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## **Title: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Books for UPSC History Preparation**
### **Introduction**
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most challenging exams in India. Among the various subjects, history is a significant part of both the Preliminary and Mains examinations. Given the vastness of the syllabus, choosing the right books is crucial for effective preparation. In this blog, we will explore the best books for UPSC history, covering ancient, medieval, modern history, and world history.
1. Understanding the Importance of History in UPSC**
- **History as a core subject:**
- History is a vital part of the General Studies paper in both Prelims and Mains.
- It helps build a foundation for other subjects like polity, geography, and culture.
- **Contribution to essay writing:**
- Historical knowledge enriches essays and makes arguments more compelling.
- **Relevance in the interview:**
- Historical perspectives often come up during the interview, making it essential for overall preparation.
2. Recommended Books for Ancient History**
- **2.1. NCERT Textbooks**
- *NCERT Class VI: Our Past - I*
- *NCERT Class XI: Themes in World History*
- *NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History – Part I*
- **Why NCERT?**
- Simple language, comprehensive content, and clarity in concepts.
- Helps build a strong foundation, especially for beginners.
- **2.2. “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma**
- **About the book:**
- An essential book that provides a detailed analysis of ancient Indian history.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Written by a reputed historian, it offers an in-depth understanding of social, economic, and cultural aspects.
- **2.3. “The Wonder That Was India” by A.L. Basham**
- **About the book:**
- A classic text that explores India's ancient civilization.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Offers insights into India's ancient culture, religion, and philosophy.
3. Recommended Books for Medieval History**
- **3.1. NCERT Textbooks**
- *NCERT Class VII: Our Past - II*
- *NCERT Class XI: Themes in Indian History – Part II*
- **Why NCERT?**
- Concise and covers all the essential topics.
- **3.2. “History of Medieval India” by Satish Chandra**
- **About the book:**
- A comprehensive book covering the period from the 8th to the 18th century.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Detailed analysis of political, social, and economic conditions during medieval India.
- **3.3. “Medieval India” by J.L. Mehta**
- **About the book:**
- An extensive book that delves into various aspects of medieval Indian history.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Useful for both Prelims and Mains with in-depth coverage of key topics.
---
4. Recommended Books for Modern History**
- **4.1. NCERT Textbooks**
- *NCERT Class VIII: Our Past - III*
- *NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History – Part III*
- **Why NCERT?**
- Essential for building a base before moving on to more advanced books.
- **4.2. “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra**
- **About the book:**
- A must-read book that provides a detailed account of India’s freedom struggle.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Covers the entire spectrum of the independence movement with a focus on critical events and personalities.
- **4.3. “A Brief History of Modern India” by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum)**
- **About the book:**
- A concise book that covers the modern history of India.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Popular among aspirants for its clear presentation, timelines, and summary points.
- **4.4. “Plassey to Partition” by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay**
- **About the book:**
- Provides an in-depth analysis of the events leading to the partition of India.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Offers a nuanced understanding of colonialism and its impact on Indian society.
---
5. Recommended Books for World History**
- **5.1. NCERT Textbooks**
- *NCERT Class IX: India and the Contemporary World – I*
- *NCERT Class X: India and the Contemporary World – II*
- *NCERT Class XI: Themes in World History*
- **Why NCERT?**
- Provides a clear and concise understanding of world history concepts.
- **5.2. “Mastering Modern World History” by Norman Lowe**
- **About the book:**
- A comprehensive book that covers significant global events from the Renaissance to the Cold War.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Detailed coverage of world history, helpful for both Prelims and Mains.
- **5.3. “History of the World” by Arjun Dev and Indira Arjun Dev**
- **About the book:**
- A brief account of major world events from the 18th century to modern times.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Provides a clear overview of world history, focusing on critical events and their impact
5.4. “Contemporary World History” by J.P. Tiwari**
- **About the book:**
- Covers contemporary history from the 20th century to the present.
- **Why it’s recommended:**
- Offers a detailed analysis of recent historical events and their global impact.
---
6. Additional Resources for History Preparation**
- 6.1. Previous Year’s Question Papers**
- **Importance:**
- Helps in understanding the pattern and nature of questions asked in the exam.
- 6.2. “India After Gandhi” by Ramachandra Guha**
- **Why it’s useful:**
- Although not directly part of the syllabus, it provides a comprehensive view of post-independence India, useful for essays and interviews.
- 6.3. Historical Atlas by DK**
- **Why it’s useful:**
- Visual representation of historical events helps in better retention and understanding.
6.4. Internet and Online Resources**
- Why it’s useful:**
- Websites like Mrunal, InsightsIAS, and YouTube channels offer valuable lectures and notes.
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7. How to Effectively Use These Books**
7.1. Prioritize NCERTs**
- **Why:**
- Build a strong foundation before moving on to advanced books.
7.2. Make Notes**
- **Why:**
- Helps in revision and better retention of facts and concepts.
7.3. Revise Regularly**
- **Why:**
- Frequent revision is crucial due to the vast syllabus.
7.4. Practice Answer Writing**
- **Why:**
- Essential for Mains, helps in structuring answers effectively.
7.5. Integrate Current Affairs**
- **Why:**
- Relating historical events to current affairs enriches answers and shows analytical skills.
8. Conclusion**
History is not just about memorizing facts; it’s about understanding the evolution of societies, cultures, and nations. The books listed in this guide will provide you with the knowledge and perspective needed to tackle the history section of the UPSC exam effectively. Remember, consistency in reading and revision is key to mastering this subject. Start with the basics, gradually move on to advanced texts, and don’t forget to integrate your knowledge with current events.
By following this roadmap, you’ll be well-prepared to face the history section in both Prelims and Mains, bringing you one step closer to your goal of becoming a civil servant.
Are you preparing for the UPSC exam? Have you found other history books helpful? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below!