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.
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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.
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Sangam Age
- Buddhism
- Hinaya school
- Jainism
- Gupta Empire
- Harshavardhana
- Vedic period
- Later Vedic period
- Mahajanapadas
- Mauryan empire
- Ashoka Empire
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:
- Bhakti Movement
- Bhakti and Sufi Movement
- Pratiharas
- Indian Feudalism
- Chola Dynasty
- Delhi Sultanate
- Akbar
- Mughal Empire
- Mughal Architecture
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.
- Land Revenue System
- Ryotwari System
- Mahalwari System
- Permanent Settlement
- Revolt of 1857
- Socio-religious reforms
- Portuguese in India
- Dutch in India
- Crown Rule in India
- Anglo Maratha War
- Doctrine of Lapse
- The Charter Acts
- Cabinet Mission (1946)
- Indian Independence Act 1947
- Peasant Movements
- Extremist
- Differences between the Moderates and the Extremists
- Governor generals and viceroys of India
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