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Choosing History as your subject for the UPSC exam can be a great decision, but it also requires a lot of dedication and the right study materials. With so many books out there, it can be tough to know which ones are truly helpful.
In this article, we’ve put together a simple and easy-to-follow booklist for History optional. This list covers Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History, World History, and Art & Culture. These books are the ones most successful UPSC toppers recommend, and they’ll help you understand the subject in-depth.
The goal is to help you build a solid foundation, understand key concepts, and prepare well for both objective and descriptive questions. By following this guide, you’ll know exactly which books to use and how to approach them in your preparation.
"Ancient India" by RS Sharma
This is a very comprehensive book for Ancient Indian history. It covers social, economic, and political aspects along with a detailed analysis of early Indian civilization.
"India's Ancient Past" by R S Sharma
A good alternative or supplement to the previous book, with a more engaging approach to understanding ancient Indian history.
"History of Ancient India" by Upinder Singh
A slightly more advanced book compared to RS Sharma, but highly recommended for a deeper understanding of Ancient India.
"Archaeology of Ancient India" by D K Chakrabarti
If you're interested in the archaeological aspect of Ancient India, this book gives a detailed analysis of material culture and site excavations.
"Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300" by Romila Thapar
A staple for understanding the early phases of Indian history, with emphasis on the developments in culture, politics, and social systems.
"Medieval India" by Satish Chandra
A must-read for Medieval Indian history. It provides a detailed account of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal period along with socio-economic developments.
"History of Medieval India" by P. N. Chopra, B. N. Puri, M. N. Das
This is a popular book for studying the medieval period, especially the Mughal era and regional empires.
"The Mughal Empire" by John F. Richards
A critical and comprehensive book on the Mughal period, offering in-depth analysis of Mughal politics, economy, and culture.
"Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals" by M. A. Khan
Offers detailed insights into the period of the Delhi Sultanate and the rise of Mughal power.
"The Delhi Sultanate" by Z. A. Desai
This book delves into the history of the Delhi Sultanate, including the socio-political and economic aspects.
"Modern India" by Bipin Chandra
An essential book for understanding the freedom movement and the social-political developments in modern India. It includes detailed discussions on the British impact on Indian society and politics.
"India’s Struggle for Independence" by Subhas Chandra Bose
Offers a unique perspective on the independence movement from one of its foremost leaders.
"A History of Modern India" by Sumit Sarkar
This book focuses on the history of India from the British arrival to independence, analyzing social, economic, and political developments during the period.
"The Indian Freedom Struggle" by K.K Aziz
Detailed examination of the Indian independence movement, especially focusing on the years leading up to 1947.
"The British in India" by Lawrence James
A well-written history focusing on the British rule and its effects on Indian society and politics.
"Bipan Chandra’s India Since Independence"
This book is crucial for understanding post-independence India and its political, economic, and social developments. It is a standard text for this section of the syllabus.
"The Making of the Indian Constitution" by Granville Austin
A good book to understand the constitutional development in India and its historical context.
"World History" by Arjun Dev
A concise but informative book for World History, which is a part of the General Studies and helps in understanding the broader perspective.
"World History" by Norman Lowe
A very comprehensive book for covering World History. It is well-structured, and offers clarity on key developments and concepts.
"The Oxford History of Modern World" by A.J.P. Taylor
A classic for modern world history, this book covers global events and the impact of European colonialism.
"Indian Art and Culture" by Nitin Singhania
Highly recommended for understanding the art, culture, architecture, and literature of India, which is an important aspect of both Prelims and Mains.
"Cultural Heritage of India" by S. Radhakrishnan
It is a key book for understanding India’s rich cultural history.
"Art and Culture" by R S Sharma
Another excellent book for the cultural aspect, particularly important for understanding the Indian subcontinent’s historical and cultural legacy.
Focus on Syllabus: Stick strictly to the syllabus. Make sure you cover all important topics and cross-check with the syllabus.
Comprehend the Themes: While reading, ensure you understand the broad themes (like social, political, economic, cultural) rather than just memorizing dates.
Make Notes: Prepare concise and clear notes for each topic you cover. Include key events, dates, and concepts.
Interlink Topics: Try to connect various topics with one another. For example, connect the fall of the Mughal Empire to the rise of regional states.
This booklist is intended to provide you with a comprehensive study approach, blending detailed theory with practical understanding. By combining these readings with your own structured study plan and answer-writing practice, you’ll be on your way to mastering History as an optional subject in the UPSC exam.
