UPSC with Kawal Baweja

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 28)

Date - 11 Jan,2025

Q 28 Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (2016/15 marks)
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 14 Jan,2025

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

In the End - Efforts are all that matters…

Historical Reflection #2: Efforts Are What Truly Matter

History reminds us that while luck may not always be on our side, and success may not always be guaranteed, consistent effort is the one thing that truly defines our legacy. A shining example of this is Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Reshaping India’s Destiny Through Effort

Born into one of the most oppressed communities in India, Ambedkar faced systemic discrimination at every step of his life. Yet, his journey was defined not by privilege or luck but by relentless effort:

In Pursuit of Knowledge:

Despite social ostracism, Ambedkar excelled academically, earning multiple degrees from institutions like Columbia University and the London School of Economics. His efforts to educate himself were driven by an unshakeable belief in self-improvement and empowerment through knowledge.


The Architect of Equality:

Ambedkar tirelessly worked to dismantle centuries of caste oppression, becoming the voice of millions who had been denied dignity and rights. As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, he ensured that principles of equality, justice, and liberty became the foundation of modern India.

A Legacy of Effort, Not Luck:

Ambedkar’s achievements were not the result of favorable circumstances but decades of dedication to the cause of social justice. His life exemplifies how consistent effort can overcome even the greatest barriers.

Key Learning:

Dr. Ambedkar’s life teaches us that while circumstances may not always favor us, effort is within our control. It is effort—not luck—that leaves a lasting impact on the world.

Building on our earlier thought, “Nothing is permanent,” this reflection emphasizes that effort remains constant and is the most valuable force in shaping history.

Do comment if you resonate with this thought and what are the other examples of Resilience that you would like to share…

Warm Regards
Kawal Baweja

Announcement for Students enrolled in -

Prelims Revision Program - Batch 1 - Modern History

2 Topics under Pointer Notes were left -

Lecture 8 - After Partition of Bengal till Surat Split (1907)

Lecture 9 - Special Lecture on Gandhi

Files already submitted - Will be availble on portal by 4 PM, You can download it afterwards.

Also, There will be a Last Lecture on Miscellaneous Topics on Saturday (10 AM to 2 PM) to mark the completion of this Modern History segment in History PRP Course.

Apart from these changes, Any major doubt - feedback - grievance w.r.t course is welcome. 🙏

Introducing: Reflections from History by Kawal Baweja

Dear Aspirants,

History isn’t just about dates and events—it’s about timeless lessons. Through our new series, “Reflections from History,” I’ll share thought-provoking insights that connect the past to the present. Let’s explore the wisdom history offers and deepen our love for the subject!

Reflection 1: The Impermanence of Power

History teaches us one undeniable truth: Nothing is Permanent.
Empires rise and fall, rulers come and go, and what seems indomitable today may fade into oblivion tomorrow. This impermanence of power is a lesson history has repeatedly shown us, yet humanity struggles to internalize it.

Take the example of the Mauryan Empire. Under Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great, it stood as one of the most powerful and expansive empires in Indian history, uniting vast regions under a single administration. Ashoka’s Dhamma and his efforts to spread Buddhism left an indelible mark on Indian culture. However, within a few decades of Ashoka’s death, the empire disintegrated due to internal strife, weak successors, and regional fragmentation.

The decline of the Mauryan Empire reminds us that no matter how strong or visionary a ruler may be, time and circumstances eventually catch up. Empires crumble, not just because of external forces but often due to internal weaknesses—be it complacency, mismanagement, or an inability to adapt to changing times.

This truth isn’t just about history; it holds relevance for us today. It reminds us to focus on building enduring values and principles rather than clinging to temporary power or glory. What truly lasts is not the empire we build, but the legacy we leave behind.

What other examples of impermanence can you think of, especially from Indian history? Share your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Kawal Baweja
(UPSC with Kawal Baweja)

🚨Building a strong foundation is crucial for your UPSC journey!

Join us today at 4:30 PM for the History Orientation Session by Kawal Sir in our GS Foundation 2026 Program.

I'm sharing a detailed class-by-class schedule covering all the topics.

Start your Prep TODAY!

🔗 Course Link - https://www.sarrthiias.com/course/gs-foundation-course-2026-batch-2
📞 Call Us: 9569093856 for inquiries!

MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS - LOOKING FORWARD TO INDIVIDUAL HISTORY COURSES

Exact Dates of Course Launch will be communicated by Saturday..

2 Courses will be availble for now - History Foundation 2026 and History Prelims Revision 2025

Other details will be communicated by this weekend, so those looking forward for Prelims 2025 can be assured and till then focus on other fundamental subjects.

“It is you who must rise, you who must strive, and in the end, it is you who will define your journey—nothing else will matter.”

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 27)

Date - 7Jan,2025

Q 27 Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (2021/15 marks)
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 10 Jan,2025

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Message for Students enrolled in Prelims Revision Program - Modern History…

Hello Students,

In History PRP Lecture No. 16, we have successfully covered all the significant topics up to India’s Independence in 1947, as per the scheduled timeline.

The final lecture on Miscellaneous Topics is scheduled for this Saturday, as I need more time to structure the notes for enhanced conceptual clarity. This will ensure comprehensive and well-organized coverage.

I hope you are feeling more confident in your understanding of History so far. Let’s gear up to complete Modern History with 100% coverage and clarity!

Looking forward to wrapping up this journey successfully with all of you.

Notes Update -

Students recently you would have heard about a Series - Freedom at Midnight .

In that series, Time period from 1946 and 1947 has been shown with major focus on Cabinet Mission.

So this year of Modern History (1946-47) becomes relevant for our examination…

Please refer to these notes while covering this time period..

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then is not an Act, but a Habit - Aristotle

📜 Must-Know British Acts: 1858 to 1935 📜

From the Crown’s takeover in 1858 to the transformative GOI Act of 1935, these landmark legislations laid the foundation of India’s governance system.

🔥 Why is this important?

These acts are high-impact topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains, crucial for understanding the evolution of colonial administration.

🎥 Watch the detailed breakdown here: [Click Here]

Don’t miss out on these essential insights, because you might understand these Acts for the first time 💡”

https://youtu.be/7dr_IC4RocQ?si=qDcsecrYxcV-fDHv

Notes Update

I have compiled the list of Important IVC sites - These sites have been news since last year due to recent excavations…


Please add them to your notes if you find them valuable..


Please excuse for the Song selections if any student finds it otherwise 😎, for me it makes the content lively since my school days…

We all are in the same boat… 🙂

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 26)

Date - 2 Jan,2025

Q 26 Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (22/15)
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 6 Jan,2025

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Wishing You All a Very Happy New Year

Dear Students,

As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for being part of this journey with you. The path of preparation is not always easy, but your hard work, perseverance, and determination inspire me every single day.

This year, let us continue to aim higher, dream bigger, and work smarter. Remember, history teaches us that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every struggle prepares us for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we will strive not just for success in exams but also for a deeper understanding of the world around us.

May this New Year bring you clarity of thought, strength of will, and joy in every step you take. Keep learning, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.

Let’s make 2025 a year of accomplishments, growth, and memorable milestones!

With warm regards and best wishes,
Kawal Baweja

Important Message:

If you find British Acts and Regulations a boring and difficult topic to memorize, this lecture is for you!

Through an engaging story format, I promise you’ll understand these concepts clearly—perhaps for the first time.

This topic is crucial for your Prelims preparation also, as questions from it appear every alternate year.

👉 Watch the lecture here: https://youtu.be/a-vhgXCXgcI?si=X1EbvjCxdu6m-wEY

UPSC with Kawal Baweja pinned Deleted message

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 25)

Date - 1 Jan,2025

Q 25 Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and
Brahmo Samaj (2021/15 marks. 250 words.
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 1 Jan,2025

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Value addition -

Old students - Please update these notes for Charter Acts and Regulations (1773 -1853), you can also use it for revision purposes…

🌟 A Heartfelt Thanks to Students🌟

Dear Aspirants,

Thank you for sharing your honest and constructive feedback about the Prelims Revision Program for Modern History. I deeply appreciate your kind words and valuable suggestions—they mean a lot to me.

I’ve reflected on the feedback, especially about staying focused on the topic, and I’ve made conscious efforts to work on them in recent sessions. I hope these changes have been evident and beneficial for you.

Your feedback reminds me that growth is a continuous process, and I will always remain open to genuine suggestions. Together, we’ll keep improving and working towards success.

Let’s move forward with focus and determination!

Warm regards,
Kawal Baweja
UPSC History Faculty

✨ Proud Moment for Us! ✨

Today, the UP PCS Prelims paper was conducted, and I’m happy to share that a majority of the questions from the History section could be solved directly from our class lectures and notes!

Many students have messaged me, sharing how confident they felt tackling the History section (And were confident enough to leave all those questions - They didn't know). It’s moments like these that remind us of the value of consistent effort and focused preparation.

The takeaway? If you stay consistent with the classes, revise the notes diligently, and understand the concepts deeply, success is well within reach. Let’s continue this momentum, and we’ll undoubtedly have many more proud moments ahead!

💪 Keep pushing forward, and let’s make History together!

Kawal Baweja
UPSC History Faculty

EIC Structure before Regulating Act of 1773..

EIC Structure after Pitt's India Act of 1784

Value Addition -

Students, i have preapred new set of infographics while upgrading notes for 2025. Please add these to the relevant topics where they fit in..

i hope it helps..

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 23)

Date - 19 Dec Nov 2024

Q 23 How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (22/10)
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 21 December

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

https://youtu.be/pRQW1RVjvpo?si=0DFE0P8yXE1gNkaL

Hello Aspirants

This message is for students who are part of prelims revision program where History is ongoing.

In case you have any feedback or any genuine query that i should work upon, you can list it under this section..

I shall be very thankful..

Kawal Baweja
UPSC History Faculty

Hello Aspirants

This message is for Students who are looking forward for individual module of History for Prelims 2025 and Comprehensive History Batch (Prelims + Mains) for 2026.

Tentatively, it will be available by January - Announcement will be made during that time period..

In case you are worried about History - You can be rest assured…

Kawal Baweja
UPSC History Faculty

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 22)

Date - 16 Dec Nov 2024

Q 22 The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (22/15)
Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 19 December

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission and no answer will be checked submitted after the deadline (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 11)

Date - 17 oct 2024

Q 11 Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since twenties of the last century. (2017/15).250 words)


Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 21 Oct

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 10)

Date - 12 oct 2024

Q 10 Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy (2017/15).(250 words)


Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 16 Oct

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written on A4 sheets and in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative.

Dear Students,

On this auspicious day of Dussehra, we are reminded of a profound moral lesson that resonates across time—the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The story of Lord Rama is a reminder for each of us to conquer our inner demons. Whether it's anger, pride, or greed, we all have battles to fight within ourselves.

As we burn the effigy of Ravana today, let’s also resolve to eliminate these negative tendencies from our lives. Dussehra reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, it is always temporary.

Let’s draw inspiration from this festival and stay true to our values, especially in the UPSC journey, where perseverance, integrity, and hard work will always guide us towards success.

Wishing you all a victorious Dussehra!

In the End we only regret the chances, We didn’t take - RATAN TATA

INDIA & INDIANS will always be indebted…

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 9)

Date - 8 oct 2024

Q 9 Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.(250 words)


Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 11 Oct

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative..

Happy Gandhi Jayanti… 🙏😊

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 8)

Date - 28 Sep 2024

Q 8 How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi. Discuss.(250 words


Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 3 Oct

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative..

Live Discussion on YT at 1.30 PM by Kawal Sir.

Do join to understand the Approach, Though Process - How to attempt and score better in Mains Examination especially for History.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC7Xn-GHkw0

History Notes by Kawal Sir

Topic - Janapadas & Mahajanapadas

Class Notes by Kawal Sir

Topic - Vedic Age

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.

Free Answer Writing Initiative by Kawal Sir (Q No. 7)

Date - 20 Sep 2024

Q 7 Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.(250 words


Instructions -

1. Deadline for Answer submission - 23 Sep

2. Answers to be uploaded under this section only and checked answers will be reverted within 3 days after submission (Please don’t ask before the given time period)

3. Answers files should be in PDF format with proper naming. (Unnamed answers will not be checked nor entertained)

4. Answers should be written in a proper format and uploaded with proper scanning.


In case the answer copy is not legitimate as per given instructions - Answer won’t be checked..

Students, I hope that you will make the best of this initiative..

CLASS NOTES BY KAWAL SIR

LECTURE 1 - STONE AGE
LECTURE 2 - INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

Checked Answer Files will be uploaded under this section.