UPSC History Optional: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Books, Strategies, And PYQs

Introduction – UPSC History Optional Subject

Choosing History as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) offers a distinctive advantage to candidates with a profound interest in the past and its impact on the present and future. History is a comprehensive subject that spans ancient, medieval, and modern periods, examining societal, cultural, economic, and political developments across time. This subject covers a vast array of topics, from the evolution of human civilizations to significant events that have shaped the modern world, offering insights into the complexities of historical change and continuity.

This article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for candidates considering History as their optional subject. It will delve into the extensive scope of the exam syllabus, highlighting key areas for focused study. Additionally, the article will provide access to past year question papers (PYQs) to assist aspirants in understanding the question patterns and the expected difficulty level. It will also recommend essential books and resources that are fundamental for gaining a deep knowledge and command over History as an optional subject.

UPSC History Optional Subject Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam offers History as an optional subject, consisting of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. The History syllabus covers a wide array of topics spanning ancient, medieval, and modern periods of Indian history, as well as world history, encompassing cultural, social, economic, and political aspects. This extensive coverage ensures a deep understanding of historical developments, movements, philosophies, and their impacts on contemporary society. Studying History as an optional subject is particularly beneficial for gaining insights into human progress, conflicts, and the evolution of societies, which is valuable for addressing current societal issues, understanding governance, and policy-making.

Why Choose History Optional as Your UPSC Subject?

Rich Content and Analytical Depth: History offers a vast repository of information and perspectives, allowing candidates to develop analytical depth. This critical analysis aids in crafting well-informed, insightful answers that stand out in evaluations.
Synergy with General Studies: History extensively overlaps with the General Studies syllabus, especially in areas like Indian Freedom Struggle, World History, Cultural Developments, and Social Movements, enriching a candidate’s responses across papers.
Abundant Study Material: There is a wealth of study materials available for History, including standard textbooks, scholarly articles, and a plethora of online resources, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
Potential for High Scores: With its scope for presenting structured arguments and engaging narratives, History allows candidates to score well.
Connection to Current Affairs: Studying History provides context to many contemporary issues, from geopolitics to social justice, enabling candidates to draw insightful connections between past events and current affairs in their answers and interviews.

UPSC History Optional Syllabus

Each of the History optional papers in the UPSC CSE exam carries 250 marks, totaling 500 marks for the optional subject. The syllabus for the History Optional in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) covers a wide range of topics across various periods of history, emphasising the subject’s broad and detailed scope. Below is a broad outline of the syllabus:

UPSC History Optional Syllabus For Paper I:

The Table below contains the syllabus of History Optional for the UPSC Optional Paper I:

Topic	Subtopics
1. Sources	Archaeological sources: Exploration, excavation, epigraphy, numismatics, monuments. Literary sources: Indigenous (Primary and secondary; poetry, scientific literature, literature in regional languages, religious literature). Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese, and Arab writers.
2. Pre-history and Proto-history	Geographical factors; hunting and gathering (Paleolithic and Mesolithic); Beginning of agriculture (Neolithic and Chalcolithic).
3. Indus Valley Civilization	Origin, date, extent, characteristics, decline, survival, and significance, art, and architecture.
4. Megalithic Cultures	Distribution of pastoral and farming cultures outside the Indus, development of community life, settlements, agriculture, crafts, pottery, and iron industry.
5. Aryans and Vedic Period	Expansions of Aryans in India. Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature; transformation from Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period; political, social, and economic life; significance of the Vedic Age; evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.
6. Period of Mahajanapadas	Formation of States (Mahajanapada): Republics and monarchies; rise of urban centres; trade routes; economic growth; introduction of coinage; spread of Jainism and Buddhism; rise of Magadha and Nandas. Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
7. Mauryan Empire	Foundation of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Kautilya, and Arthashastra; Ashoka; concept of Dharma; Edicts; polity, administration, economy; art, architecture, and sculpture; external contacts; religion; spread of religion; literature. Disintegration of the empire; Sungas and Kanvas.
8. Post-Mauryan Period	(Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Western Kshatrapas): Contact with the outside world; growth of urban centers, economy, coinage, development of religions, Mahayana, social conditions, art, architecture, culture, literature, and science.
9. Early State and Society in Eastern India, Deccan, and South India	Kharavela, The Satavahanas, Tamil States of the Sangam Age; administration, economy, land grants, coinage, trade guilds and urban centers; Buddhist centers; Sangam literature and culture; art and architecture.
10. Guptas, Vakatakas, and Vardhanas	Polity and administration, economic conditions, coinage of the Guptas, land grants, decline of urban centers, Indian feudalism, caste system, position of women, education and educational institutions; Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi, literature, scientific literature, art, and architecture.
11. Regional States during Gupta Era	The Kadambas, Pallavas, Chalukyas of Badami; polity and administration, trade guilds, literature; growth of Vaishnava and Saiva religions. Tamil Bhakti movement, Shankaracharya; Vedanta; institutions of temple and temple architecture; Palas, Senas, Rashtrakutas, Paramaras, polity and administration; cultural aspects. Arab conquest of Sind; Alberuni, The Chalukyas of Kalyana, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pandyas; polity and administration; local government; growth of art and architecture, religious sects, institution of temple and Mathas, Agraharas, education and literature, economy and society.
12. Themes in Early Indian Cultural History	Languages and texts, major stages in the evolution of art and architecture, major philosophical thinkers and schools, ideas in science and mathematics.
13. Early Medieval India, 750-1200	Polity: Major political developments in Northern India and the peninsula, origin and the rise of Rajputs. The Cholas: administration, village economy and society “Indian Feudalism”. Agrarian economy and urban settlements. Trade and commerce. Society: the status of the Brahman and the new social order. Condition of women. Indian science and technology.
14. Cultural Traditions in India, 750-1200	Philosophy: Shankaracharya and Vedanta, Ramanuja and Vishishtadvaita, Madhva and BrahmaMimansa. Religion: Forms and features of religion, Tamil devotional cult, growth of Bhakti, Islam and its arrival in India, Sufism. Literature: Literature in Sanskrit, growth of Tamil literature, literature in the newly developing languages, Kalhan’s Rajtarangini, Alberuni’s India. Art and Architecture: Temple architecture, sculpture, painting.
15. The Thirteenth Century	Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors behind Ghurian success. Economic, social, and cultural consequences. Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans. Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban.
16. The Fourteenth Century	“The Khalji Revolution”. Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measure. Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughluq. Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate, foreign contacts and Ibn Battuta’s account.
17. Society, Culture, and Economy in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries	Society: composition of rural society, ruling classes, town dwellers, women, religious classes, caste and slavery under the Sultanate, Bhakti movement, Sufi movement. Culture: Persian literature, literature in the regional languages of North India, literature in the languages of South India, Sultanate architecture and new structural forms, painting, evolution of a composite culture. Economy: Agricultural Production, rise of urban economy and non-agricultural production, trade and commerce.
18. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century	Political Developments and Economy: Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Bengal, Kashmir (Zainul Abedin), Gujarat Malwa, Bahmanids. The Vijayanagara Empire. Lodis. Mughal Empire, first phase: Babur, Humayun. The Sur Empire: Sher Shah’s administration. Portuguese colonial enterprise, Bhakti and Sufi Movements.
19. The Fifteenth and Early Sixteenth Century- Society and culture:	Regional cultures specificities. Literary traditions. Provincial architectural. Society, culture, literature and the arts in Vijayanagara Empire.
20. Akbar	Conquests and consolidation of empire. Establishment of jagir and mansab systems. Rajput policy. Evolution of religious and social outlook. Theory of Sulh-i-kul and religious policy. Court patronage of art and technology.
21. Mughal Empire in the Seventeenth Century	Major administrative policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb. The Empire and the Zamindars. Religious policies of Jahangir, Shahjahan, and Aurangzeb. Nature of the Mughal State. Late Seventeenth Century crisis and the revolts. The Ahom kingdom. Shivaji and the early Maratha Kingdom.
22. Economy and society, in the 16th and 17th Centuries	Population Agricultural and craft production. Towns, commerce with Europe through Dutch, English, and French companies: a trade revolution. Indian mercantile classes. Banking, insurance, and credit systems. Conditions of peasants, Condition of Women. Evolution of the Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth.
23. Culture during Mughal Empire	Persian histories and other literature. Hindi and religious literatures. Mughal architecture. Mughal painting. Provincial architecture and painting. Classical music. Science and technology.
24. The Eighteenth Century	Factors for the decline of the Mughal Empire. The regional principalities: Nizam’s Deccan, Bengal, Awadh. Maratha ascendancy under the Peshwas. The Maratha fiscal and financial system. Emergence of Afghan power Battle of Panipat, 1761. State of, political, cultural and economic, on eve of the British conquest.

UPSC History Optional Syllabus For Paper II

The Table below contains the syllabus of History Optional for the UPSC Optional Paper II:

Topic	Subtopics
1. European Penetration into India	The Early European Settlements; The Portuguese and the Dutch; The English and the French East India Companies; Their struggle for supremacy; Carnatic Wars; Bengal-The conflict between the English and the Nawabs of Bengal; Siraj and the English; The Battle of Plassey; Significance of Plassey.
2. British Expansion in India	Bengal-Mir Jafar and Mir Kasim; The Battle of Buxar; Mysore; The Marathas; The three Anglo-Maratha Wars; The Punjab.
3. Early Structure of the British Raj	The Early administrative structure; From diarchy to direct control; The Regulating Act (1773); The Pitt’s India Act (1784); The Charter Act (1833); The Voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule; The English utilitarian and India.
4. Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule	Land revenue settlements in British India; The Permanent Settlement; Ryotwari Settlement; Mahalwari Settlement; Economic impact of the revenue arrangements; Commercialization of agriculture; Rise of landless agrarian labourers; Impoverishment of the rural society. Dislocation of traditional trade and commerce; De-industrialisation; Decline of traditional crafts; Drain of wealth; Economic transformation of India; Railroad and communication network including telegraph and postal services; Famine and poverty in the rural interior; European business enterprise and its limitations.
5. Social and Cultural Developments	The state of indigenous education, its dislocation; Orientalist-Anglicist controversy, The introduction of western education in India; The rise of press, literature and public opinion; The rise of modern vernacular literature; Progress of Science; Christian missionary activities in India.
6. Social and Religious Reform Movements in Bengal and Other Areas	Ram Mohan Roy, The Brahmo Movement; Devendranath Tagore; Iswarchandra Vidyasagar; The Young Bengal Movement; Dayanada Saraswati; The social reform movements in India including Sati, widow remarriage, child marriage etc.; The contribution of Indian renaissance to the growth of modern India; Islamic revivalism-the Feraizi and Wahabi Movements.
7. Indian Response to British Rule	Peasant movement and tribal uprisings in the 18th and 19th centuries including the Rangpur Dhing (1783), the Kol Rebellion (1832), the Mopla Rebellion in Malabar (1841-1920), the Santal Hul (1855), Indigo Rebellion (1859-60), Deccan Uprising (1875) and the Munda Ulgulan (1899-1900); The Great Revolt of 1857 —Origin, character, causes of failure, the consequences; The shift in the character of peasant uprisings in the post-1857 period; the peasant movements of the 1920s and 1930s.
8. Factors leading to the birth of Indian Nationalism	Politics of Association; The Foundation of the Indian National Congress; The Safety-valve thesis relating to the birth of the Congress; Programme and objectives of Early Congress; the social composition of early Congress leadership; the Moderates and Extremists; The Partition of Bengal (1905); The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal; the economic and political aspects of Swadeshi Movement; The beginning of revolutionary extremism in India.
9. Rise of Gandhi	Character of Gandhian nationalism; Gandhi’s popular appeal; Rowlatt Satyagraha; the Khilafat Movement; the Non-cooperation Movement; National politics from the end of the Non-cooperation movement to the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement; the two phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement; Simon Commission; The Nehru Report; the Round Table Conferences; Nationalism and the Peasant Movements; Nationalism and Working class movements; Women and Indian youth and students in Indian politics (1885-1947); the election of 1937 and the formation of ministries; Cripps Mission; the Quit India Movement; the Wavell Plan; The Cabinet Mission.
10. Constitutional Developments in the Colonial India between 1858 and 1935	No Sub topics
11. Other strands in the National Movement	The Revolutionaries: Bengal, the Punjab, Maharashtra, U.P. the Madras Presidency, Outside India. The Left; The Left within the Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, the Congress Socialist Party; the Communist Party of India, other left parties.
12. Politics of Separatism	The Muslim League; the Hindu Mahasabha; Communalism and the politics of partition; Transfer of power; Independence.
13. Consolidation as a Nation	Nehru’s Foreign Policy; India and her neighbours (1947-1964); The linguistic reorganisation of States (1935-1947); Regionalism and regional inequality; Integration of Princely States; Princes in electoral politics; the Question of National Language.
14. Caste and Ethnicity after 1947	Backward Castes and Tribes in post-colonial electoral politics; Dalit movements.
15. Economic development and political change	Land reforms; the politics of planning and rural reconstruction; Ecology and environmental policy in post-colonial India; Progress of Science.
16. Enlightenment and Modern ideas	Major Ideas of Enlightenment: Kant, Rousseau. Spread of Enlightenment in the colonies. Rise of socialist ideas (up to Marx); spread of Marxian Socialism.
17. Origins of Modern Politics	European States System. American Revolution and the Constitution. French Revolution and Aftermath, 1789-1815. American Civil War with reference to Abraham Lincoln and the abolition of slavery. British Democratic politics, 1815-1850: Parliamentary Reformers, Free Traders, Chartists.
18. Industrialization	English Industrial Revolution: Causes and Impact on Society. Industrialization in other countries: USA, Germany, Russia, Japan. Industrialization and Globalization.
19. Nation-State System	Rise of Nationalism in 19th century. Nationalism: State-building in Germany and Italy. Disintegration of Empires in the face of the emergence of nationalities across the World.
20. Imperialism and Colonialism	South and South-East Asia. Latin America and South Africa. Australia. Imperialism and free trade: Rise of neo-imperialism.
21. Revolution and Counter-Revolution	19th Century European revolutions. The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921. Fascist Counter-Revolution, Italy and Germany. The Chinese Revolution of 1949.
22. World Wars	1st and 2nd World Wars as Total Wars: Societal implications. World War I: Causes and Consequences. World War II: Causes and Consequences.
23. The World after World War II	Emergence of Two power blocs. Emergence of Third World and non-alignment. UNO and the global disputes.
24. Liberation from Colonial Rule	Latin America-Bolivar. Arab World-Egypt. Africa-Apartheid to Democracy. South-East Asia-Vietnam.
25. Decolonization and Underdevelopment	Factors constraining Development; Latin America, Africa.
26. Unification of Europe	Post War Foundations; NATO and European Community. Consolidation and Expansion of European Community European Union.
27. Disintegration of Soviet Union and the Rise of the Unipolar World	Factors leading to the collapse of Soviet Communism and Soviet Union, 1985-1991. Political Changes in East Europe 1989-2001. End of the Cold War and US Ascendancy in the World as the lone superpower.

History Optional Exam Pattern for UPSC Mains

The exam pattern for the History Optional in the UPSC Mains Exam is organised in the following manner:

The History Optional in the UPSC Mains Exam comprises two papers (Paper-1 and Paper-2), with each paper carrying 250 marks. This results in a total of 500 marks for the optional subject.
For each of the papers, candidates are required to attempt a total of FIVE questions. Questions 1 and 5 are mandatory in each paper.
Candidates must then select and answer THREE additional questions from the remaining ones. It is crucial to choose at least one question from each section of the paper.

Paper	Marks	Number of Questions	Compulsory Questions	Choice Questions	Duration
Paper I	250	5	Questions 1 and 5	Choose 3 out of the remaining	3 Hours
Paper II	250	5	Questions 1 and 5	Choose 3 out of the remaining	3 Hours

History Optional Books

For aspirants choosing History as an optional subject for the UPSC exam, selecting appropriate study materials is crucial for a detailed understanding of various historical periods and effective coverage of the syllabus. The History optional, covering vast timelines from ancient to modern periods across the world, requires a comprehensive set of books to ensure thorough preparation. Here is a curated list of essential books for History Optional Paper I and Paper II:

1. Ancient History books for History Optional

1. India’s Ancient Past	R.S Sharma
2. History of Ancient and Early Medieval India	Upinder Singh
3. The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300	Romila Thapar
4. Ancient Indian Social History-Some Interpretations	Romila Thapar
5. A Cultural History of India	A. L. Basham

2. Mediaeval History books for History Optional

The table below contains the list of books for Mediaeval History for History Optional:

Book Title	Author
1. A History of South India	K.A. Nilkantha Sastri
2. The Agrarian System of Mughal India 1556-1707	Irfan Habib
3. Ashoka & Decline of the Maurya	Romila Thapar
4. The Mughal Empire	J.F. Richards
5. Indian Feudalism	R.S. Sharma
6. The Wonder That was India (Volume.2)	S.A.A. Rizvi
7. Material culture & Social Formation in Ancient India	R.S. Sharma
8. Urban Dynamics	H.C. Verma
9. Medieval India (Macmillan)	Satish Chandra
10. Medieval India (NCERT)	Satish Chandra

3. Modern History Books for History Optional

The table below contains the list of books for Modern History for History Optional:

Book Title	Author
1. Anatomy of the Raj (PPH)	Suhash Chakravarty
2. Peasant Movements in India	D.N. Dhanagare
3. Freedom Struggle (NbT)	Bipan Chandra & others
4. The Raj Syndrome (Penguins)	Suhash Chakravarty
5. Gandhi	B.R. Nanda
6. VAID’s Fundamentals of History Series
7. Gandhi	Judith Brown
8. Constitutional History	Pravin Kumar
9. India’s Struggle for Independence	Bipan Chandra
10. Freedom Struggle	Pravin Kumar
11. Modern India (Macmillan)	Sumit Sarkar
12. Administrative History	Pravin Kumar
13. Modern India (NCERT)	Bipan Chandra
14. Social History	Pravin Kumar

4. World History Books for History Optional

The table below contains the list of books for World History for History Optional:

World History Books for History Optional
Book Title	Author
1. Age of Capital	E.J. Hobsbawm
2. Age of Empires	E.J. Hobsbawm
3. Age of Revolution	E.J. Hobsbawm
4. Contemporary World History (NCERT)	Arjun Dev
5. Europe Since 1815	W.C. Craig
6. Europe Since 1870	James Joll
7. Europe Since Napoleon	David Thompson
8. Industry & Empire	E.J. Hobsbawm
9. The social basis of Democracy & Dictatorship	B.J. Moore
10. The story of Civilization, Vol. 2 (NCERT)	Arjun Dev

History Optional Strategies for UPSC CSE Preparation

To excel in the History optional for the UPSC CSE, a strategic and in-depth preparation approach is essential due to the extensive nature of the syllabus. Below are strategies and tips specifically tailored for aspirants choosing History as their optional subject:

Familiarise Yourself with the Syllabus: Start by gaining a thorough understanding of the syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II.
Establish Clear Concepts: History encompasses a broad range of periods and concepts, from ancient civilizations to modern political movements. A solid understanding of these diverse historical periods and their interconnectedness is vital for crafting well-rounded answers.
Utilise Quality Reference Books: Choosing authoritative and detailed books is key to developing a deep knowledge base.
Make Your Own Notes for Revision Purpose: Creating personalised notes, including timelines, character sketches, and thematic summaries, can significantly enhance revision efficiency.
Practice with Previous Year’s Papers: Engaging with past years’ question papers familiarises you with the UPSC’s question pattern and the level of analysis expected.
Prioritise Revision and Answer-Writing Practice: Consistent revision is necessary to keep the vast array of historical facts and perspectives fresh in your mind.
Attempt Full-Length Tests: Simulating exam conditions through full-length mock tests assesses your preparation level, builds exam endurance, and enhances time management skills, preparing you for the actual UPSC examination day.

Previous Year Question Papers for History Optional

The table below contains the direct PDF links of the Previous Year Question Papers of History Optional Paper I and Paper II:

UPSC CSE History Optional PYQ 2023
UPSC CSE History Optional Paper I (2023)	UPSC CSE History Optional Paper II (2023)
UPSC CSE History Optional PYQ 2022
UPSC CSE History Optional Paper I (2022)	UPSC CSE History Optional Paper II (2022)
UPSC CSE History Optional PYQ 2021
UPSC CSE History Optional Paper I (2021)	UPSC CSE History Optional Paper II (2021)
UPSC CSE History Optional PYQ 2020
UPSC CSE History Optional Paper I (2020)	UPSC CSE History Optional Paper II (2020)

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs	UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers	UPSC Test Series 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

The History Optional spans from ancient civilizations to modern history, covering Indian, World, and Art and Culture history. It ensures a comprehensive understanding of human society's development through ages.

History Optional allows aspirants to gain insights into the evolution of human societies, governance, cultural developments, and seminal events. This knowledge is invaluable across General Studies papers, especially in polity, culture, and international relations, enhancing the aspirant's analytical and critical thinking skills.

For Paper I, key books include "Ancient India" by R.S. Sharma, "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra, and "Modern India" by Bipan Chandra. These texts provide in-depth coverage of the historical timeline of India.

The History Optional consists of two papers (Paper I and Paper II), each carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. Candidates must attempt five questions, including compulsory questions and choices from the remaining questions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.

Effective preparation strategies include a chronological study of historical events, thematic understanding of cultural, political, and economic changes, regular revision of key dates and events, practising previous years' question papers, and developing the ability to critically analyse historical evidence and viewpoints.

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UPSC History Optional: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Books, Strategies, and PYQs