Indian History Notes For UPSC Exam 2024, Download PDF

The History Syllabus of UPSC is considered the most common and popular subject among aspirants. When it comes to preparing for the history subject, it has a vast syllabus. Therefore, aspirants are advised to divide their preparation into three parts: the first part is Ancient History, the second part is Medieval History, and the third part is Modern History. On this page, you can see the complete topics of Indian history that are often asked in the UPSC Exam. This division allows aspirants to prepare for their exams effectively.

Ancient Indian History For UPSC Exam

Ancient History constitutes a significant portion of the General Studies section in the UPSC Syllabus. Hence, acquiring a strong understanding of this subject is valuable for effective preparation. This section encompasses topics such as the Pre-Historic Period, Historic Period, Civilizations, Scripts, Cultures, and the Pre-Mauryan and Mauryan Age with insights into religious developments, art and architecture, and trade. It further explores the Gupta and Post-Gupta Age, covering literary sources, administration, inscriptions, rulers, and more. A comprehensive grasp of these topics can facilitate a smoother and more efficient preparation process. Here’s a comprehensive topic-wise study material guide tailored for the year 2024 to help you excel in the IAS exam-

Stone Age

Vedic and Later Vedic Age

Advent of Aryans
Economic and Social life of Aryans
Economic and Social Life in the “Later Vedic Period”
Later Vedic Age (1000-600 B.C.)
List of Archaeological Sites of Indus Valley Civilisation
List of Vedic Literature
List of Rig Vedic Gods & Goddesses
List of Archaeological Findings & Evidences Prehistoric & Indus

Valley Civilisation

Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Age- Polity | Society |Position of Women

Religions of Ancient India

Buddha
Hinayana and Mahayana
Bodhisattvas
List of Jain Tirthankaras
Origin of Buddhism and Jainism
Jainism- Teaching of Mahavira| Spread of Jainism

Pre Mauryans Age

Source of Mauryan History
The Mahajanapadas
The Age of Satavahanas
Foreign Invasions during the Mauryan Age
Magadhan Empire
Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

Age of Mauryas

Ashoka the Great
Mauryan Dynasty
Economy, Social Life, Art and Architecture in the Mauryan Age
The Mauryan Empire- Administration
Mauryan Empire- Its Decline and Significance

Contemporary and Post-Mauryan Rulers

Kanishka- The Kushan Dynasty
Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas
Sunga, Kanva and Chedi Dynasty
Impact of Central Asian Contacts (During Shaka-Kushan age)

Gupta Empire

Gupta Dynasty
List of the Titles Adopted by Gupta Kings
List of Taxes levied during the Gupta Period

Post Gupta’s Era

Chola Kingdom
Chola, Chera, and Pandya Dynasties
Delhi Sultanate- Slave Dynasty
Economy, Social Life, and Temple Architecture in the Post-Gupta Era
Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj
List of the Ancient Indian Scholars and their Patrons
List of Ancient Historical Monuments in India and their

Harshavardhana Era

Ancient Philosophies of India
The Harshavardhana Era

Medieval History For UPSC Exam 2024

The medieval period holds significant importance in Indian history, showcasing advancements in art, languages, culture, and religion. This comprehensive study material on the “History of Medieval India” is categorized into five major sections. It covers the history of various dynasties and rulers, including the Rajputs, Cholas, Bahmanis, Delhi Sultanate rulers, Mughals, Marathas, invading Turks, Vijayanagara kings, and numerous other historical events from that era. A thorough exploration of these sections provides a well-rounded understanding of the complexities and developments during the medieval period.

Medieval History Topics

Early Medieval India

Prithvi Raj Chauhan
Social and Cultural Development during the Rajput Dynasty
The Rashtrakutas
The Palas
Kannauj after Harsha
The Senas of Bengal
The Gahadavals of Kannauj
Chahamans or Chauhanas of Shakambhari
The Kalachuri’s of Tripuri
Chandellas of Bundelkhand
Karkota Dynasty
Utpala Dynasty
Kingdoms of Kashmir
Ride of Lohara Dynasty
Arab conquest of Sindh

The Rise of Rajput

The Chandela of Bundelkhand
The Origin of Rajputs

Emergence of Provincial kingdoms

Architecture and Literature during Vijayanagara Empire
The Bahmani Kingdom

Delhi Sultanate

Mahmud Ghaznavi
Jalal ud din Khilji and Alauddin Khilji
Economic Policy and Administration under Khilji Dynasty
Razia Sultan
Bahlul Lodhi
Causes of the Downfall of Lodhi Dynasty
Administration in Delhi Sultanate
Firoz Shah Tuglaq
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah Khilji
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
Smaller Kingdoms during the Sultanate Era
Sayyid Dynasty
Sikandar Lodi
Economic Conditions During Delhi Sultanate
Ibn Battuta’s Memoir on Tughlaq Dynasty
Invasion of Timur on India
Sufi Movement in India

Mughal Empire

Akbar the Great
Nasin al Din Muḥammad
Ibrahim Lodi
Jehangir
Shahabuddin Muhammad Shah Jahan
Aurangzeb -Emperor of Mughal India
Babur (Zahir-ud-din Muhammad)
Cultural Development during the Mughal Era
The Sur Empire
Mughal Administration: Key Features & Structure
Mughal Empire Arts and Architecture
List of the Great Mughal Emperors of India
Modern History For UPSC Exam 2024

Modern History Topics

The topic “Modern History” holds immense significance in competitive examinations, particularly Civil Services exams. This study material is designed to meet the needs of school-going students, those pursuing degree courses, and individuals preparing for competitive exams. It comprehensively covers the historical events, developments, and key aspects of Modern Indian history, ensuring a valuable resource for candidates aiming to excel in their examinations.

Decline of the Mughal and Maratha Empire