This post is a compilation of our most viewed notes on Indian History, which we think our readers should not miss. Readers can download the each of the notes as PDF for free using the ‘print-pdf’ option. Check Indian History notes category, if you want to read the complete archives.
Learn Indian History: Must Read Articles
Ancient India
- Indian History: Ancient India to Modern India Chronology
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Important Indus Valley Sites and Archaeological Discoveries
- Ancient India: Customs and Practices (NCERT)
- Ancient India: Early Cities and Republics (NCERT)
- Ancient India: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (NCERT)
- Ancient India: Maurya and Post-Maurya Rulers (NCERT)
- Ancient India: Gupta and Post-Gupta (NCERT)
Medieval India
- Medieval India: Tripartite Struggle and Cholas (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Mughal Dynasty (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Rulers and Buildings (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Towns, Traders, and Craftspersons (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Tribes, Nomads, and Settled Communities (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Bhaktism, Sufism, and Sikhism (NCERT)
- Medieval India: Regional Cultures (NCERT)
- Medieval India: 18th Century Political Formations (NCERT)
Modern India
- Land Revenue Systems in British India: Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari
- Historical Background of Indian Constitution
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Biography, Facts, Life, and Contributions to Modern India
- Kashmir Issue – Understand the multiple dimensions
Culture
- Prehistoric Era Art – Rock Paintings (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Arts of Indus Valley Civilization (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Arts of the Mauryan Period (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Later Mural Traditions (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Temple Architecture and Sculpture – Hindu, Buddhist and Jain (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Indian Bronze Sculpture (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Indo-Islamic Architecture (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)
- Indian Philosophy: Orthodox and Heterodox Schools
- Buddhist Councils: Everything you need to know!
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Pallava
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Cholas
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Chalukyas
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Hoysala
- Classical Dances of India: Everything you need to know about
Tip: Every note published in ClearIAS.com has a print-pdf button attached at the post-bottom and at the left-margin. Alternatively, you can use the website ‘printfriendly.com’ to enter the URL of any posts in ClearIAS.com to download a clean, reader-friendly PDF.
Recommended Books for Indian History for IAS Exam
- India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma. (Ancient History)
- History Of Medieval India by Satish Chandra. (Medieval History)
- History Of Modern India by Bipan Chandra. (Modern History).
- India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra. (Modern History)
- Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania. (Culture)
- A Brief History of Modern India – Spectrum (Point wise notes for faster reading).
- The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Bhasham. (This book is helpful for Culture, go for it if you have time)
- From Plassey to Partition : A History of Modern India (Reference)
NB : World History is a topic only for IAS Mains. For Mains topics like Ancient India and Medieval India are not explicitly mentioned in the syllabus, but culture is included (which covers many aspects of ancient and medieval periods).
Indian History in brief: Topics to Cover
History and Culture are very related topics, particularly with respect to ancient and medieval India. Asoka and Buddhism are deeply bonded, the same way we cannot study Shah Jahan without commenting on Taj Mahal. So our approach to studying Indian History should never be limited to Political History where we study the names and wars of Kings but should be very broad to cover other aspects of Social and Economic History too.
Listing out some important topics to study from Ancient, Medieval and Modern India. Priority areas from culture are also identified.
Ancient India
- Prehistoric India, Historic India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic India, Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Period, Gupta Period.
Medieval India
- The Classical Age, Pala Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Islam in India, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Guru Nanak, Mughals, Arrival of Europeans.
Modern India
- First War of Independence, Formation of Indian National Congress, Moderates and Extremists, Muslim League, Gandhian Phase, Non-Co-operation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission, Mount Batten Plan, Partition of India and Indian Constitution.
- PS: Also never miss topics like Peasants movements, Tribal movements, Trade-unions, militant movements etc. related to Indian History which are often side-lined by Nationalist Historians.
Culture
Visual Arts (Paintings, Architecture, Sculpture), Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama etc), Religions (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism), Society etc.
How to learn Indian History fast: The study plan
Indian History, as almost all aspirants know, is an important area from which a major share of questions come in UPSC prelims and mains. Indian History is a very vast subject, and it is important to prioritize certain areas for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains. This article is written with a view of providing an overall guidance/study plan for Indian History for IAS exam. We have also listed some important sub-topics inside Ancient India, Medieval India and Modern India. Also, don’t forget to check out the recommended books for Indian History for Preliminary and Mains Exam.
Be it for Prelims or Mains, it is important to identify the topics of priority for IAS Exam. Analyzing previous years questions papers, one can reach a conclusion that UPSC ask a major chunk of questions from Modern India, followed by Ancient India. Questions from Medieval India are limited. Even if they come, they mostly touch areas of culture like Mughal art/architecture.
No, we are not advising to leave any particular section from Indian History. Never leave any topic completely. But you just need to prioritize things. That’s all. And it that priority list, Modern India should rank first.
Back to the study plan: Indian History being very vast, the first thing every serious aspirant should try to build is a basic understanding about the chronology of events related with Indian History. We suggest our previous post, “Indian History: Ancient India to Modern India Chronology“, as a starting point for your preparation. Once you build a foundation, the next strategy should be identifying the main topics of importance; for this you can use good text books in the market. And there is no dearth of materials for Indian History today 🙂
Jyoti says
February 19, 2014 at 1:28 pmMesolithic period extended from 12,000 to 10,000 years ago. Climate changes which had led to the Mesolithic period also started 12,000 years ago. -NCERT History, 6th
P.S.: Site really nice and clean. Good Work!!
ClearIAS.com says
February 19, 2014 at 10:50 pmThanks Jyoti for the comment…And regarding the chronology, what we mentioned does not contradict with NCERT. We just used BC/AD conventions. ‘12000 years ago’ is same as 10000 BC, considering the present time-frame as around 2000 AD.
Jyoti says
February 19, 2014 at 11:14 pmOh… I am sorry for my mistake. Thanks for clarification!!
Abhimanyu says
March 18, 2019 at 1:34 amYes u r ryt sir
MD HEDAETULLAH. says
March 24, 2014 at 12:17 pmSIR WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “NATIONAL ANTHEM & NATIONAL SONG” ?.
krish says
January 5, 2019 at 2:59 pmwhat is the answer
Ravina says
January 18, 2019 at 8:45 pmNational anthem is officially adopted by the countries but national song may or may not be so. However both are patriotic songs depicting the culture and pride of our country.
Lots of Thanks Sir says
November 10, 2016 at 11:36 pmSir thanks to provide this matter really help us
Plz modern India k aur bhi chapter cover kijiye
Plz plz
BAIEDUL SHAIKH says
January 28, 2017 at 7:07 pmI WANT TO JOINT WITH YOU
shaheera says
April 18, 2019 at 3:01 pmi too wanna join with you all in the preprations
priyankka says
March 7, 2017 at 12:30 amhave done a great job and a big favour for upsc aspirants
pratap says
March 16, 2017 at 7:00 pmrespected sir
i don~t understand English story very well,so please help me and send me a link which is include the all materiel in Hindi language.
please sir
please help me any haw
anuradha says
March 17, 2017 at 5:58 amwill it be sufficient to read out these history notes (ancient+medieval) and keep revising the same for upsc prelims 17 ??
kindly reply
Vimal kushawah says
October 2, 2018 at 5:44 amPLEASE coach me
MONA Mudaliar says
April 23, 2017 at 11:09 amhow to download these notes.Kindly reply
dhirendra singh says
July 15, 2018 at 4:10 pmjust open the link nd do crtl +P then save as pdf .. it will save at ur desired location
Anku Singh says
May 2, 2017 at 5:54 amPrice less and mind blowing
Belvin Thomas says
May 14, 2017 at 4:47 pmPlease provide a gist of Important inscriptions both, rock cut and pillar and also books describing life of kings and the political life of kingdom (for eg, Vishakaduttas’ Mudra Rakshasa) given in various NCERT and other Important standard books
Shaurya says
June 10, 2017 at 8:43 amGood collection of posts, great work!!!
rohan raj says
August 6, 2017 at 6:16 ami cant able to download any file…i want to download it in pdf so it will be more helpfull to study…wat to do sir plsss give ur best opinion..
Sandeep says
August 6, 2017 at 12:41 pmplease post latest update
Priyanka tomar says
September 10, 2017 at 9:36 pmI want to join with u
Sasmita Dash says
December 29, 2017 at 11:30 amHow can I download notes from it??
Danney says
February 15, 2018 at 5:28 amSir ,is this pdf note for both prelims as well as for maiins coz i have started now
Nandi says
March 23, 2018 at 11:49 amHello sir gm.. modern history not complete In this notes clear Ias pls adding deeply
Nandi says
March 23, 2018 at 11:51 ampls download add PDF with all subjects….
Hussain says
April 20, 2018 at 6:27 pmReally helpful
Sravan says
June 10, 2018 at 5:15 pmHello…Actually I’m planning to write UPSC examination in 2020. I’ll complete my graduation in 2019, then I’ll join in institution.
So my question is I have 2 years of time, so what should I read this year without attending institution
Is this notes sufficient for entire preparation.. Hope there will be a reply
ClearIAS.com says
June 10, 2018 at 5:22 pmIf you have 2 years time, in addition to our notes, we suggest you go through NCERT Books and books mentioned in the list – http://www.clearias.com/ias-books/
Rohit Sharma says
June 11, 2018 at 9:55 pmPlease update step by step topics details on clear ias or pdf file send on my email id of modern history and Gandhi ji era.
WeRIndia says
June 19, 2018 at 12:38 pmThanks for sharing this informative data with us. Keep updating with such more posts.
Prema rodda says
August 2, 2018 at 9:35 pmReally super app..I loved it
avrsri says
August 24, 2018 at 9:18 pmSir, there are notes available for each chapters for class 6-7 history NCERT books ….but what about other classes,is it available are not sir.The notes were very helpful
Seemant says
October 1, 2018 at 9:53 pmHello…. I am in b. Tech 1st yera i want to prepare for upsc cse. I am beginner so how should start my journey. What should i read?
Vishal kashayap says
November 14, 2018 at 8:59 pmi want to prepering uppsc,,
can you help me..?
S K MOHAPATRA says
November 21, 2018 at 3:31 pmI can’t find the freedom struggle of India.
Priya says
November 23, 2018 at 4:32 pmSir kya study material hindi me available hoga pls reply pls sir ..hindi me available hota to bahut help ho jati hmari
Prasad says
January 1, 2019 at 11:13 amI recommend focus on engineering first! But during this time, focus on NCERT books as they are priceless and form base, develop the habit of reading news paper ( preferably Hindu, Editorial Analysis, Science magazines and Business or economic magazines and try to analyze good, bad and uses, develop art of making crisp notes). After B.tech, Prepare full time continue reading the above sources and practice the same plus add test series to your preparation along with answer writing practice. This will help you reach your goal.
NAGARAJ says
January 4, 2019 at 2:43 pmIs it necessary for me to read old ncerts than new or what if when I learn tamilnadu textbook what are its advantages
Babita Rai says
January 7, 2019 at 1:53 pmHello, I am your new subscribers who prepare for Upsc with the help of your free study material ,sir I had completed my graduation last year and also appeared Upsc prelims 2018 without any guidance but now I am your new subscribers so hoping that you’re institution Will guide me in my journey .Thanks
ranjita gosai says
January 8, 2019 at 8:35 pmSIR ,MY D.O.B JUNE 1986 CAN I APPLY IAS EXAM PLZ RPL ME …
Suraj Turha says
January 14, 2019 at 7:32 pmWas very confused about History preparation but after reading this feeling so much confident about History. All thanks to ClearIAS
Tanya says
February 5, 2019 at 12:32 amIt is very helpful …but how to download this…
Aman Sarkar says
March 5, 2019 at 6:31 pmMy graduation will be completed by June 2020 . Can I sit for upsc in 2020 ? And if so which books should I follow ? I am currently going through a syllabus book by arihant general knowledge 2018
Annat siya says
April 1, 2019 at 12:29 pm12th class history book (ncert new edition, themes In Indian history 1,2,3)it can related to art and culture?
Vishnu p says
April 9, 2019 at 10:02 amSir, Thanku for your efforts your ncert notes have really helped in revision. It would be great if you could also include the 12th ncert series.
poonam gavade says
April 18, 2019 at 1:53 pmसर, मैं हिंदी भाषा में आई.ए.एस. परीक्षा हेतू अभ्यास करना चाहती हूं। इसिलीए मुझे हिंदी भाषा में नोट्स चाहीए। कृपया लिंक्स भेजीए।
Md juanid says
April 19, 2019 at 3:44 pmSir i am student of Hindi medium so i want to prepare my IAS exam in Hindi pleas sir provide me notes in hindi because it is easy to me learn .
MD Faizan says
April 23, 2019 at 10:53 amI want to be an ias officer
Riddhi Pawar says
May 21, 2019 at 11:54 amSir I’m planning to write UPSC exam in 2024,But sir i don’t want to join any institute, will you prefer me some sufficient books.I’m confused by seeing a vast portion. Sir please give me some guidance.Hope there will be a reply