1885 to 1947 material in a NEW FORM

Find on the following link here a material on the period 1885 to 1947 on Indian Independence history.

There is a huge bank of different type of questions (multiple choice question, reasoning questions, fill in the blanks, two lines questions).

They are highly useful for the paper II wherein multiple choice questions are there.

In case of Paper III also in new form, Fifty words questions can be easily developed from them.

Middle Ages in Modern World History

Find a good material on Middle Ages and related debate which has been based on the recent trends in the study of the European History and Modern World History on the following link.

Was Middle Ages in Europe A Dark Age!, European History/Renaissance

The bifurcation of the syllabus is such that you can not leave any portion uncovered now. Therefore, start looking to the World History. A general student of Postgraduate History in India is trained mostly in regional or national histories. World history or Modern History is new trend. Therefore, if you go for selective portion even then you should try to develop understanding of Modern World History. The Middle Ages is the good starting point. You will also find comprehensive material at one place on the following link.

It has special importance for the students who have opted for the Modern World and World History. In India, most the available books refers to Middle Ages as Dark ages. However, in examinations there are many questions which refers to intellectual achievements before the Renaissance period. It confuses some candidates and on the other hand also force you to misunderstand the questions which are being asked.

Web Site of UGC

The web of UGC is worth visiting from time to time.

There is latest notification on the paper III available on the website.

Fundamental of Ancient History of India

If you are preparing the Anceint History section, before starting with the syllabus, You must try to make your fundamentals on the Ancient History of India very clear.

If interested, then try the question bank on Religion of Vedas at the following link:
http://civilservices-prelims.blogspot.com/

Wait for the syllabus based notes. It will be soon here.

Haideri Flag

Haideri flag is symbol of respect to Ali. It is symbol of Ali as a perfect warrior.

Ali was also known as Haider. Haider means a Lion. Whenever the Muslims go on war against the infidels, they invoke his name and in veneration to warrior traits of Ali, they adopt the symbol of Haideri Flag.

Haider or Haydar is an Arabic word. It is an epithets of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. In Muslim Traditon (hadith), Sunnite as well as Shiite, the Prophet is said to have said; "There is no young hero as Ali, and no sword than 'Dhu'l iqar'". 'Dhu'l Fiqar' is the sword of Ali.

Ali and his sword is symbolized as two swords on the green flag by the warriors on who go on war. Such a flag is called Haideri flag.

Both Sunnis and Shittee revere Ali and his sword.

Such an invocation had been raised by Muslims. It was even raised by Haider Ali of Mysore and also his son Tipu Sultan.

The Subedar of Lahore had raised this flag against Banda Singh Bhadur during the Rahon Battle.

Sources: Dr. Christoph W. Marcinkowski, Associate Research Scholar, Encyclopaedia Iranica, Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia University, New York. Kate Brittlebank, Tipu Sultan's Search for Legitimacy_ (OUP, Delhi, 1997), pp. 43-44. As told on H-Asia of H-Net.

Aim of UGC/NET Preparation History

The aim of this blog is to discuss the preparation of the NET for lecturership.

Myself is JRF/UGC NET of 1992 when there was negative marking.

It is intended that syllabus of UGC NET (2003) is explained and elborated here.