NDSS Academy

Indian History

Ancient, medieval and modern India and the freedom struggle.

3 MonthsDuration 16Chapters67Topics
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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Sources and Prehistoric India 4 topics
  1. Literary, archaeological and foreign sources
  2. Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic cultures
  3. Chalcolithic cultures
  4. Important prehistoric sites
02Indus Valley Civilisation 4 topics
  1. Discovery and extent
  2. Town planning and major sites
  3. Economy, trade and crafts
  4. Religion, script and decline
03Vedic Age 4 topics
  1. Early Vedic (Rigvedic) society
  2. Later Vedic period
  3. Vedic literature: Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads
  4. Polity and economy
04Mahajanapadas, Buddhism and Jainism 4 topics
  1. Sixteen Mahajanapadas and rise of Magadha
  2. Buddhism: teachings and councils
  3. Jainism: teachings and sects
  4. Other heterodox sects
05The Mauryan Empire 4 topics
  1. Chandragupta, Bindusara and Ashoka
  2. Ashoka's edicts and dhamma
  3. Mauryan administration and Arthashastra
  4. Mauryan art and decline
06Post-Mauryan Period and the Sangam Age 4 topics
  1. Shungas, Satavahanas and Indo-Greeks
  2. Kushanas and Kanishka
  3. Gandhara and Mathura schools of art
  4. Sangam literature and society
07Gupta and Post-Gupta Period 4 topics
  1. Gupta rulers and administration
  2. Science, literature and art in the Gupta age
  3. Harshavardhana
  4. Foreign travellers: Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang
08Early Medieval India 4 topics
  1. Tripartite struggle: Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas
  2. Cholas and local self-government
  3. Rajput kingdoms
  4. Temple architecture of the period
09Delhi Sultanate 4 topics
  1. Slave, Khalji, Tughluq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties
  2. Administration and iqta system
  3. Economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji
  4. Art, architecture and travellers
10Vijayanagara, Bahmani and the Bhakti-Sufi Movements 4 topics
  1. Vijayanagara empire
  2. Bahmani kingdom
  3. Bhakti movement and saints
  4. Sufi orders
11The Mughal Empire and the Marathas 5 topics
  1. Babur to Aurangzeb
  2. Akbar's religious and revenue policy
  3. Mughal administration and mansabdari
  4. Rise of the Marathas under Shivaji
  5. Decline of the Mughals
12Indian Art and Culture 4 topics
  1. Temple architecture: Nagara, Dravida, Vesara
  2. Classical dances and music
  3. Paintings and caves
  4. Literature and philosophy
13Advent of Europeans and British Expansion 5 topics
  1. Portuguese, Dutch, English and French
  2. Carnatic wars, Plassey and Buxar
  3. Subsidiary alliance and Doctrine of Lapse
  4. Land revenue systems
  5. Economic impact of British rule
14The Revolt of 1857 and Socio-Religious Reforms 4 topics
  1. Causes and centres of the revolt
  2. Leaders and suppression
  3. Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission
  4. Reformers and social legislation
15Rise of Indian Nationalism (1885-1919) 5 topics
  1. Formation of the INC
  2. Moderates and extremists
  3. Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi
  4. Revolutionaries and Ghadar Party
  5. Home Rule and Lucknow Pact
16Gandhian Era and Independence (1917-1947) 4 topics
  1. Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad
  2. Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience
  3. Round Table Conferences and Act of 1935
  4. Quit India, INA and the road to independence

About

You will be able to

  • Explain the main phases of ancient, medieval and modern Indian history in chronological order
  • Recall key rulers, dynasties, travellers, texts and archaeological sites
  • Describe the features of Indian art, architecture and culture
  • Analyse British expansion, its economic impact and the Revolt of 1857
  • Trace the national movement from 1885 to 1947 with important events and leaders
  • Solve UPSC / UPPSC prelims history questions including chronology and statement types

Who it is for

  • UPSC Civil Services (Prelims) aspirants
  • UPPSC PCS and other state PSC aspirants
  • Graduates preparing for SSC, railway and other government exams

What you need

  • Graduation (pursuing or completed)
  • NCERT history books of classes 6-12 are recommended alongside

Questions

Does the course cover art and culture?

Yes. A full chapter covers temple architecture, dance, music, paintings and literature, which UPSC asks often.

Is modern history given more weight?

Yes. Modern India and the freedom struggle carry the most questions in prelims, so they get more classes and tests.

Which books should I read?

NCERT books of classes 6-12 for the base, plus our chapter notes and test series.

Are UP-specific history questions covered for UPPSC?

Yes. The test series includes UP-related history questions for UPPSC aspirants.

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