For aspiring candidates preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, a comprehensive understanding of world history is crucial, as it forms a significant part of the syllabus. A well-curated booklist can serve as a valuable resource for mastering the complexities and nuances of global historical developments. To begin with, “The Penguin History of the World” by J.M. Roberts provides a broad overview, spanning from prehistoric times to the contemporary era. Additionally, “A History of the Modern World” by R.R. Palmer and Joel Colton delves into the modern period, offering insights into the political, social, and economic transformations that have shaped the world. To understand the impact of colonization, “The Wretched of the Earth” by Frantz Fanon is an essential read, shedding light on the consequences of imperialism. “The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848” by Eric Hobsbawm focuses on the transformative era, while “The Second World War” by Sir Winston Churchill provides a detailed account of one of the most pivotal events in the 20th century. Lastly, “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond explores the factors influencing the rise and fall of civilizations. This comprehensive booklist ensures a holistic approach to world history, equipping UPSC aspirants with the knowledge required to tackle the examination with confidence.
UPSC World History Books for Prelims and Mains
Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, especially for World History in both Prelims and Mains, requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Here are some recommended books for UPSC World History:
For Prelims:
- “History of the World” by Arjun Dev: This book provides a broad overview of world history, making it suitable for understanding key events and trends.
- “NCERT Class XI and XII World History Textbooks”: NCERT textbooks are essential for building a strong foundation. The Class XI and XII history textbooks cover world history comprehensively.
- “Mastering Modern World History” by Norman Lowe: This book is a good resource for a detailed study of modern world history, which is an important part of UPSC Prelims.
- “World History” by Krishna Reddy: It covers a wide range of topics and is designed specifically for UPSC aspirants, making it a good choice for Prelims.
For Mains:
- “The Penguin History of the World” by J.M. Roberts: This book provides an in-depth analysis of world history and is useful for developing a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
- “A History of the World” by Andrew Marr: It offers a well-written narrative of world history, making it useful for Mains preparation.
- “World History: From the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty-First Century” by Arjun Dev: This book is specifically designed for the UPSC Mains examination and covers the syllabus comprehensively.
- “Themes in World History” by K. M. Panikkar: This book provides a thematic approach to world history, helping you analyze events and developments from different perspectives.
- “Norman Lowe’s Mastering World History”: Apart from being useful for Prelims, this book can be referred to for Mains preparation as well, especially for its detailed insights into modern world history.
NCERT World History Book for UPSC
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in India publishes textbooks for various subjects, including history. For UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) preparation, the NCERT textbooks are considered foundational and provide a good starting point for building your understanding of world history.
For world history, the NCERT book titled “Themes in World History” is often recommended. It is part of the NCERT’s Class 11 curriculum. The book covers important themes and events in world history and provides a comprehensive overview. While preparing for UPSC, it’s crucial to not solely rely on one source. Alongside the NCERT textbooks, you should also refer to other standard reference books, newspapers, and magazines for a more in-depth and diverse understanding of world history.
How to Prepare World History for UPSC?
Preparing for world history for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Here are some tips to help you prepare for world history:
- Understand the UPSC Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the UPSC syllabus for world history. This will help you know what topics are important and need to be covered.
- Select Relevant Study Material:
- Choose standard textbooks and study materials. Some recommended books for world history include:
- “The Penguin History of the World” by J.M. Roberts
- “A History of the Modern World” by R.R. Palmer
- “World History” by Norman Lowe
- “Mastering Modern World History” by Norman Lowe
- Additionally, refer to NCERT textbooks for a basic understanding.
- Choose standard textbooks and study materials. Some recommended books for world history include:
- Make a Study Plan:
- Create a realistic and structured study plan. Allocate specific time for world history, and make sure to cover all the relevant topics.
- Focus on Important Topics:
- Prioritize topics that are mentioned explicitly in the UPSC syllabus. Emphasize events and developments that have had a significant impact on the world.
- Understand Concepts and Develop Historical Thinking:
- Don’t just memorize facts; understand the underlying concepts and develop a historical perspective. Analyze the cause-and-effect relationships between events.
- Use Visual Aids and Maps:
- Incorporate visual aids, maps, and timelines in your study. This will help you in better understanding the geographical and chronological aspects of world history.
- Stay Updated:
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs, especially those related to international relations and global events. This can help you relate historical events to contemporary issues.
- Practice Answer Writing:
- Practice writing answers to previous years’ UPSC question papers. This will help you improve your writing skills and time management.
- Join a Test Series:
- Enroll in a good test series for world history. Regularly taking mock tests will give you an idea of the exam pattern and help you identify areas that need improvement.
- Revise Regularly:
- Regular revision is crucial for retaining information. Create concise notes and revise them at regular intervals.
- Seek Guidance:
- If possible, join a coaching institute or seek guidance from experienced mentors. They can provide valuable insights and strategies for effective preparation.
- Stay Disciplined and Stay Healthy:
- Maintain a disciplined study routine, get adequate sleep, and take care of your health. A healthy mind and body contribute to effective learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best books for World History for UPSC preparation?
Answer: Some recommended books for World History in UPSC preparation are:
- “A History of the Modern World” by R.R. Palmer
- “The Penguin History of the World” by J.M. Roberts
- “World History” by Norman Lowe
- “Mastering Modern World History” by Norman Lowe
- “The Story of Civilization” by Will Durant (11 volumes)
2. Is it necessary to read all volumes of “The Story of Civilization” by Will Durant for UPSC World History?
Answer: While it’s not mandatory to read all volumes, it’s beneficial to cover key volumes like “Our Oriental Heritage” and “The Age of Reason Begins.” Focus on the volumes relevant to the UPSC syllabus, such as those covering ancient and medieval periods.
3. Are there any specific books for ancient civilizations in World History for UPSC?
Answer: Yes, for ancient civilizations, consider books like:
- “The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers” by Paul Kennedy (covers ancient to modern periods)
- “The Early History of Rome” by Titus Livius (Livy)
- “The Story of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage” by Will Durant
4. How to approach World History for UPSC, especially for beginners?
Answer: Begin with NCERT textbooks for a foundational understanding. Progress to standard UPSC-specific books like “A History of the Modern World” by R.R. Palmer and “World History” by Norman Lowe. Supplement your reading with newspapers and online resources to stay updated on global events.
5. Are there any video lectures or online resources for World History that complement UPSC preparation?
Answer: Yes, platforms like Unacademy, Khan Academy, and YouTube channels such as “The Great Courses” offer video lectures on World History. Additionally, websites like JSTOR and Project MUSE provide scholarly articles for in-depth research.
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