What are the important History Topics for UPSC?

Some of the key history topics for UPSC that are frequently asked in the CSE examination are Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic period, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, the British rule in India , Indian National Movement, Indian Freedom Struggle , etc. Apart from these topics, candidates should also have a good understanding of important personalities, events, and movements.

What are the important ancient India History Topics for UPSC?

The major ancient India History Topics for UPSC are Indus Valley Civilization, Sangam period, Buddhism, e.g., Sautrantika and Sammitiya sub-sects, Hinaya school, Jainism, and Post-Mauryan India. Candidates can also go through the Previous year’s Ancient History Questions in UPSC Prelims to understand the pattern and important topics.

What are the crucial Medieval India History Topics for UPSC?

Some of the important Medieval India History Topics for UPSC include the Bhakti and Sufi Movement, The Battle of Panipat, Akbar’s rule and religious views, Jahangir’s rule, The Pratiharas , Chalukyas, Aurangzeb, Shivaji, The Peshwas, Vijayanagara Empire. Analyzing the previous year’s Medieval Indian History Questions in Prelims can give you a better idea of the important topics. However, it is recommended that candidates cover the whole syllabus for fruitful results.

What are the important modern History Topics for UPSC?

Some important modern History Topics for UPSC Prelims are the Land Revenue System: Ryotwari and Mahalwari system and Permanent Settlement, Revolt of 1857 , Hartog Committee (1929), Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (1937), Vernacular Press Act, 1878, Socio-religious reforms. Modern History Previous Year Questions UPSC Prelims Modern History UPSC Notes

What are the important art & culture History Topics for UPSC?

The crucial art & culture History Topics for UPSC are Indian Architecture, Sculpture and Pottery Post-Mauryan Art, Gupta Age Art, Mughal Art, etc., South Indian Art, Harappan Art, and Mauryan Art. However, candidates must focus on covering all the topics from the syllabus for better results. Art & Culture Previous Year Questions UPSC Prelims Art & Culture Previous Year Questions UPSC Mains

Which are the best books to cover the History Topics for UPSC?

The best books to cover the History Topics for UPSC Prelims include India’s Ancient Past by R. S. Sharma, History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra, India’s Struggle For Independence by Bipan Chandra , Indian Art, and Culture by Nitin Singhania, and History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra.

Is NCERT enough to cover the History Topics for UPSC?

NCERTs are the best way to understand the basic things, but for the UPSC exam candidates would need more in-depth information that NCERTs may not provide. So for a solid preparation of History Topics for UPSC candidates need to rely on other sources apart from NCERTs. How to Read NCERTs for UPSC? NCERT Notes for UPSC

How to master History Topics for UPSC?

To cover the History Topics for UPSC in the best possible way, candidates need to create a chronology for every period, and important events of that period. Candidates need to make short notes and revise the entire syllabus at least 2 times. Solving the previous year’s questions can also help the candidates to have rock-solid preparation.

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Important History Topics for UPSC: Ancient, Medieval, Modern History for UPSC

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 11th, 2023

History Topics for UPSC: History is an integral part of the UPSC syllabus and covers a wide range of topics. However, having an idea about important History history topics can increase an aspirant’s chances of success. The History Topics for UPSC Prelims revolve around the history of India which is further divided into ancient, modern, and medieval Indian history. While it is important to give equal attention to all History topics for UPSC, however during the revision period special focus should be put on the most important topics for fruitful results.

That’s why in this article we have covered the crucial History Topics for UPSC from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods that candidates shouldn’t miss during their preparation. Aspirants should note that they need to complete the whole history syllabus first, and then put special attention to the important History Topics for UPSC.

Table of content

1. History Topics for UPSC
2. Ancient India History Topics for UPSC
3. Important Medieval India History Topics for UPSC
4. Modern History Topics for UPSC
5. Art & Culture History Topics for UPSC
6. Best Books for History Topics for UPSC
7. How to Cover Important History Topics for UPSC

History Topics for UPSC

The UPSC History Syllabus for Prelims can be divided into four parts, namely- Ancient India, Medieval India, Art & Culture, and Modern India. These sections cover a wide range of topics. That’s why candidates should know which History Topics for Prelims to target so that they can utilize their time in the best possible way and ace the history section in the UPSC Prelims exam. We will list down the important History Topics for UPSC Prelims.

Ancient India History Topics for UPSC

Ancient Indian history holds significant importance in the Prelims syllabus. Ancient history mainly refers to the period from the beginning of the record and writing of humans, and it takes back to 5000 years ago. Below we have listed Ancient Indian History Topics for UPSC.

Important Medieval India History Topics for UPSC

Medieval Indian history refers to the period of Indian history that spans from the 8th century AD to the 18th century AD. This period witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties and empires, including the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Maratha Empire. The important History Topics for UPSC from the medieval period are as follows:

Modern History Topics for UPSC

Modern Indian history covers a wide range of topics related to the development of modern India, and events that happened in that period. Modern Indian history has changed a lot and had a big impact on the economy, and political system of our society. Some of the important History topics for UPSC from modern India are given below.

Art & Culture History Topics for UPSC

Art & Culture hold high importance in the CSE Exam, and questions related to Art & Culture are asked in the both Prelims and Main exams. While the art and culture in Indian history is a wide topic, candidates should only read the topics mentioned in the UPSC Syllabus. Below we have provided a list of important Art & Culture History Topics for UPSC that candidates shouldn’t miss.

Indian Architecture, Sculpture, and Pottery
Post-Mauryan Art
Temple Architecture
Prehistoric Rock Paintings
Gupta Age Art
Mughal Architecture
South Indian Art
Dances of India
Classical Dances of India
Harappan Art
Mauryan Art.
Ramappa Temple

Best Books for History Topics for UPSC

An effective preparation strategy to cover the history section for Prelims is incomplete without the right books. There is a wide range of options when it comes to choosing books for the history section of Prelims. However, it is impossible to complete all of them. It can get overwhelming for the candidates when it comes to choosing the right book. To make things easier here, we have listed down the best books to cover History Topics for UPSC Prelims below.

India’s Ancient Past by R. S. Sharma
India’s Struggle For Independence by Bipan Chandra
History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra
Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

How to Cover Important History Topics for UPSC

The history syllabus covers a vast range of historical events and personalities, making it essential for candidates to have a clear understanding of the most Important History topics for UPSC. However, below we have provided you with practical tips to help you prepare for the history section of the exam.

Start analyzing the History syllabus, and don’t focus only on the important History topics. Questions from UPSC are unpredictable, and you need to be ready for all types of questions.
Start with the NCERT Books for UPSC to build a solid theoretical foundation.
Then glance through the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers to know the difficulty level and important sections.
Start making short notes to revise the subject quickly.
Focus on more factual details.
Don’t try to read from too many books and sources

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