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best books for history upsc

best books for history upsc

History is an important subject in preparation for the UPSC IAS test. Studying history is an enjoyable process and a terrific learning opportunity as it helps understand our heritage and culture.

Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, and Modern Indian History are all part of India's history. To a certain extent, world history has influenced Indian history. As with any other subject, when studying history,

You must aim to match yourself well with the principles that underpin the significant events you're studying about.

This article will discuss the most relevant Ancient, Medieval and Modern History books for IAS exam preparation.  We have considered the finest history books for UPSC by IAS candidates. The UPSC exam has three stages: preliminary, mains, and interview.

Furthermore, the Spectrum History book  and NCERT book list for upsc are essential in completing all three stages.  So the list of books that you must refer to while preparing for UPSC are as follow;

Best History Books for UPSC(2022)

Books on Ancient History

1. NCERT Class XI Ancient India

Fortunately, R.S Sharma's work, India's Ancient Past, gives a profoundly vivid and compelling tale.

This book focuses on the origins of many empires and religious civilizations in India's rising periods.

It also traces the origins of various geographical, linguistic, and biological phenomena.

The book discusses the rise of religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and others, as well as the creation of territorial nations.

Breaking away from the typical factual documentation seen in history,

 India's Ancient Past delivers a simple reading format while dealing with various issues such as caste system, urbanization etc.

Book Details

  • Author: RAM SHARAN SHARMA
  • Pages- 266
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.1/5
  • USP: Easy to comprehend
  • Price Range: Rs 60-110

Video Review

2. NCERT Class XI an Introduction to Indian Art

The book fully covers the prehistoric cave painting legacy and its continuance in mural paintings of the Buddhist era

And subsequently in different regions of the country and Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu sculptural and architectural achievements.

Another age dawned on India during the Indo-Islamic period, before Mughal control, with huge buildings in the shape of forts and palaces.

 Various features of all of these genres have been explored to familiarize students with the fabric of Indian culture.

Book Details

  • Author: NCERT
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: National Council of Educational Research and Training
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • USP: Easy to understand and well illustrated with examples
  • Pages: 131
  • Price Rs 60- 130

Video Review

3. India’s Ancient Past- RS Sharma

In his book India's Ancient Past, author Ram Sharan Sharma examines the origins of the numerous religions, civilizations, and empires in India.

The book begins with a review of history and its writing before delving into the cultures that existed in ancient India.

India's Ancient Past is a thorough history of ancient India. The book's author investigates the civilizations

And social formations that existed in India from the earliest human beings through the early Medieval period.

There has been coverage of many geographical and language backgrounds.

Book Details

  • Author: RAM SHARAN SHARMA

  • Pages :387
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Rating: 4.3/5
  • USP: Updated with latest references and information
  • Price Range:Rs 100-200

Video Review

4. The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Basham

This book was authored in 1958 by A. L. Basham, a British historian. It explores India's history from prehistoric days to just before the entry of Muslim invaders.

Also, examines the nations history beginning with the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization.

It investigates the possible reasons of the Harappan civilization's and settlements' demise.

This book's overview of Indian history is extensive. It examines all aspects of Indian civilization and culture.

The author also examines the Aryan invasion concept, using different research articles and data from the historical period to back it up.  

Book Details

  • Author: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

  • Pages :572
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Comprehensive coverage backed with reasearch papers
  • Price Range:Rs 400-600

Video Review

Books on Medieval History:

1. NCERT Class XI Medieval India – Satish Chandra

Medieval India spans a thousand years of Indian history, from the eighth to the seventeenth centuries AD.

The book begins with a high-level overview of the medieval world Before delving into the development and fall of dynasties in the Indian subcontinent.

The book explains several dynasties' origins, progress, and demise, including but not confined to the Cholas, Rajputs, Vijayanagara rulers, Bahmanids, and Marathas.

Book Details

  • Author: SATISH CHANDRA

  • Pages :260
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4/5
  • USP: Easily understandable for people with basic understanding of history
  • Price Range: Rs 100-150

Video Review

2. NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- II

This textbook (Part – 2) is an excellent choice for students in Grade XII who want to learn about Indian history.

This book was created to help students learn more about the Mughal Empire, Agrarian Society, and other historical events.

 The key events have been described in chronological sequence to gain a deeper understanding of historical happenings and their reasons.

The book will help you understand how international visitors perceived India and its culture.

The fusion of Bhakti and Sufi traditions, Intersecting of "Great" and "Little" traditions, Understanding Vijayanagar, its rayas and nayakas, Mughal kings, and court culture. 

Book Details

  • Author:NCERT

  • Pages :256
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.2/5
  • USP: Information is presented in engaging manner
  • Price Range:Rs 100-150

Video Review

3. NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- III

Part 3 Themes in Indian History is a continuation of parts 1 and 2.

It is intended for students in Grade XII and adheres to the National Council of Education Research and Training's syllabus.

 The book is written in simple language, and the use of graphical illustrations aids in understanding and comprehension of the topics.

 The material will help you understand what impact British policies have on agriculture.

Conflicts between settled farmers and tribals, The 1857 Revolt: Its Causes and Consequences, 

The impact of the British on Indian urbanization, architecture in colonial towns, and Mahatma Gandhi's role in the independence

Book Details

  • Author:NCERT

  • Pages :432
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.2/5
  • USP: Information is presented in engaging manner
  • Price Range:Rs 100-150

Video Review

Books on Modern History:

1. A Brief History of Modern India

This book systematically and concisely puts together numerous aspects of the tumultuous time

(from the advent of Europeans on Indian territory and the creation of British rule in India

Until the day India gained independence and the early years of freedom):

Major and significant details and milestones are successfully explained, as are some vital but little known information.

Not only has the mainstream liberation struggle been covered, but also the divergent efforts—small but significant—of various groups. 

Political and socioeconomic trends that have impacted the creation of modern India have been addressed in separate chapters.

Book Details

  • Author:Ahir Rajiv

  • Pages :888
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: Spectrum Books Pvt
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Information is presented in a concise way
  • Price Range:Rs 250-350

Video Review

2. NCERT Class XI Modern India- Bipan Chandra

NCERT textbooks provide a clear description of events in simple and engaging language.

It is a wonderful starting point for learning about the liberation movement.

This book focuses on India's economic, religious, and social history rather than the political elements of the time.

Chandra provides insight into key events in contemporary Indian history,

 Such as the foundation of the British East India Company, which resulted in the British tightening their grip on India.

 According to Chandra, the main motivation for colonial control was to exploit India through investment and trade. 

Book Details

  • Author:Bipin Chandra

  • Pages :274
  • Language: English, Hindi
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Information is presented in an easy and understandable manner
  • Price Range:Rs 100-200

Video Review

3. India After Gandhi – Ramchandra Guha

This comprehensive history of contemporary India, published to commemorate

The country's seventieth year of independence, is the product of one of the world's finest historians at the pinnacle of his powers.

 Also, a revised edition came in 2017. This revised and extended tenth-anniversary edition brings the story up to date.

It is a non-fiction book written by Indian historian Ramachandra Guha that was originally released in August 2007 by HarperCollins.

 The book examines India's history following its independence from the British in 1947. 

It is a magnificent portrayal of Ramachandra Guha's India's pains, battles, humiliations, and grandeur, the world's biggest and least likely democracy.

After Gandhi is an enthralling account of the savage battles that have shaken a vast nation and the incredible forces that have kept it together.

It is the product of a renowned scholar at the pinnacle of his powers, a thoroughly researched and gorgeously written epic history filled with larger-than-life figures.

Book Details

  • Author: Guha Ramachandra

  • Pages :960
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Picador India
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Information is presented in anengaging manner
  • Price Range: Rs500-600

Video Review

4. India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra

India's Struggle For Independence, intended for avid history buffs, is one of the most extensive and detailed accounts of the Indian Independence movement ever written in the world of literature.

It is a comprehensive look at one of the most important periods in Indian history, written and edited by five experienced authors.

This book takes the reader on a journey across India as it sought independence.

This book begins with the first revolt in 1857, led by Mangal Pandey, and progresses through Rani Lakshmi Bai's innate desire to free her nation,

Subhash Chandra Bose's unrivaled charisma and brutal tactics, Mahatma Gandhi's renowned civil disobedience and non-cooperation movement, and the ultimate victory in 1947 when the British Raj was finally ended.

Book Details

  • Author: Bipin Chandra

  • Pages : 600
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Penguin Random House India; 1st edition (9 August 2016); Penguin India
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Information is presented in a detailed manner
  • Price Range: Rs 200-300

Video Review

5. History Of Modern India – Bipan Chandra

History of Modern India is a thorough book for students of history and keen readers who want to gain a broad grasp of how modern India came to be.

 History Of Modern India, released in 2009, is a book about the history of British India,

Shedding light on the nationalist movement and colonialism. It describes the socioeconomic circumstances and situations that existed in India at the time,

Which aided the British in establishing their authority over the subcontinent.

The novel depicts an intriguing everyday reality of people's life throughout those times.

This is a fantastic read if you would like your responses to be creative and critical, where you don't just list facts and happenings but also analyze them.

Book Details

  • Author: Bipin Chandra

  • Pages : 352
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: Orient Blackswan Pvt Ltd
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Information is presented in a detailed manner
  • Price Range: Rs 200-300

Video Review

6. Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania    

This book explores the Indian Heritage & Culture syllabus for General Studies Paper I.

A broad knowledge basis of Indian Art, paintings, music, and architecture has been conducted with numerous photographs

 And illustrations that will pique the reader's attention. This book is well-written, with extensive coverage of minute details and facts on subjects.

There are questions at the end of every chapter to help prepare students for the exams.

Book Details

  • Author: Nitin Singhania

  • Pages : 632 (4th Edition)
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: McGraw Hill Education
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Unique presentation, reader-friendly with bullet points, charts
  • Price Range: Rs 500-700

Video Review

Books on World History:

1. History of Modern World – Jain and Mathur

The History of the Modern World 1500-2000 A. D. PB 1st Edition by Mathur and Jain is a thorough work on modern history for undergraduates.

The book traces the historical events from the Renaissance to the modern-day, providing details for students' enlightenment.

 The book is a vital resource for students preparing for the UPSC exams for employment in India's public sector.

Book Details

  • Author: Jain & Mathur

  • Pages : 591
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: Jain Prakashan Mandir, 2004
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Reader-friendly with vital information from 1500-2000 A.D.
  • Price Range: Rs 300-500

Video Review

2. Mastering Modern World History-Norman Lowe

The book covers major events of modern history, such as international affairs,

 Fascism and communism, international conflicts, decolonization, and other global issues.

All sections in Modern World History are clearly described to the audience in the book through the use of underlined words, keywords, and headings.

The book also includes clear references that the learner will find extremely valuable.

Book Details

  • Author: Norman Lowe

  • Pages : 720
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • USP: Reader-friendly covers all important information.
  • Price Range: Rs 300-500

3. Contemporary World History for class XII (Old NCERT Book)

Any student studying world history can benefit from NCERT'S Contemporary World History.

The book covers world history's events, such as Periodization in history, the Renaissance movement, colonialism, and other global issues.

The book also includes sections of world history from 1809, WW1, WW2, the world after 1945, etc.

All sections have been explicitly explained to the readers.

Book Details

  • Author: Arjun Dev

  • Pages : 269
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.4/5
  • USP: Reader-friendly and presents all the information in an easy manner.
  • Price Range: Rs 100-200

4. The Story of Civilization, Part 2 by Arjun Dev, NCERT

This book covers crucial trends in world history, from the emergence of imperialism to the end of imperialism.

Also presents major trends in the modern world, including modern India.

Moreover, it provides an overview of all the important changes and developments that have taken place in the world,

 Like the Russian Revolution, the World after WW2, and so on.

Book Details

  • Author: Arjun Dev

  • Pages : 223
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Publisher: NCERT
  • Rating: 4.2/5
  • USP: Reader-friendly and presents all the information in an easy manner.
  • Price Range: Rs 100-200

Conclusion

Now that you have the complete list of books and their reviews, you should not worry about preparation. Moreover, we hope with this extensive list of books,

All your questions on preparing for History UPSC and the best history books for UPSC have been answered.Remember that history is a huge but fascinating subject to study.

You must study your chapters to understand concepts further and write brief notes of important dates, events, and persons.

Good Luck!

Frequently asked Questions(FAQ): 

1. Which book is best for UPSC preparation for history?

For candidates with no humanities experience, NCERT History textbooks Class 6-12 and Rajiv Ahir's Brief History of Modern India are preferable.

 Along with Ahir's book, aspirants with a humanities background should use the Class 11-12 NCERT textbook. These are considered the ideal books for the history preparation of UPSC.


2. Is Ncert enough for UPSC history?

Most IAS toppers advise NCERT History Textbooks for UPSC Prelims and Mains study. These texts are usually sufficient for students who have not chosen history as an additional subject.

 A selective study of Rajiv Ahir's Brief History of Modern India, Bipin Chandra's India's Struggle for Independence, and AL Basham's The Wonder That Was India, on the other hand, can be extremely beneficial for UPSC history preparation.


3. Which is better, spectrum or Bipin Chandra?

Spectrum is great for pre-exam revision, and Bipin Chandra is great for developing historical analysis aptitude and Mains-style answers.

As a result, we recommend reading both but using Spectrum for revision. Read Bipin Chandra / Sumit Sarkar first, then Spectrum to review.


4. How can I read/ study my UPSC history books?

UPSC History Study Strategy
- Create a timeline for each period that includes the major events stated.
- Throughout the entire time period, revise the full syllabus at least two to three times.
- To improve your preparation, solve previous year's exams and IAS practice papers for history on a routine basis.


5. Is Spectrum enough for modern history mains?

Spectrum is one of many books that provide information about Modern Indian History. History is a large subject that demands comprehension and memorization, and it takes a long time to master.

It is best to begin with the NCERT and then move on to Spectrum, as with any subject.

Here are the best ancient history books for upsc:

Here are the best medieval history book for upsc:

Here are the best modern history book for upsc:

Here are the best app for World History:

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About the Author

Currently working as an Editor in Chief with Ankuraggarwal.in, he is managing all the ins and outs of the content management process and editorial operations. Having an experience of 8 years in the publishing/ e-solution industry, he manages a small freelancing team of fellow editors and has worked with several domains including academics, healthcare, lifestyle and technical writings. He is a stickler for accuracy and loves to read noir-fiction and binge-watch anthologies.

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