- Old NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation
- Other Old NCERT Books to Refer for UPSC
- Ancient Indian History: Old NCERT Volume I
- Ancient Indian Empires: Mauryas and Guptas
- Medieval Indian History: Old NCERT Volume II
- Delhi Sultanate and Regional Kingdoms
- Modern Indian History: Old NCERT Volume III
- Mughal Empire: Expansion and Consolidation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Old NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation
Old NCERT Books for UPSC – Complete List |
|||
| Subject | Book Name | Publisher/Author’s Name | Book Description |
| History | Ancient Indian History (Class 6) | Romila Thapar | The textbook covers the history of India from the earliest times till the beginning of the Medieval age. |
| Medieval Indian History (Class 7) | Romila Thapar | The textbook contains information regarding the history of medieval India along with kingdoms, lifestyle etc. | |
| The Story of Civilization Part- I (Class 10) | Arjun Dev | This book contains topics such as the heritage of India, Indian awakening, struggle for independence covered in detail. | |
| The Story of Civilization Part- II (Class 10) | Arjun Dev | The second part focuses on world events with topics such as imperialism, colonialism and more which makes it relevant for UPSC | |
| Ancient Indian History (Class 11) | R.S. Sharma | Curated for higher secondary class, this book provides complete analysis of ancient India in a detailed manner covering realistic details about the Indus Valley Civilisation. It is the most preferred book for ancient history in UPSC. | |
| Ancient Indian History (Class 11) | Makkhan Lal | This book covers the remaining period of ancient history up to the beginning of the medieval era and the fall of Indus Valley Civilisation. Reading this book is highly recommended to have a good grasp of ancient Indian history. | |
| Medieval Indian History (Class 11) | Satish Chandra | From the Gupta and Maurya empire to the rise and fall of Mughals, this book is all in all for Medieval Indian History. By the end of this book, European expansion begins. | |
| Modern Indian History (Class 12) | Bipin Chandra | Modern Indian History has enormous significance in the UPSC exam. This book contains details about the Indian Freedom Struggle and India under colonialism. | |
| Contemporary World History (Class 12) | Mohammed Anwar Ul Haque | This book has in-depth information about world history, important events and movements that took place etc. | |
| Geography | Lands and Peoples (Part I) | Savita Sinha | Information regarding our Earth and continents Africa, South America, Australia and Antarctica. |
| Lands and Peoples (Part II) | Savita Sinha, Mohd Akhtar Hussain | Given in detail about the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and continents North America and Europe. | |
| Lands and Peoples (Part III) | Savita Sinha, D.P.Gupta | Detailed information regarding the Lithosphere and Landforms provided in chapter 1 & 2. The last two chapters discuss continent Asia and our motherland India. | |
| Understanding Environment (Class 9) | Ananta Padmanabhan | Concepts of environment and ecology discussed in detail by the geography expert. | |
| Indian Economic Geography (Class 10) | Parakh | The book is written in a comprehensive style to have an easy understanding about Indian economic geography. | |
| Geography of India (Class 10) | Parakh | A perfect guide for an introduction about Indian geography ideal for beginners. | |
| Economic and Commercial Geography of India (Class 10) | K T Merchant | This book comes under one of the best and most recommended books for IAS preparation for the factual and diverse concepts curated in detail. | |
| Physical Basis of Geography (Class 11) | Moonis Raza | Physical geography is important in the UPSC exam and covering this book will help in understanding it easily. | |
| Principles of Geography Part I (Class 11) | K.L.Joshi, S.Sinha, D.P.Gupta | Aspirants can refer to this book to understand the basic principles of geography formulated in a student-friendly way. | |
| Principles of Geography Part II (Class 11) | M.H.Qureshi | A comprehensive book, this NCERT focuses on topics related to human and economic aspects of the world environment. | |
| India: A General Geography – 1990 (Class 12) | – | Consisting of elements related to geography of India, this book expands on resources, topography, demography and other aspects of geographical importance, such as soil, climate, vegetation and more. | |
| India: Resources and Regional Development – 1993 (Class 12) | M.H.Qureshi | One of the sought-after texts to read for UPSC preparation, this book covers aspects of human geography, rural and regional development, natural and man-made resources. | |
Other Old NCERT Books to Refer for UPSC
For UPSC preparation, numerous Old NCERT History books other than History are enormously advocated because of their easy but complete explanations.
Geography is well-blanketed in Old NCERT`s “Physical Geography” (Class 11) and “India: Physical Environment” (Class 11), which offer readability on bodily processes, landscapes, and Indian geography. For human and financial geography, “India: People and Economy” (Class 12) is important.
In Polity, “Indian Polity” (Class 12) gives certain insights into India`s Constitution and political structure, while “Indian Constitution at Work” (Class 11) explains the functioning of democracy and governance in India.
For Economics, “Indian Economic Development” (Class 11) covers key ideas like liberalization and financial planning, while “Introductory Macroeconomics” (Class 12) presents foundational financial theories.
Sociology is well-blanketed in “Introducing Sociology” (Class 11) and “Social Change and Development in India” (Class 12), specializing in social structures, change, and development.
In Science, NCERT books from Class 6 to ten offer robust fundamentals for UPSC Prelims. For Art and Culture, “Ancient India” (Class 6) is beneficial to recognize the cultural and inventive history of India. These Old NCERTs provide clean ideas, important for each Prelims and Mains.
Ancient Indian History: Old NCERT Volume I
The Old NCERT History Volume I on Ancient India gives an in-intensity exploration of India`s early civilizations, specializing in Prehistory, the Harappan Civilization, and the Vedic Period. This extent is an vital aid for knowledge the principles of Indian culture, society, and history.
Overview of Indian Prehistory and Early Civilizations
Introduction to Prehistory: Covers the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic ages. Focuses on human evolution, early settlements, and the start of agriculture.
Tools and Technology: Study of stone tools, pottery, and early technology utilized by prehistoric humans.
First Agricultural Settlements: Detailed clarification of early farming practices, domestication of animals, and village life.
Harappan Civilization: Society, Culture, and Economy
Urban Planning and Architecture: Exploration of the particular city planning, drainage systems, and brick systems of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
Social Structure: Insights into the elegance system, occupational groups, and societal agency in Harappan cities.
Economy and Trade: Understanding of the Harappan economic system primarily based totally on agriculture, craftsmanship, and great exchange with Mesopotamia and different regions.
Vedic Period: Rig Vedic and Later Vedic Societies
Rig Vedic Period: Focus at the early Aryan society, pastoral economic system, and the importance of the Rigveda, the earliest Vedic text.
Later Vedic Period: Transition to a extra settled agricultural society, emergence of kingdoms, and the improvement of rituals, social classes, and early types of governance.
Ancient Indian Empires: Mauryas and Guptas
The Old NCERT History ee-e book gives complete insights into the 2 maximum extensive historic Indian empires: the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Empire.
Rise of the Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta and Ashoka
Chandragupta Maurya: The founding father of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, united northern India after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.
Ashoka the Great: Chandragupta`s grandson, Ashoka, is certainly considered one among India`s maximum celebrated rulers. He extended the empire further, especially thru the Kalinga War, which ended in considerable devastation.
Administration, Economy, and Spread of Buddhism below Ashoka
Administration: Ashoka`s reign noticed a incredibly prepared management, with a well-advanced tax gadget, trade, and infrastructure, which includes roads, relaxation houses, and clinical facilities.
Economy: The Mauryan economic system thrived on agriculture, trade, and a gadget of standardized weights and measures.
Spread of Buddhism: After the Kalinga War, Ashoka embraced non-violence and have become a religious follower of Buddhism.
Gupta Empire: Golden Age of India – Society, Art, and Culture
The Rise of the Gupta Empire: The Gupta Empire, based via way of means of Chandragupta I, noticed its height at some stage in the reign of Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).
Society: The Gupta length noticed the flourishing of Hinduism, with Brahmanical traditions regaining prominence.
Art and Architecture: Gupta art, especially in sculpture and architecture, reached new heights.
Medieval Indian History: Old NCERT Volume II
Old NCERT History Volume II on Medieval India covers giant activities and traits from the early medieval period, focusing at the reign of Harsha, the upward push of the Rajputs, and the effect of overseas invasions.
Early Medieval Period: Harsha and His Times
Harshavardhana`s Reign: After the autumn of the Gupta Empire, Harshavardhana emerged as a effective ruler in northern India.
Administration and Religion: Harsha turned into acknowledged for his administrative performance and assist for Buddhism, aleven though he additionally promoted non secular tolerance.
The Rise of Rajputs and Their Socio-Political Structure
Emergence of Rajput Clans: Post-Gupta generation noticed the upward push of numerous Rajput clans together with the Pratiharas, Chauhans, and Solankis.
Feudal System: The Rajputs accompanied a feudal structure, with the king on the pinnacle and vassal chiefs controlling smaller regions.
Invasions of Ghazni and Ghurid: Impact on Indian Subcontinent
Mahmud of Ghazni: The first fundamental invasions from Central Asia have been led via way of means of Mahmud of Ghazni, who carried out numerous raids into northwestern India, plundering wealth from temples and cities.
Muhammad of Ghur: The invasions via way of means of Muhammad of Ghur had a extra lasting effect.
Delhi Sultanate and Regional Kingdoms
The Old NCERT History Volume II covers the upward push of the Delhi Sultanate and the parallel increase of nearby kingdoms.
Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: Political and Administrative Systems
Founding of the Sultanate: The Delhi Sultanate became set up after Muhammad of Ghur`s victory on the Battle of Tarain (1192) and the following consolidation of energy via way of means of his fashionable Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the primary ruler of the Slave Dynasty. Political System: The Sultanate`s political shape became centralized with the Sultan because the ideally suited authority, supported via way of means of a effective bureaucracy.
Regional Kingdoms: The Rajputs, Vijayanagara, and Bahmanis
The Rajputs: Despite the upward push of the Delhi Sultanate, diverse Rajput kingdoms which includes the Mewar, Marwar, and Bundelkhand remained influential.
Vijayanagara Empire: Founded withinside the 14th century in southern India, the Vijayanagara Empire flourished beneathneath kings like Krishna Deva Raya.
The Role of Bhakti and Sufi Movement
Bhakti Movement: Originating in South India and spreading throughout the subcontinent, the Bhakti Movement emphasised private devotion to God, rejecting ritualism and caste hierarchies.
Sufi Movement: The Sufi Movement in India, related to Islamic mysticism, emphasised love for God, compassion, and communal harmony.
Modern Indian History: Old NCERT Volume III
The 0.33 quantity of Old NCERT History makes a speciality of the large activities and traits that formed contemporary-day India, specifically the advent of European powers and the British conquest of India.
Arrival of the Europeans: Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French
Portuguese: The Portuguese had been the primary Europeans to reach in India withinside the overdue fifteenth century, led via way of means of Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Dutch: The Dutch East India Company turned into mounted in 1602 and targeted on change in spices and textiles, specifically withinside the Malabar Coast and Bengal.
English: The British East India Company turned into based in 1600.
French: The French East India Company turned into mounted in 1664 and aimed to compete with the British and Dutch.
British Conquest of India: Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar
Battle of Plassey (1757): This pivotal conflict marked the start of British
dominance in India.
Battle of Buxar (1764): Following the fulfillment at Plassey, the British confronted the blended forces of the Nawab of Oudh, the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, and Shuja-ud-Daula.
Policies of British Expansion: Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse
Subsidiary Alliance: Introduced via way of means of Lord Wellesley, this coverage required Indian rulers to keep British troops of their states and chorus from undertaking overseas relations.
Doctrine of Lapse: Formulated via way of means of Lord Dalhousie, this coverage said that if an Indian ruler died with out a male heir, their territory could robotically be annexed via way of means of the British.
Mughal Empire: Expansion and Consolidation
The Mughal Empire turned into one of the maximum effective and influential empires in Indian history, marked with the aid of using its fast expansion, centralized administration, and particular combo of cultural influences.
Babur and Humayun: The Foundation of Mughal Rule
Babur: The Mughal Empire turned into based with the aid of using Babur in 1526 after his victory over Ibrahim Lodi on the First Battle of Panipat.
Humayun: After Babur`s death, his son Humayun struggled to preserve the empire.
Akbar`s Administration: Centralized Power, Religious Tolerance, and Reforms
Centralized Administration: Akbar the Great is credited with consolidating the Mughal Empire via administrative and army reforms.
Religious Tolerance: Akbar is remembered for his coverage of Sulh-i-Kul (prevalent tolerance), selling spiritual harmony.
Reforms: Akbar`s reign additionally noticed substantial reforms in taxation, judicial practices, and land sales systems.
The Decline of the Mughal Empire: Causes and Consequences
Aurangzeb`s Reign: The decline of the Mughal Empire commenced throughout the lengthy reign of Aurangzeb.
Economic Strain: Continuous battle and Aurangzeb`s reimposition of the jizya tax strained the empire`s finances.
Regional Rebellions: The upward push of Maratha electricity below Shivaji, together with revolts with the aid of using Rajputs, Sikhs, and Jats, in addition destabilized the empire.
Foreign Invasions: The empire have become liable to overseas invasions, drastically the invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, which plundered the Mughal treasury and weakened its authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who founded the Mughal Empire?
Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi.What was the significance of Humayun in the Mughal Empire?
Humayun struggled to maintain the empire but regained the throne with Persian help before his death.How did Akbar contribute to the Mughal administration?
Akbar established a centralized administration and implemented the Mansabdari system for governance.What was Akbar’s approach to religion?
Akbar promoted religious tolerance through the policy of Sulh-i-Kul and abolished the jizya tax.What led to the decline of the Mughal Empire?
The decline was caused by Aurangzeb’s policies, regional rebellions, economic strain, and foreign invasions.
