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Best Books of History for UPSC 2024, Comprehensive Guide

Madhavi Gaur August 12, 2023 02:50 7593 0

Best Books of History for UPSC 2024, Comprehensive Guide

Best Books of History for UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Aspiring civil servants dedicate significant time and effort to prepare for this examination, which covers a vast range of subjects, including history. The study of history not only helps candidates understand the evolution of societies and cultures but also equips them with a broader perspective on contemporary issues.

To excel in the history section of the UPSC exam, aspirants should delve into a collection of well-curated books that offer deep insights into the past. Here, we present a comprehensive list of the best history books for UPSC preparation.

List of Top 10 Best Books of History for UPSC

Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam requires a comprehensive understanding of history, which can be gained through a combination of textbooks, reference books, and other study materials. Here are some of the best history books that can help you in your UPSC preparation:

1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

2. A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publications

3. History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

4. Ancient India by R.S. Sharma

5. World History by Norman Lowe

6. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha

7. Facets of Indian Culture by Spectrum Publications

8. NCERT Books of History

9. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania

10. India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma

Remember that in addition to these books of History, you should also refer to the UPSC syllabus, practice previous years’ question papers, and stay updated with current affairs related to history. Moreover, note-taking, regular revision, and mock tests are crucial aspects of effective preparation.

Best Books of History for UPSC in Detail

Below is the list of Best Books of History for UPSC in detail:

1. Best Books of History for UPSC: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

A classic in the field of modern Indian history, “India’s Struggle for Independence” provides an in-depth account of India’s freedom movement. Written by renowned historian Bipan Chandra, this book covers the period from the early 19th century to India’s independence in 1947.

The book offers a detailed analysis of various stages, events, and personalities that shaped the struggle against British colonial rule. Aspirants can expect to gain valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of the time and the role of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Best Books of History for UPSC: India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
Best Books of History for UPSC: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra

2. Best Books of History for UPSC: Ancient India by R.S. Sharma

For a comprehensive understanding of India’s ancient history, “Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma is a go-to resource. This book delves into the rich cultural, economic, and social aspects of ancient Indian civilizations, covering topics from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Gupta Empire. With its well-researched content and clear presentation, the book aids aspirants in grasping the foundational aspects of India’s past.

Best Books of History for UPSC: Ancient India by R.S. Sharma
Best Books of History for UPSC: Ancient India by R.S. Sharma

3. Best Books of History for UPSC: A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir

Rajiv Ahir’s “A Brief History of Modern India” is a concise and structured book that focuses on the significant events and developments that shaped modern India from the mid-18th century to the present day. It provides an easy-to-follow narrative that helps aspirants grasp the complexities of modern Indian history without getting lost in unnecessary details.

Best Books of History for UPSC: A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
Best Books of History for UPSC: A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir

4. Best Books of History for UPSC: India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha

To understand the post-independence trajectory of India, “India After Gandhi” by Ramachandra Guha is a must-read. This book offers insights into the challenges and transformations faced by India as it transitioned from a colonial state to a democratic nation. Guha’s engaging writing style and meticulous research make this book an enriching resource for candidates aiming to comprehend the intricacies of India’s political landscape.

Best Books of History for UPSC: India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha
Best Books of History for UPSC: India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha

5. Best Books of History for UPSC: The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham

For a holistic exploration of ancient Indian culture, “The Wonder That Was India” by A.L. Basham is a timeless work. While it covers topics such as religion, philosophy, art, and literature, it also offers a comprehensive overview of India’s historical past. This book not only aids in history preparation but also provides valuable insights into the cultural foundation of the nation.

Best Books of History for UPSC: The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham
Best Books of History for UPSC: The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham

6. Best Books of History for UPSC: Modern World History by Norman Lowe

UPSC’s history section is not limited to India alone; it also encompasses world history. Norman Lowe’s “Modern World History” is a comprehensive resource that covers global events, transformations, and developments from the 18th century to the late 20th century. Aspirants can gain a better understanding of how international events shaped the world and influenced India during this period.

Best Books of History for UPSC: Modern World History by Norman Lowe
Best Books of History for UPSC: Modern World History by Norman Lowe

7. Best Books of History for UPSC: The History of the World by J.M. Roberts

For a more expansive perspective on world history, “The History of the World” by J.M. Roberts is a recommended read. This book presents a comprehensive overview of global history from prehistoric times to the 20th century. While not solely focused on the UPSC syllabus, it provides a broader context that can help aspirants understand the interplay of civilizations and events on a global scale.

Best Books of History for UPSC: The History of the World by J.M. Roberts
Best Books of History for UPSC: The History of the World by J.M. Roberts

Preparing for the history section of the UPSC examination requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of the subject matter. The aforementioned books of history are not only reliable sources of information but also valuable tools for enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills.

Aspirants should remember that reading these books of History is not just about memorizing facts but about developing a nuanced understanding of historical contexts and their implications. By immersing themselves in these well-curated resources, UPSC aspirants can effectively unravel the mysteries of the past and, in turn, be better equipped to shape the future of the nation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting a single history book for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) preparation can be challenging, as the exam requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject. However, one popular book that many aspirants recommend is "History of Modern India" by Bipan Chandra. This book covers the modern history of India from the 1857 uprising to the present day. Additionally, candidates often refer to NCERT history textbooks from classes 6 to 12, as they provide a strong foundation for the subject.

For UPSC Prelims (the preliminary stage of the exam), candidates often refer to the NCERT history textbooks from classes 6 to 12. These books provide essential information and concepts required for the Prelims exam. Moreover, aspirants can also consider referring to books like "India's Struggle for Independence" by Bipan Chandra and "A Brief History of Modern India" by Spectrum for more detailed preparation.

History is an important subject for UPSC as it forms a significant portion of both the Prelims and Mains exams. Understanding historical events, their causes, consequences, and their impact on various aspects of society and governance is crucial for a well-rounded preparation. History helps candidates develop analytical skills, comprehend socio-political changes, and make connections between past and present, which are valuable for answering both objective and subjective questions in the UPSC exam.

किसी एक इतिहास किताब को यूपीएससी (संघ लोक सेवा आयोग) की तैयारी के लिए चुनना मुश्किल हो सकता है, क्योंकि परीक्षा में इस विषय की व्यापक समझ की आवश्यकता होती है। हालांकि, एक प्रसिद्ध किताब जिसे कई उम्मीदवार सिफारिश करते हैं, वह है "आधुनिक भारत का इतिहास" जिसके लेखक बिपन चंद्र है। यह किताब भारत के आधुनिक इतिहास को 1857 के विद्रोह से लेकर वर्तमान तक कवर करती है। इसके अलावा, उम्मीदवार आमतौर पर कक्षा 6 से 12 तक की NCERT इतिहास पाठ्यपुस्तकों का संदर्भ भी लेते हैं, क्योंकि वे इस विषय के लिए मजबूत आधार प्रदान करती हैं।
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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