The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India, serving as a gateway to a career in civil services. To succeed in this examination, aspirants must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, particularly in subjects like history, which is a significant component of both the Prelims and Mains. This article provides a detailed analysis of the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus for history, covering Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and World History, as well as Indian Culture. The comprehensive breakdown includes key topics, significant eras, and essential themes that are crucial for a well-rounded preparation.
Ancient History
Pre-History of India
- Sources of Pre History
- Categorization of Indian Ancient History
- Stone Age
- Palaeolithic Age (2 million BC – 10,000 BC)
- Mesolithic Age (10,000 BC – 8,000 BC)
- Neolithic Age (8,000 BC – 4,000 BC)
- Chalcolithic Age (4,000 BC – 1,500 BC)
- Iron Age (1,500 BC - 200 BC)
Vedic Era
- Native Land of the Aryans
- Characteristics of Aryan Culture
- Vedic Texts & Upanishads
- Reconstruction Resources for Vedic Society and Culture
- Geography of the Rig Vedic Era and Later Vedic Phases
- Economic Conditions
- Political Structure and Development of Monarchy
- Social Structure and the Varna System
Rural and Agricultural Communities
- Neolithic Phase
- Chalcolithic Phase
- Early Iron Phase
- Geographical Distribution and Characteristics
Pre Mauryan Period
Indus Valley Civilization
- Harappan Civilization
- Urban Planning
- Internal & Foreign Trade
- Agriculture
- Domestication of Animals
- Craft
- Weights and Measures
- Script and Language
- Society, Religion, Economy
- Burial System
- Decline of Harappan Culture
Evolution of Jainism and Buddhism
- Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
- Urban Centers in the Gupta Period
Harshavardana
- Sources for Harsha’s Period
- Early Life
- Administration
- Important Officials
- Economy
- Huen Tsang's Arrival
- Society
- Religion
Post-Mauryan India (200 BC - 300 AD)
- Arrival of Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas
- Commercial Contacts with the Outside World
- Indigenous Dynasties: Satavahanas
- Evolution of Jatis
- Sangam Texts and Society
- Schools of Art: Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati
Connections with Asia
- Propagation of Buddhism Abroad
- Contacts with Roman Empire
- Trade and the Chinese Silk Route
- Reign of Kanishka
- Spread of Indian Culture to SE Asia
Imperial Guptas
- Sources of Gupta Rule
- Political History
- Fa-Hien's Arrival
- Administration
- Art & Culture Development
- Period of Golden Age
- Economic Conditions
Sangam Period (South Indian Dynasties)
- Literature
- Dynasties: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
- Polity, Society, and Culture
- Economy
- Foreign Contacts
- Schools of Art
Medieval History
Early Medieval India's Major Dynasties (750–1200)
- The Pratiharas (8th to 10th Century)
- The Palas (8th to 11th Century)
- The Tripartite Conflict
- The Senas (11th to 12th Century)
- The Rajputs
- Pallavas
- Chalukyas
- Rashtrakutas
- Indian Feudalism
- Administration
- Society and Culture
- Economy and Decline of Trade
Cholas and Other South Indian Kingdoms
- Chola Rulers and Political History
- Administration
- Socio-Economic Life
- Education and Literature
- Dynasties: Cheras (9th to 12th Century), Yadavas (12th to 13th Century)
The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD)
- Slave Dynasty
- Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD)
- Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
- Sayyid Dynasty
- Lodi Dynasty
- Mongol and Turk Attacks
- Government, Economy, and Urbanization
- Decline of the Sultanate
Vijayanagar Empire
- Political History
- Administration
- Social and Cultural Life
- Economic Condition
- Conflicts with the Bahmani Kingdom
Struggle for Empire in North India
- Ibrahim Lodi and Babur's Conflict (Battle of Panipat)
- Babur's Challenges Post-Panipat
- Struggle with Rana Sanga
- Afghan and Eastern Regions' Issues
State and Government under Akbar
- Suzerainty Concept
- Government Structure
- Land-Revenue System
- Mansabdari System and Army
The Deccan and the Mughals (Up to 1657)
- Mughal Expansion in the Deccan
- Malik Ambar's Emergence
- Mughal Consolidation Challenges
- Ahmadnagar's Demise
- Bijapur and Golconda's Acknowledgment
- Shah Jahan's Rule
Mughal Foreign Policy
- Engagements with Uzbeks
- Qandahar Question and Diplomacy
- Relations with Iran
- Balkh Campaign
- Mughal-Persian Relations
India During the First Half of the Seventeenth Century
- Jahangir's Accession and Early Challenges
- Empire Consolidation and Expansion
- Nur Jahan's Influence
- Shah Jahan's Rebellions
- Relationship between State and Religion
- Evolution of the Mughal Ruling Class
Aurangzeb's Reign
- Religious Policies
- Reforms and Measures
- Handling of Temples and Jizyah
- Empire Expansion
- Revolts: Jats, Satnamis, Afghans, Sikhs
- Relations with Marwar and Mewar
Peak and Challenges of the Mughal Empire
- Emergence of the Marathas
- Shivaji's Rule
- Treaty of Purandar
- Shivaji's Swarajya
- Mughal Engagements with Deccani States
- Maratha Impact in the Deccan
- Jagirdari Crisis
Society – Structure and Development
- Rural Communities
- Urban Lifestyle
- Craftsmen and Artisans
- Women's Status and Roles
- Domestic Workers and Enslaved Individuals
- Living Standards
- Nobility and Rural Gentry
- Mercantile and Business Classes
Economic Patterns and Outlook
- Domestic and Foreign Trade
- Influence of Foreign Trading Companies
- Indian Merchants
- Mughal State's Impact on Commerce
- Economic Trends in the Eighteenth Century
Religion, Fine Arts, Science, and Technology
- Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam
- Architecture, Painting, Literature, Music
- Scientific and Technological Advancements
Northern India During the First Half of the Eighteenth Century
- Bahadur Shah I and Struggles
- Rajput Affairs and Maratha Influence
- Factional Strife
- Sayyid Brothers' Struggle
- Regional States and Foreign Invasions
- Maratha Dominance
- Expansion Strategies
Modern History
Pre-1857 Situation
- Later Mughals and Downfall
- Regional Forces
- Arrival of Europeans
- British Conquest
- Carnatic Wars
- Battles of Plassey and Buxar
- Anglo-Mysore and Punjab Wars
- British Governance and Economic Policies
The Indian Rebellion of 1857
- Reasons for the Uprising
- Key Figures
- Quelling the Revolt
- Nature and Consequences
Early Nationalism
- Rise of Early Nationalism
- Indian National Movement (1858-1905)
- Early Nationalists and Swadeshi Movement
- Government of India Act 1909
- Home Rule League Movement
Struggle for Swaraj
- Montague's Statement (1917)
- Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements
- Formation of the Swaraj Party
- Revolutionary Terrorism (1920s)
- Simon Commission and Nehru Report
Indications of Independence
- Civil Disobedience Movement
- Round Table Conferences
- Poona Pact
- Government of India Act 1935
- Tripuri Session (1939)
- August Offer
- Individual Satyagraha (1940-1941)
Partition of India
- Rise of Communalism
- Wavell Plan
- Cabinet Mission Plan
- Mountbatten Plan
Freedom Struggle in India
- Indian Renaissance and Socio-Religious Movements
- Civil and Tribal Rebellions
- Peasant and Working-Class Movements
- Growth of Communalism
- Left and Communist Trends
- Press and Education
- Role of Women
- Governors Generals and Viceroys
- Notable Personalities
- Prominent Newspapers/Journals
- Congress Sessions
Post Independence Consolidation
State Reorganization
- Constitutional Provisions for State Formation
- Merger of States
- Princely States' Accession
- Accession of French and Portuguese Territories
- Sikkim's Accession
- Refugee Rehabilitation
- Federal Challenges
- Regional Aspirations and Insurgencies
- National Integration
Linguistic Regionalism in India
- Constitutional Provisions and Language Policy
- Language's Impact on Regionalism
Tribal Concerns and Policy Implementation
- Status of Tribal Issues
- Tribal Policy Consolidation
- Caste Challenges and Social Unity
Caste Practices in India
- Ambedkar Movement
- Constitutional Provisions
- Government Initiatives for Scheduled Castes' Empowerment
- Manual Scavenging Challenges
Communalism and Social Cohesion
- Secularism
- Factors Leading to Communalism
- Consequences and Social Consolidation
Linguistic Minorities
- Operational Inefficiencies
- Government Initiatives
Economic Development Since Independence
- Economic Planning
- Agriculture: Progress and Challenges
- Land Reforms and Agrarian Movements
- Agricultural Achievements and Challenges
- Industrial Progress and Policy
- Public and Private Sector Development
- New Economic Policy: Consequences
Science and Technology Policies
- Approach and Framework
- Pre and Post-Reform Periods
- Policy Initiatives and Skill Training
World History
The Commencement of the Modern Era
- Breakdown of the Feudal System
- The Renaissance
- Humanism
- Art and Architectural Advancements
- Literature
- Scientific Advancements
- Reformation
- Explorations, Discoveries, and Trade
- Colonization and the Emergence of Nation States
- The English Revolution
The French Revolution
- Causes of the French Revolution
- The Revolution in France
- France during Napoleon's Rule
- Influence and Importance of the Revolution
Nationalism in Europe
- Emergence of the Nation-State System
- Unification of Italy
- Unification of Germany
- Colonialism and Imperialism
- The Era of Imperialism (1870-1914)
- Imperialism in Asia
- An Examination of Colonialism
The Rise of the United States
- Establishment of American Colonies
- Declaration of Independence and Formation of the USA
- American Revolutionary War
- Impact of the American Revolution
- Political Consequences and Influence on the French Revolution
- The US Civil War
- Effects on the USA
- Global Impact
- Major Events
- Consequences of World War I
- Aftermath
- Formation of the League of Nations
The Russian Revolution
- Significant Pre-Revolutionary Events in Russia
- Causes and Progression of the Revolution
- Outcomes and Consequences
The Period Between the Two World Wars (1919-1939)
- The Great Depression: An Economic Overview
- Emergence of Fascism in Italy
- Rise of Nazism in Germany
- The Soviet Union (USSR)
- World War II
- Causes and Underpinnings
- Progression and Aftermath
- Examination
- The Decolonization Era
Developments in the Middle East
- Democratic Reforms
- Impact of Arab Nationalism
- Establishment of Israel
The Cold War
- Causes and Evolution (1945-1953)
- Thawing Relations Post-1953
- Nuclear Arms Race and Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
The Post-Cold War World
- Global Issues Since 1991
- Process of European Integration
- Emergence of Global Islamic Terrorism
- Rise of China
Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism
- Definitions, Types, and Examples
- The Significance of Capitalism
Indian Culture
Sculptural Art in India
- Harappan Civilization
- Mauryan Age
- Post-Mauryan Period
- Jain and Buddhist Sculptures
- Gupta Period
- Medieval School
- Modern Indian Sculpture
Architectural Heritage in Ancient India
- Harappan Period
- Mauryan Architecture
- Post-Mauryan and Gupta Periods
- Temples of Khajuraho, Odisha, Gwalior, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bengal, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir
- Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, Nayaka, Kerala, Vesara, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta Periods
Indo-Islamic Architecture
- Imperial Style of the Delhi Sultanate
- Provincial Style
- Mughal Style
- Sikh Style
Contemporary Architecture
- European Impact
- Indo-Saracenic Style
- Post-Independence Architecture
Indian Paintings
- Mural and Miniature Paintings
- Deccan, Rajput, Pahari, South India, Regional Styles
- Modern and Contemporary Paintings
Pottery Heritage in India
- Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP)
- Black and Red Ware (BRW)
- Painted Grey Ware (PGW)
- Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)
- Glazed and Unglazed Pottery
Music in India
- Fundamental Elements
- Various Forms
- Musical Instruments
- Institutions
Dances in India
- Notion of Dance
- Concept of Ashta Nayika
- Eight Classical Dance Forms
- Folk and Modern Dance Styles
Indian Martial Arts
Indian Theatre
- Classical Sanskrit Theatre
- Regional and Modern Theatre
- Renaissance of Indian Theatre
Indian Puppetry
- String, Shadow, Rod, Glove Puppets
- Modern and Tribal Puppetry
Indian Cinema
- Film Industry
- Historical Perspective
- Categorization of Films
Religions in India
- Pre-Vedic Religion
- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism
Philosophy in India
- Bhakti & Sufi Movements
- Bhakti Movement
- Vaishnava Acharyas: Metaphysical Foundation
- Other Saints of the Bhakti Movement
- Maharashtra Dharma
- Sufism
Languages & Literature in India
- Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Punjabi, Marathi, Hindi, Persian, Urdu Literature
Miscellaneous Topics
- Indian Handicrafts
- Indian Universities
- Personalities Related to Culture
- Places of Cultural Interest
- Fairs and Festivals
- Cultural Institutions
- Awards and Honors
- The Calendar and Eras
- Science and Technology in Ancient India
- UNESCO's List of Cultural Heritage
- Legal Provisions for Protection and Promotion of Culture
Contemporary Issues in Indian Art and Culture
- Socio-cultural Patterns and Practices of Pre-Historic Paintings and Potteries
- Neolithic Art
- Chalcolithic Arts
- Sculptures and Images in the Indus Valley
- Literary Excellence: Shruti, Smriti, Brahmanas
- Comparing Vedic Age with Indus Valley
- Upanishads: Philosophical Thought
- Rise of Heterodox Sects: Buddhism, Jainism, Ajivikas
- Revival of Hinduism: New Elements and Cults
- Gupta Period: Separating Myth, Legends, Reality
- Gupta and Post-Gupta Periods: Pillars, Inscriptions, Numismatics
- Early Medieval India: Changes and Continuity
- Regional States' Contribution to Architecture and Culture
- Bhakti and Sufism: Social-Cultural Strengthening
- Greatness of Mughals through Cultural Lens
Indian Society
Characteristics of Indian Society
- Salient attributes that define Indian society.
- Transformations occurring within the fabric of Indian society and their consequences.
- Factors contributing to these changes.
- The current state and condition of Indian society today.
India's Pluralism
- Understanding the idea and significance of diversity.
- Examining the diverse aspects prevalent in India.
- Investigating if diversity can be equated with differences.
- Assessing the reality or perception of unity in diversity.
- Strategies to harmonize the various elements within Indian society.
The Role of Women's Organizations
- Historical significance of women's organizations in India.
- Various categories of women's organizations.
- The extent of their reach and impact.
- Challenges encountered by women's organizations.
- Exploring the potential for increased vocal participation and strategies to achieve it.
- The contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Microfinance Institutions in empowering women.
Poverty and Development Issues
- Understanding the concept of poverty.
- Definition and implications of development.
- A comparative analysis of Sen vs Bhagwati models on development.
- Challenges and dilemmas in achieving development.
- Case studies illustrating specific poverty and development challenges.
- Government's initiatives and strategies outlined in five-year plans.
- The role of civil society organizations in addressing poverty and development issues.
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
- What is the meaning of globalization.
- Kinds of the impact of globalization – economic, political, developmental, and socio-cultural.
- Is the impact solely positive or negative?
Social Empowerment
- Defining and comprehending the concept of social empowerment.
- The rationale behind the need for social empowerment.
- Efforts toward social empowerment through various five-year plans.
- Government initiatives aimed at promoting social empowerment.
- Analyzing the reality of social empowerment and India's experiences.
- Alternative approaches, players, and tools for achieving social empowerment, with relevant case studies.
Communalism
- Understanding the definition and essence of communalism.
- Tracing the historical roots and development of communalism.
- Examination of recent incidents related to communalism.
- The involvement of third parties in fueling or perpetuating communalism.
- The legal framework and regulations pertaining to communalism.
- Contemplating the possibility of completely eradicating communalism from Indian society.
Secularism
- Defining the essence and significance of secularism.
- Analyzing secularism in the context of the Indian Constitution.
- Contrasting Indian and Western models of secularism.
- Gandhiji's perspective on religion and its relation to secularism.
- Exploring the philosophy of secularism as perceived in Indian thought.
- Identifying challenges and threats to the secular spirit.
- Evaluating the maturity of Indian democracy in handling the complexities of secularism.
Regionalism
- Understanding the definition and essence of regionalism.
- Theoretical perspectives on regionalism.
- The diverse expressions of regionalism.
- The involvement and impact of various stakeholders.
- Recent events that have triggered a surge in regionalism.
- Potential strategies to address and mitigate the effects of regionalism.
