TIPS TO STUDY ANCIENT HISTORY FOR UPSC

 

Ancient History is a major element of the UPSC civil service curriculum, notably the UPSC prelims. At least five or six questions from this subject appear in the IAS preliminary exam each year. Many students choose to disregard this segment in favor of current history. Then let it be reminded that 5 - 6 questions are a lot on the grand scale of things in the UPSC examination, where you have to battle for every single mark. Moreover, history is the tale of the past, and anything the world is experiencing now is a progression of things that were put in action thousands of years ago! A thorough understanding of present history necessitates that ancient History be studied with insight.

 

In many ways, the course of human events may be compared to the vastness of the ocean. It seems like the more you learn about history, the more there is to learn. It might be challenging to determine the best approach to studying this material in order to succeed on the IAS exam. In light of this, if you're serious about learning the past the right way, you should develop and stick to a plan that works for you. You can also join a good IAS Coaching for better preparation. The Thought Tree is one such coaching institute that provides best IAS Coaching in Jaipur.

 

Read this post to learn the best practices for preparing for the UPSC exam, which includes ancient history questions.

What to Read?

 

The Thematic Regions of Ancient History.

●       Special attention must be paid to sources of knowledge in ancient history and the investigation of diverse hypotheses.

●       Indian philosophy (including the Vedas, Upanishads, the six philosophies/schools of thought represented in the Dharmashastras, and the Puranas).

●       Society (women, professions, caste, economic set-up)

●       Terms from Ancient History (Important for UPSC Exams - Learn the Jargon)

●       The Gupta and Mauryan Periods

●       Understanding the significance of art and culture is crucial.

●       The Harappan or Indus Valley Culture.

●       Jainism and Buddhism

 

A simple book like a textbook from NCERT or the Tamil Nadu State Board XII.

 

Focusing on the order of events is essential for making sense of this interpretation. In this aspect, the Tamil Nadu textbook is appropriate since it avoids unnecessary analysis and elaboration. The book might serve as a decent introduction to ancient history for newcomers since it presents events in chronological sequence. The NCERTs are similarly excellent. They provide a little more insight and are regarded as a must-read for the IAS exam. The specific information you discover in the NCERTs, including names of officers, nicknames of monarchs, etc., is crucial from the UPSC Prelims examination point of view.

 

Advanced texts

 

If you want to get the most out of your second read, you need to choose a more advanced textbook. Reading the themes in this assignment requires a sharp eye for nuances and an understanding of not just what occurred when but also why things happened the way they did and what the outcomes were. You should start writing notes at this time.

 

Revision 

 

The last reading should serve as a review of previously covered material. You should also attempt to solve past years’ exam patterns and perhaps some mock exam papers.

 

Routine or Pattern to Study History

 

Indian history spans a wide range of time periods. Time periods and their accompanying events are crucial to understanding the topic at large. As a result, getting results from your research should include a methodical analysis and preparation procedure. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a pattern while studying Ancient and Medieval History for the UPSC Preliminary exam.

 

Allow yourself at least a week and a half before your test to study up on the material. Even though Ancient and Medieval History chapters are quite long and contain a wide variety of subjects, it is possible to read, take notes, and prepare theoretical responses in the allotted time frame.

 

Look into how you may make the most of what you have. You will likely get confused if you try to refer to various books on the same topic. To fully absorb the material, periodic review is essential. So, put in the time to learn.

 

Research thoroughly the era's lingo, names of ancient and medieval officers, literature, writers, traditions, etc.

 

Finally, review the preliminary exam papers from prior years. You may use this to get a feel for how the questions are often scored and how best to structure your responses.

Conclusion

 

The UPSC Preliminary History Topics would mostly concentrate on the specifics of Ancient and Medieval History. Get your analysis and responses planned out ahead of time. You will be able to finish the exam in time and obtain enough points to go on to UPSC Mains.

 

You need proper practise and guidance to learn history perfectly and write marks-gaining answers. You obviously cannot learn it on your own because no matter how much you try, you cannot write as perfectly as a professional can. So to learn this, join the best IAS course of The Thought Tree, where you’ll be provided with personal mentoring so that you can work on your weak points and learn to write perfect answers. 

 

FAQs

 

Where does the subject of History fit in the UPSC's preliminary examinations?

 

History is a staple when it comes to the General Studies Papers of the UPSC Preliminary Exam. Since India is one of the world's oldest nations, the history syllabus in UPSC Prelims focuses on ancient and medieval Indian history, with an emphasis on issues that discuss India's cultural and socioeconomic background.

 

What to NOT Read?

 

Conflicts on a smaller scale, dates of rule and dynasty, Conflicts for political power, including succession, conspiracies, and other forms of civil strife, etc.

 

Information on local empires, including the Shakas, the Pahlavas, and other groups of foreign invaders, is provided.

The names of several philosophers, saints, puranas, temples, and kings from minor conflicts.