Dholavira's reservoirs. Jun 20267 min read Indus Valley · Part 2 of 8 Harappan Sites and Their Findings: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira, Lothal and More Major Harappan sites on a map: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi, with their states, excavators and key findings. Jun 202613 min read Indus Valley · Part 1 of 8 Discovery, Extent and Chronology of the Indus Civilisation Indus Valley Civilisation for UPSC: discovery of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, the phases from Mehrgarh to Late Harappan, and the extent of the first cities. Jun 20267 min read Chola Administration · Part 4 of 4 Chola Economy, Temple, Society and Administrative Legacy Chola economy, temple, society and legacy for UPSC: the agrarian base, merchant guilds and sea trade, the temples, Nataraja bronzes and self-government. Jun 202611 min read Chola Administration · Part 3 of 4 Chola Revenue, Irrigation, Military and Judicial Administration Chola revenue, irrigation, military and justice for UPSC: the kadamai land tax, Kaveri tanks and canals, the Chola navy, overseas raids and village courts. Jun 20269 min read Chola Administration · Part 2 of 4 Chola Provincial Administration and Local Self-Government Chola local self-government for UPSC: the provincial mandalam and nadu, the ur, sabha and nagaram assemblies, and the famous Uttaramerur kudavolai election. Jun 202611 min read Chola Administration · Part 1 of 4 Chola Dynasty: Rise, Rulers, Empire and Central Administration Chola dynasty for UPSC: founder Vijayalaya, capitals, Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, the empire and map, central administration and Chola temples. Jun 202610 min read Nation-Building · Part 30 of 30 Analytical Themes and the Verdict on Nation-Building Analytical themes and the verdict on nation-building: the core challenges, secularism, planning, federalism, the Emergency, and democracy's resilience. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 29 of 30 Landmark Policies and Programmes of Independent India Landmark policies and programmes of independent India: the Five-Year Plans, the Green and White Revolutions, the 1991 reforms, welfare and Digital India. Jun 202614 min read Nation-Building · Part 28 of 30 Architects of Nation-Building Architects of nation-building: Nehru, Patel, Ambedkar, Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Narasimha Rao and Verghese Kurien, the leaders who built the new republic. Jun 202613 min read Nation-Building · Part 27 of 30 Contemporary India Since 1991 Contemporary India since 1991: the LPG reforms, the WTO, the age of coalitions, the rise of services, jobless growth, and the reorganisation of the states. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 26 of 30 Development versus Ecology: Environmental Movements The environmental movements of independent India: the Bishnoi, Chipko, Silent Valley, the Narmada Bachao Andolan, the green laws and the ecology debate. Jun 202617 min read Nation-Building · Part 25 of 30 Science, Technology and Space Science, technology and space after 1947: the AEC and DAE, the Bhabha three-stage nuclear programme, ISRO from Aryabhata to Mangalyaan, and the IT boom. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 24 of 30 Constitutional Evolution: Amendments and Panchayati Raj Constitutional evolution after 1950: the basic structure cases, the 42nd and 44th Amendments, the 73rd and 74th Amendments, judicial activism and PESA. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 23 of 30 The Emergency 1975-77: Democracy’s Turning Point The Emergency 1975-77: the JP movement, the Allahabad verdict, the proclamation of 25 June 1975, the 42nd Amendment and its reversal by the 44th Amendment. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 22 of 30 Regionalism, Separatism and Insurgency Regionalism, separatism and insurgency after 1947: the typology of movements, the Dravidian and Punjab cases, the north-east, Naxalism and the accords. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 21 of 30 The Language and Cultural Question The language and cultural question after 1947: the Munshi-Ayyangar compromise, Articles 343 to 351, the anti-Hindi agitations and the Eighth Schedule. Jun 202615 min read Nation-Building · Part 20 of 30 Women, Education and Health After 1947 Women, education and health after 1947: the Hindu Code Bills, gender equality, the Kothari Commission, the Bhore Committee and family planning of 1952. Jun 202616 min read Nation-Building · Part 19 of 30 Social Justice: Caste, Reservation and the Dalit Movement Social justice in India since 1947: the Poona Pact, Article 17, reservation under Articles 15 and 16, the Mandal moment of 1990 and the Dalit movement. Jun 202616 min read Nation-Building · Part 18 of 30 Wars and the Bomb, 1947 to 1999 India's wars and the bomb, 1947 to 1999: four wars and Kargil, the Tashkent and Shimla agreements, and the road from Pokhran to its nuclear weapons. Jun 202613 min read Nation-Building · Part 17 of 30 India and Its Neighbours India and its neighbours after 1947: Partition and Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, the Tibet question, and the founding treaties with Nepal and Bhutan. Jun 202611 min read Nation-Building · Part 16 of 30 Foundations of Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment Non-alignment and the foundations of India's foreign policy: anti-colonial roots, Panchsheel, Bandung 1955, the birth of NAM at Belgrade and its critiques. Jun 202613 min read Nation-Building · Part 15 of 30 The 1991 Turn: Crisis and LPG Reforms The 1991 crisis and LPG reforms in India: the balance of payments emergency, the gold pledge, conditionality, devaluation and the New Industrial Policy. Jun 202613 min read Nation-Building · Part 14 of 30 Industrial Development and the Licence Raj The licence raj and industrial development in India: PSUs, steel plants, licensing, MRTP 1969, FERA 1973, small-scale reservation, disinvestment and DIPAM. Jun 202614 min read Nation-Building · Part 13 of 30 Land Reforms, Green and White Revolutions Land reforms in India after 1947: the four pillars, zamindari abolition, Bhoodan, the Green Revolution and HYV package, FCI and MSP, and Operation Flood. Jun 202617 min read Nation-Building · Part 12 of 30 Planning in India: The Five-Year Plan Era The Five-Year Plan era in India: the Planning Commission of 1950, the National Development Council, the Mahalanobis strategy and the shift to NITI Aayog. Jun 202611 min read Nation-Building · Part 11 of 30 The Mixed Economy: Industrial Policy of 1948 and 1956 The mixed economy in India: the Industrial Policy Resolutions of 1948 and 1956, the socialist pattern, public sector and the Nehru-Mahalanobis strategy. Jun 20268 min read Nation-Building · Part 10 of 30 The Party System: Coalitions and Electoral Reform After 1967 The party system in India after 1967: the end of Congress dominance, defections, the 1969 split, coalition politics and the anti-defection law, for UPSC. Jun 20267 min read Nation-Building · Part 9 of 30 The Congress System: One-Party Dominance and Indian Democracy Parliamentary democracy and the Congress system in India: the first general election of 1951-52, Sukumar Sen, one-party dominance and Nehru's leadership. Jun 20267 min read Nation-Building · Part 8 of 30 Federalism and Centre-State Relations: A Strong Centre Federalism and centre-state relations in India: the quasi-federal design, the Governor and Article 356, the Sarkaria Commission and cooperative federalism. Jun 20267 min read Nation-Building · Part 7 of 30 Linguistic Reorganisation of States: From Andhra 1953 to 1956 Linguistic reorganisation of states: the Dhar and JVP committees, Andhra 1953, the Fazl Ali Commission and the States Reorganisation Act 1956, for UPSC. Jun 20267 min read Nation-Building · Part 6 of 30 Salient Features of the Indian Constitution: Why They Were Chosen Salient features of the Indian Constitution: parliamentary democracy, federalism, fundamental rights, secularism, the franchise and judiciary, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read Nation-Building · Part 5 of 30 Making of the Constitution: The Constituent Assembly Making of the Constitution: the Constituent Assembly, the Objectives Resolution, the Drafting Committee, the sources and the adoption, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Nation-Building · Part 4 of 30 Hard Cases of Integration: Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir, Goa The hard cases of integration: Junagadh, Hyderabad and Operation Polo, the Kashmir accession and Article 370, and the liberation of Goa in 1961, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read Nation-Building · Part 3 of 30 Integration of the Princely States: Patel and V. P. Menon Integration of the princely states: Sardar Patel, V. P. Menon, the lapse of paramountcy, the Instrument of Accession and merger of the states, for UPSC. Jun 20267 min read Nation-Building · Part 2 of 30 Partition of India 1947: Mountbatten Plan and Radcliffe Line Partition of India 1947: the Mountbatten Plan, the Independence Act, the Radcliffe Line, the refugee crisis and the birth of two dominions, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Nation-Building · Part 1 of 30 The Challenges of Nation-Building in India After 1947 Challenges of nation-building in India after 1947: the triple task of unity, democracy and development, the colonial legacy and Nehruvian vision, for UPSC. Jun 20269 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 18 of 18 Colonialism Assessed: Analytical Themes, Ready-Reckoners and the Verdict Impact of colonial rule on India assessed: the destructive-versus-modernising debate, the economic balance sheet and a ready-reckoner of the era, for UPSC. Jun 20269 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 17 of 18 The Revolt of 1857: The Great Watershed of Modern Indian History The Revolt of 1857: the causes, the centres and leaders, the nature debate, why it failed, and the Government of India Act of 1858, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 16 of 18 Early Political Associations and the Road to the Indian National Congress Early political associations and the road to the Indian National Congress: the Indian Association, the Ilbert Bill and the founding of 1885, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 15 of 18 Tribal and Peasant Uprisings against Colonial Rule before 1885 Tribal and peasant uprisings before 1885: the Santhal Hul, the Munda Ulgulan, the Indigo Revolt, the Pabna league and the Deccan Riots, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 14 of 18 Education and the Press under Colonial Rule in Modern India Education under British rule and the rise of the Indian press: Macaulay, Wood's Despatch, the universities and the Vernacular Press Act, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 13 of 18 Socio-Religious Reform: Muslim, Sikh, Anti-Caste Reform and the Woman Question Social reform movements: the Aligarh and Deoband, the Singh Sabha, the Satyashodhak Samaj and the woman question and social legislation, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 12 of 18 Socio-Religious Reform: The Bengal Renaissance and Hindu Reform Socio-religious reform and the Bengal Renaissance: Ram Mohan Roy, the Brahmo Samaj, Young Bengal, the Prarthana and Arya Samaj, for UPSC - CSE preparation. Jun 20269 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 11 of 18 Deindustrialisation, the Drain of Wealth and the Famines of British Rule Drain of wealth, deindustrialisation and famines under British rule: Naoroji, the Home Charges, the railway guarantee and the Famine Commission, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 10 of 18 Land Revenue Systems and the Agrarian Economy of Colonial India Land revenue systems of colonial India: the Permanent Settlement, the Ryotwari and Mahalwari systems, agrarian impact and the cash crops, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 9 of 18 Lord Dalhousie and the Machinery of Modern Administration Lord Dalhousie and modern administration: the Doctrine of Lapse, railways, telegraph, the ICS, the Penal Code and the founder of modern India, for UPSC. Jun 20267 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 8 of 18 First Governor-General of India and the Early Governor-Generals: Warren Hastings to Bentinck First Governor-General of India: Bentinck from 1833; the first of Bengal was Warren Hastings from 1773, with Cornwallis and Wellesley in between. Jun 202617 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 7 of 18 The Regulating Act of 1773 and the Colonial Constitutional Framework The Regulating Act of 1773, Pitt's India Act, the Charter Acts and the Government of India Act 1858: the colonial constitution, for UPSC - CSE preparation. Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 6 of 18 The Anglo-Sikh Wars and Britain’s Conquest of the Frontiers The Anglo-Sikh Wars and the conquest of the frontiers: Punjab, Sindh, Nepal and Burma, from Ranjit Singh to annexation, for UPSC - CSE exam preparation. Jun 20266 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 5 of 18 Subsidiary Alliance and the Anglo-Mysore and Anglo-Maratha Wars Lord Wellesley's Subsidiary Alliance, the four Anglo-Mysore Wars and the three Anglo-Maratha Wars: treaties, results and why the Company won. Jun 202613 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 4 of 18 The Carnatic Wars and the British Conquest of Bengal Conquest of Bengal and the Carnatic Wars: Plassey 1757, Buxar 1764, the Diwani of 1765, and why the Company's armies won, for UPSC - CSE exam… Jun 20268 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 3 of 18 Advent of Europeans in India: Portuguese, Dutch, English, French and Danes Advent of Europeans in India: the order of arrival, the Portuguese, Dutch, English, French and Danish companies, their settlements and rivalries. Jun 202615 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 2 of 18 Successor States of the Mughal Empire: Rise of Regional States in 18th-Century India Successor states of the Mughal Empire and other regional states of 18th-century India: Bengal, Awadh, Hyderabad, Marathas, Sikhs, Jats and Mysore. Jun 202617 min read Modern India to 1885 · Part 1 of 18 Decline of the Mughal Empire and Eighteenth-Century India Decline of the Mughal Empire: weak successors, the jagirdari crisis, Nadir Shah, Abdali and Panipat 1761, and the fragmentation of India, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 21 of 21 The Gandhian Era: Historiography, Analysis and the Verdict The Gandhian era weighed: schools of interpretation, the verdict on Gandhi, and a ready-reckoner of the sessions, Acts and pacts, for UPSC - CSE Mains. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 20 of 21 Many Voices: Peasant Movements, Tribals, Workers and Women in the Freedom Struggle Peasant movements, the Kisan Sabhas, tribal revolts, workers and women in the freedom struggle, plus the great Bengal Famine of 1943, for UPSC - CSE Mains. Jun 202610 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 19 of 21 The Constructive Programme and Gandhian Economic Thought The constructive programme and Gandhian economic thought: khadi, Nai Talim, trusteeship, swadeshi and the village-centred economy, for UPSC - CSE Mains. Jun 20267 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 18 of 21 Gandhi and Social Reform: Caste, Untouchability and the Poona Pact Untouchability and Gandhi's social reform: the Harijan campaign, the temple-entry movements, the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate and the Poona Pact, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 17 of 21 The Integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union (1947-1948) The integration of the princely states in 1947-48: Patel, Menon, the Instrument of Accession and the holdouts of Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir, for UPSC. Jun 20268 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 16 of 21 The Partition of India: From Wavell to the Radcliffe Line (1945-1947) The Partition of India in 1947: the Cabinet Mission, Direct Action Day, the Mountbatten Plan and the Radcliffe Line, for UPSC - CSE Mains GS-I aspirants. Jun 202611 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 15 of 21 Communal Politics, the Muslim League and the Demand for Pakistan (1906-1947) The Muslim League and the demand for Pakistan: separate electorates, the two-nation theory and the Lahore Resolution of 1940, for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 14 of 21 Indian National Army: Subhas Chandra Bose, Azad Hind and the INA Trials The Indian National Army: who founded it, Bose and the Azad Hind government, the Imphal campaign, Bose's death and the INA trials of 1945. Jun 202615 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 13 of 21 The Quit India Movement of 1942: Do or Die and the Final Mass Upsurge The Quit India Movement of 1942: the Do or Die call, the arrest of the leaders, the parallel governments and the results, for UPSC - CSE… Jun 202611 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 12 of 21 The Second World War, the Failed Missions and Individual Satyagraha (1939-1944) Individual Satyagraha, the August Offer and the Cripps Mission, 1939 to 1944: India and the Second World War, explained for the UPSC - CSE examination. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 11 of 21 Provincial Autonomy 1937: Elections, Congress Ministries and the 1939 Resignation Provincial autonomy under the Government of India Act 1935: meaning, the 1937 elections, the Congress ministries of 1937 to 1939 and their resignation. Jun 202612 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 10 of 21 The Government of India Act 1935: Provincial Autonomy and the Federal Blueprint Government of India Act 1935: provincial autonomy, dyarchy at the Centre, the stillborn federation and the three lists, explained for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 20268 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 9 of 21 Revolutionary Nationalism in the 1920s-30s: HSRA, Bhagat Singh and Chittagong (1924-1934) Revolutionary nationalism of the 1920s and 1930s: the HSRA, Bhagat Singh, the Chittagong Armoury Raid and the limits of the armed method, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20268 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 8 of 21 The Round Table Conferences, the Poona Pact and Civil Disobedience Phase II (1931-1934) The Round Table Conferences, the Poona Pact and Civil Disobedience Phase II, 1931 to 1934: negotiation and the Depressed Classes, for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 7 of 21 Purna Swaraj and the Salt Satyagraha: Civil Disobedience Phase I (1929-1931) The Salt Satyagraha and Purna Swaraj, 1929 to 1931: the Lahore Congress, Gandhi's Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Phase I, for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 6 of 21 The Simon Commission, the Nehru Report and the Communal Fault-line (1927-1929) The Simon Commission, the Nehru Report and Jinnah's Fourteen Points, 1927 to 1929: the constitutional and communal parting of the ways, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 20269 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 5 of 21 The Swaraj Party and the Council-Entry Years (1922-1928) The Swaraj Party and the council-entry years, 1922 to 1928: C. R. Das, Motilal Nehru and obstruction from within the councils, for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 20268 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 4 of 21 The Non-Cooperation Movement: Programme, Spread and Chauri Chaura (1920-1922) The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 to 1922: its programme, its mass spread, Chauri Chaura and the withdrawal, a clear guide for UPSC - CSE aspirants. Jun 202610 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 3 of 21 Rowlatt, Jallianwala Bagh and the Khilafat Question (1919-1920) Jallianwala Bagh, the Rowlatt Act and the Khilafat movement, 1919 to 1920: how repression and grievance became a national mass movement, for UPSC - CSE. Jun 202610 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 2 of 21 Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha and the Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1917-1918) Champaran Satyagraha (1917), the Ahmedabad mill strike and the Kheda Satyagraha (1918): causes, dates, leaders, outcomes and the UPSC questions on each. Jun 202618 min read The Gandhian Era · Part 1 of 21 Gandhi Before the Mass Movement: South Africa, Satyagraha and the Gandhian Creed Satyagraha and the Gandhian creed: Gandhi in South Africa, the rise of Ahimsa, Swaraj, Sarvodaya and Trusteeship, explained for UPSC - CSE preparation. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 14 of 14 The Verdict: Moderates versus Extremists and the Historiography Moderates versus Extremists for UPSC: a structured comparison, a final assessment of each, the historiography and the inheritance passed to Gandhi. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 13 of 14 Reunion, the Lucknow Pact and the Home Rule Leagues of 1916 The Lucknow Pact of 1916 and the Home Rule Leagues for UPSC: the Congress reunion, the Congress-League pact, Tilak and Besant, and the Montagu Declaration. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 12 of 14 Early Revolutionary Nationalism: Bengal, Maharashtra and Abroad Early revolutionary nationalism for UPSC: the Anushilan Samiti, Jugantar and Abhinav Bharat, the Muzaffarpur bomb, India House and the Ghadar Party. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 11 of 14 The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 and the Foundation of the Muslim League Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) and the Muslim League for UPSC: separate electorates, the 1906 founding, the Simla Deputation and S.P. Sinha. Jun 20268 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 10 of 14 The Surat Split of 1907 and the Machinery of British Repression The Surat Split of 1907 and British repression for UPSC: the Moderate-Extremist rift, the 1906 Calcutta resolutions, the repressive Acts and the trials. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 9 of 14 Partition of Bengal 1905 and the Swadeshi Movement: Causes, Strands and Annulment Partition of Bengal 1905: Curzon's reasons, the date, the Swadeshi movement from 7 August 1905, its boycott and national education, and the 1911 annulment. Jun 202620 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 8 of 14 The Extremist Leaders: Lal-Bal-Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh Extremist leaders for UPSC: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal) and Aurobindo Ghosh, their methods, regions and creed. Jun 202611 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 7 of 14 The Rise of the Extremists: Causes, Ideology and Programme Rise of the Extremists for UPSC: the causes (Curzon, partition, famine, world events), the ideology of Swaraj and self-reliance, and the four-fold programme. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 6 of 14 Moderate Demands, Achievements and a Critical Assessment The Moderates assessed for UPSC: their demands, the Indian Councils Act of 1892, their achievements and limitations, and a balanced verdict. Jun 20268 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 5 of 14 Drain of Wealth Theory: Dadabhai Naoroji and Moderate Economic Nationalism Drain of wealth theory: who gave it, Naoroji's Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, the Home Charges, R. C. Dutt and the nationalist critique. Jun 202612 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 4 of 14 The Moderate Leaders: Naoroji, Gokhale and Banerjee The Moderate leaders for UPSC: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta and Ranade, and the institutions they built. Jun 20268 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 3 of 14 The Moderates: Ideology, Methods and Constitutional Agitation (1885 to 1905) Who were the Moderates? The early nationalists of the Congress, 1885 to 1905: liberal ideology, constitutional agitation, the 3 Ps and their main demands. Jun 202616 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 2 of 14 Pre-Congress Associations and the Foundation of the INC (1885) Foundation of the Indian National Congress 1885 for UPSC: the pre-Congress associations, A.O. Hume, the first session, and the safety-valve debate. Jun 20269 min read Moderates & Extremists · Part 1 of 14 The Rise of Indian Nationalism: Roots, Causes and Factors Rise of Indian nationalism for UPSC: how colonial unification, English education, the press, social reform and racial laws built a national consciousness. Jun 202612 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 7 of 7 Revolt of 1857: Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence? Views of Historians Was the Revolt of 1857 a sepoy mutiny or the first war of independence? The colonial, nationalist, Majumdar, Sen, Marxist and subaltern views. Jun 202614 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 6 of 7 Consequences of the Revolt of 1857 and the Government of India Act 1858 The consequences of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC: the Government of India Act 1858, Crown rule, the Queen's Proclamation, the army and the princely states. Jun 202610 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 5 of 7 The Suppression of the Revolt of 1857: The British Reconquest and Its Reprisals The suppression of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC: the British reconquest of Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow and Central India, the reprisals and the end of Company… Jun 202612 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 4 of 7 Participation, Nature and Causes of Failure of the Revolt of 1857 Participation, nature and causes of failure of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC: who joined, who stayed loyal, the character of the revolt and why it… Jun 202613 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 3 of 7 Leaders of the Revolt of 1857 and Their Centres: Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow and Jhansi Leaders of the Revolt of 1857 and where they fought: Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi and Bihar, with a map of the centres, key dates and UPSC… Jun 202621 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 2 of 7 Causes of the Revolt of 1857: Political, Economic, Military and Religious Causes of the Revolt of 1857 for UPSC: the political, economic, military and religious grievances and the immediate greased-cartridge spark behind the uprising. Jun 202611 min read Revolt of 1857 · Part 1 of 7 Revolt of 1857: Meaning, Nature and the Uprisings Before It Revolt of 1857 explained for UPSC: the meaning and nature of the great uprising and the century of civil, tribal and sepoy rebellions that came before… Jun 20269 min read Bardoli Satyagraha 1928: The No-Tax Campaign Led by Vallabhbhai Patel Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 in Surat district: why peasants refused the revenue hike, how Vallabhbhai Patel led it, the 6.03% award and the title Sardar. May 20269 min read Flag Satyagraha (Jhanda Satyagraha) of 1923: Nagpur, Jabalpur and the Swaraj Flag Flag Satyagraha (Jhanda Satyagraha) of 1923 at Nagpur and Jabalpur: Jamnalal Bajaj, Patel, the settlement, the Swaraj flag and the Flag Code. Feb 202115 min read Classical Dance Forms of India: The 8 Classical Dances, Their States and Features Classical dance forms of India: the 8 classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, their states, the Natya Shastra grammar and Chhau. Aug 202015 min read Liberalisation in India: Meaning, the 1991 Reforms, Key Measures and Effects on the Economy Liberalisation in India explained: meaning, the 1991 crisis and New Economic Policy, industrial, financial, tax and trade reforms, and their effects. Jun 201910 min read Industrial Revolution in England: Why It Began, Inventions, Life and Impact on India Industrial Revolution in England: why it began in Britain, key inventions, workers' lives and factory laws, impact on India and the historians' debate. Mar 201911 min read Economic Impact of British Rule in India: Deindustrialisation, Drain and Famines Economic impact of British rule in India: Company rule, deindustrialisation, land revenue, commercialisation of agriculture, famines and the drain. Jan 201915 min read Permanent Settlement 1793: Ruin of Old Zamindars and the New Landlordism Permanent Settlement of Bengal, 1793: who introduced it, the sunset law, the ruin of old zamindars, jotedars, absentee landlordism and zamindari abolition. Dec 201813 min read Father of Indian Constitution: B. R. Ambedkar’s Role and Social Reform Why B. R. Ambedkar is the father of Indian Constitution: his role as Drafting Committee chairman, the Poona Pact, Mahad Satyagraha and the Hindu Code Bill. Dec 201822 min read Wavell Plan 1945 and the Shimla Conference: Proposals and Failure Wavell Plan of 14 June 1945 and the Shimla Conference, 25 June to 14 July 1945: the Executive Council proposals, parity, and why the talks failed. Dec 201813 min read Mountbatten Plan 1947: Date, Provisions, Balkan Plan and Independence Act Mountbatten Plan, or 3 June Plan, 1947: its date, provisions, the Balkan (Dickie Bird) Plan, the Indian Independence Act and the Radcliffe Line. Nov 201813 min read Wood’s Despatch 1854: Recommendations, Significance and Limitations Wood's Despatch of 1854, the Magna Carta of English Education in India: background, recommendations, the universities of 1857, significance and limits. Nov 201817 min read