Studying ancient history is an integral part of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, as it provides a foundational understanding of the roots of human civilization and the evolution of societies. To prepare comprehensively for the ancient history section, aspirants can consult a curated booklist that covers key periods and civilizations. Begin with “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma, a well-regarded text offering insights into the political, social, and economic aspects of ancient Indian history. “The Wonder That Was India” by A.L. Basham is another essential read, providing a broader perspective on India’s cultural and intellectual achievements. For a global view, “The History of the Ancient World” by Susan Wise Bauer serves as an excellent resource, offering a comprehensive overview of civilizations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. To delve into ancient Greece, “The Histories” by Herodotus is a classical account, while “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon is a seminal work for understanding Roman civilization. Additionally, “The Ancient Near East: A Very Short Introduction” by Amanda H. Podany is a concise guide to Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. This well-rounded booklist ensures a solid grasp of ancient history, a crucial component for success in the UPSC examination.
UPSC Ancient History Books for Prelims and Mains
Preparing for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams, especially for Ancient History, requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Here are some recommended books for both Prelims and Mains:
Preliminary Examination:
- NCERT Books:
- Class 6 to 12 History textbooks are essential. They provide a solid foundation for Ancient Indian History.
- Ancient India by R.S. Sharma:
- This book covers ancient Indian history comprehensively and is a good starting point for UPSC preparation.
- Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania:
- Although it primarily focuses on art and culture, it also covers many aspects of ancient Indian history relevant for UPSC.
- Chronicle IAS Ancient History:
- This book provides a good overview of ancient Indian history and is suitable for revision.
Main Examination:
- Ancient India by R.S. Sharma:
- This book is not only useful for Prelims but also for Mains. It provides an in-depth understanding of ancient Indian history.
- Classical India by R.S. Sharma:
- This book delves into the classical period of Indian history, providing insights into various aspects of society, economy, and culture.
- India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma:
- Another excellent book by R.S. Sharma, it covers the entire span of ancient Indian history and is written in a lucid manner.
- A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh:
- This book is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics. It is useful for both Prelims and Mains.
- Themes in Indian History – Part 1, 2, and 3 by NCERT:
- These books are crucial for a deeper understanding of various themes in ancient Indian history. They are also helpful for answer writing in the Mains.
- Ignou material for Ancient India:
- IGNOU provides excellent material for various subjects, including ancient Indian history. It’s a good supplementary source.
- Indian Culture by Spectrum Publications:
- This book provides insights into the cultural aspects of ancient India, which are important for both Prelims and Mains.
NCERT Ancient History Book for UPSC
For the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, especially for the Civil Services Examination, candidates often refer to NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books as part of their preparation. For ancient history, the following NCERT books are commonly recommended:
- Class VI: History – Our Past I
- This book covers ancient history up to the medieval period and provides a good foundation.
- Class VII: History – Our Past II
- This book continues the historical narrative from where Class VI left off, covering topics like medieval India.
- Class VIII: History – Our Past III
- This book includes topics from the medieval period, and it’s important for understanding the socio-economic and cultural aspects of that time.
- Class XI: Ancient India – RS Sharma
- This book is part of the NCERT series for history at the Class XI level. It specifically focuses on ancient Indian history and is more detailed than the general history books for lower classes.
- Class XII: Medieval India – Satish Chandra
- This book is part of the NCERT series for history at the Class XII level. It covers the medieval period in detail, providing insights into various aspects of that era.
It’s important to note that while NCERT books provide a solid foundation, UPSC candidates are also advised to refer to additional books and resources for more in-depth knowledge and current affairs. Additionally, candidates should keep themselves updated with the latest exam patterns and syllabus changes. Always cross-reference information and supplement your studies with other standard reference books for a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
How to Prepare Ancient History for UPSC?
Preparing for ancient history for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Here are some steps and tips to help you prepare for this section:
- Understand the Syllabus:
- Go through the UPSC syllabus to understand the specific topics related to ancient history that you need to cover.
- Select the Right Books:
- Refer to standard textbooks that cover the ancient history portion comprehensively. Some recommended books include:
- “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma
- “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania
- “An Introduction to Indian Art” by N.C.E.R.T.
- “A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India” by Upinder Singh
- Refer to standard textbooks that cover the ancient history portion comprehensively. Some recommended books include:
- Create a Study Plan:
- Divide the syllabus into smaller topics and create a study plan. Allocate specific time to each topic based on your understanding and the weightage of each topic in the exam.
- Make Notes:
- Prepare concise notes while studying, focusing on key points, dates, and events. This will help in quick revision before the exam.
- Use Additional Resources:
- Supplement your studies with additional resources like online lectures, documentaries, and museum visits to enhance your understanding of ancient history.
- Timeline and Chronology:
- Create a timeline of major events and developments in ancient Indian history. Understanding the chronological order of events is crucial.
- Focus on Archaeological Discoveries:
- Be aware of important archaeological discoveries and their significance in understanding ancient Indian history.
- Understand Art and Culture:
- Study the art and culture of ancient India, including architecture, sculpture, and paintings. Understanding the cultural aspects will provide a holistic view of the period.
- Practice Previous Year Papers:
- Solve previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. This will also help in time management during the actual exam.
- Stay Updated:
- Keep yourself updated on any recent archaeological findings or developments in the field of ancient history.
- Join Test Series:
- Enroll in a good test series to practice mock exams. This will help you in improving your time management and identifying areas that need more focus.
- Current Affairs:
- Relate ancient history to current affairs, if possible. Understand the contemporary relevance of historical events.
- Revise Regularly:
- Regular revision is key to retaining the information. Plan your revision schedule in such a way that you cover the entire syllabus multiple times before the exam.
Remember, consistency and perseverance are crucial when preparing for UPSC exams. Adopt a disciplined approach, stay focused, and keep track of your progress regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the essential books for Ancient Indian History for UPSC preparation?
A: “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage. Additionally, “A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India” by Upinder Singh provides a nuanced understanding.
Q: Which book is best for understanding Ancient World History for UPSC exams?
A: “Ancient and Medieval History” by Poonam Dalal Dahiya is a popular choice as it covers both Indian and world history, including ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Q: Is there a specific book for Ancient Art and Culture for UPSC aspirants?
A: “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania is a comprehensive guide covering ancient Indian art, architecture, and culture, making it an ideal resource for UPSC aspirants.
Q: Are there any concise books for quick revision of Ancient History topics for UPSC prelims?
A: “Ancient India” by D.N. Jha is a concise book that condenses key information for quick revision. It is useful for revisiting important facts and dates before the UPSC prelims.
Q: Is there a recommended source for Ancient History maps and archaeological findings for UPSC mains?
A: “Orient BlackSwan School Atlas” is a good resource for historical maps, and “Indian Archaeology: A Review” by Archaeological Survey of India provides insights into recent archaeological findings, helping in answer writing for UPSC mains.
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