Strategy for History (Prelim Exam)

Indian History has caught the imagination of a good number of Civil Services Aspirants preparing for the Civil Service Examination over the years. The subjects is plain, involves no typical theories, doctrines, principles and ideas and on the balance is devoid of technicalities.

Many a Civil Services Aspirant is under false impression about the subject which often baffles them. Some Civil Services Aspirants view it as a subject containing a great number of facts, many of them being abstract and difficult to comprehend; some view it as a subject too comprehensive which may tire out one's patience and still some more view it as a subject of perennial stories and tales having numerous details of dates, years and names.

But these impressions are harboured in most of the cases, by new comers who have little experience/idea of the things associated with this subject vis a vis the Civil Services Examination.

Some Civil Services Aspirants are obsessed with a wrong idea that the real basis of preparation of history for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination is cramming and learning the things by rot. These Civil Services Aspirants tend to forget a very crucial facet of the preparation of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination that they can not do away with cramming. This is an important fact of the preparation - whether it is History or Geography or Political Science etc. there are certain aspects of the syllabus which are crude facts and need to be crammed. Even in the case of General Studies several sections like Indian Polity, Indian Economy. Geography etc. where factual aspects constitute a major portion and which are to be crammed. So far as Indian History is concerned it is one of the major sections of the General Studies paper - there is too much of history to be studied and there are two many facts to be crammed in General Studies too.

But here cramming means to go through the things over and over again in such a way that you get them by heart. This work has to be done in history and the same has to be done in other optional subjects as well. And not to speak of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, this has to be done while preparing for the Main Examination also. One significant aspect of the subject is (and which is an added advantage to the Civil Services Aspirants opting for it as the optional subject) that it constitutes approximately 35 to 40 of the total number of questions (150) of the General Studies paper of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Civil Services Aspirants from non-history stream have to take a lot of pains to prepare this part of General Studies.

It is of great importance for the Civil Services Aspirants to be well-aware of the trend of the questions over the years. This would give them a clear-cut idea of the relative significance of the various topics of the syllabus and would also help them formulate the right strategy to be pursued for effective preparation besides giving them the idea about the topics which are significant or of lesser importance which they could afford to omit if they have time constraint.

A close analysis of the trend of the questions put in the previous examinations reveal the following facts.

Topics Q. (Approx)

1. Ancient India (I) 25

1. Indus Valley Civilization
2. Vedic Culture
3. Religion & Philosophy
4. The Mauryan Empire

2. Ancient India (II) 12

1. Trade & Commerce in Pre-Gupta & Gupta Periods
2. Agrarian Structurein Post-Gupta Period
3. Changes in the Social Structure of Ancient India

3. Political & Social Conditions (800 AD-1200 AD) 10
4. Delhi Sultanate 10
5. The Mughals 12
6. Modern India (1700-1885) 14
7. Freedom Movement 12
8. South India 12
9. Map 05
10. Miscellaneous 08

Though the above-mentioned analysis is subject to variation, on the whole this is more or less the clear-cut demaraction of the topics and the questions associated with them. The Civil Services Aspirants ought to keep in view this general analysis of the questions so that they may be competent enought to assess the relative significance of various topics and prepare accordingly.

Conceptual aspects are closely associated with conception of various developments—Political, Economic, Social and Cultural-chronologically and with a particualr emphasis on how an event influences the course of another event and finally how a period merges with another period in historical times. Conceptual aspects also incorporate into it how various developments in one sphere affect development in another field and vice versa. For example, economic developments in Later Vedic Period accentuated developments in socio-political and religious fields or political development (that is attainment of political stability) during the Mughal period gave a great fillip to the development in the realm of art and architecture. Conceptual aspects predominate the question paper. Approximately 60% of the total number of questions are from these aspects so it needs proper and serious attention.

A comprehensive scrutiny of the questions put in the previous examinations will give a good idea of the relevant factual aspects. These aspects may be related to terminology—social, economic, political which can well be labelled as historical jargon. They may be associated with events and years and may be connected with personalities and their great deeds and accomplishments.

There are usually certain typical facts put in the questions which might baffle the Civil Services Aspirants. On the whole it can be said that the questions are perfect blend of both the conceptual and factual aspects.

I am giving below some important areas of fact-based questions for greater awareness of the Civil Services Aspirants

1. Rulers and their deeds
2. Important Personalities
3. Important Monuments / Temples
4. Important Events - Period, Year
5. Important Books and their Authors
6. Important Movements - Founders, Aim, Work
7. Important Organisation - Founders, Work, Aim
8. Wars / Battles
9. Inscriptions - Place, Descriptions

Going through the previous years questions is of immense help. I am of the opinion that this should be the first and foremost part of the entire scheme of your preparation, for it enables you to formulate right strategy and fix up targets. A clear understanding of broad outline of the various portions to be studied and a vivid perception of the nature of questions is a crucial aspect of preparation. This makes you get rid of the dilemma about what to study and what not.

To many, history for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination appears to be a huge collection of odd and motley facts. They view these facts as the things to be crammed and studied by rote. To all intents and purposes, this is not what constitutes the subject Indian history, prescribed for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. This is just a part of it.

More significantly, mere memorising the facts will not enable the Civil Services Aspirants to connect the various events of history. In this case the Civil Services Aspirants miss the links, which is too significant to be ignored while making preparation. What I want to suggest is that establishment of this link is important—that is to study history chronologically, and forming a clear-cut perception of the entire outline of Indian history right from the Indus Valley Civilization to the attainment of independence in 1947.

In order to develop a conceptual background of the subject, serious reading of good books, once, twice, thrice or even more than that till the things are well-perceived, is required. I would suggest to go in for only those books in which you find the things to be intelligible. Noting down the important points while studying is of considerable help, for all these serve as handy and compact notes on each topics which you find quite esay to go through during subsequent phases of your preparation.

So far as the factual parts of the subject are concerned, the best way is to prepare tables and charts and to put related things together so that it may present an integrated view. The greatest advantage of this is that you are at ease while you attempt to memorise.

One significant aspect of the strategy is fixing up the target. Out of the 120 questions are from the major sections of the syllabus and from popular or near popular aspects and through sincere efforts and under proper guidance one can prepare these sections comfortably. The remaining 15 to 20 questions are ticklish, may be outlandish, and sometimes may also appear to be of perplexing nature. In order to correct these 15-20 answers one has to be a voracious reader and collector of hundreds of typical facts. Naturally it involves going through a large number of books.

My sincere suggestion to the Civil Services Aspirants is that their target should be to answer 100 questions correctly. And in the course of preparation of the portions that would enable them to attempt these 100 questions they would be coming across certain typical information which would help them attempt some questions out of the remaining 15-20 questions. The point is that there should not be any specific or exclusive preparation for these except in case one finishes the major sections meant for 100 questions and one has time to spare which is generally not the case.

National Movement (1885-1947) is always an important part of the syllabus. This part is very important for the General Studies paper as well. The Civil Services Aspirants are advised to pay attention to this part. Chranological study of the entire period (1885-1947) would enable the to attempt a good number of questions.

Of late the period 650 AD - 1200 AD has recived importance and emphasis. It has been seen that generally Civil Services Aspirants tend to neglect this portion. Now there is a need of special study of this portion. While preparing put stress on Political, Economic and social development of the period.

One more aspect of Strategy is knowing portions of lesser importance which could be left untouched if time-constraint persists and affect ones preparation of the core areas.

From the part "Medieval Religious Movement" (Sufi, Bhakti etc) there is one or two questions but as far as the study part is concerned it needs wider study.

There is usually no question from the part "Various Cultures" of the period 2000 BC to 1200 BC (for example Jorwe culture, Banas Culture etc.). This portion too can be omitted. From the topic "Marathas" there is one or two question. So this topic too is not important. From the part "Regional Dynasties of Medieval India" (Jaunpr, Bengal, Gujarat, Mewar etc.) there are usually two questions.

My suggestion is not to leave these portions untouched but at the same time not to prepare them at the cost of core portions. All the above-mentioned topics put together constitute roughly 5 to 6 questions. If the Civil Services Aspirants runs

advisable that they should first prepare the core areas; for preparation of core areas would help the Civil Services Aspirants attempt roughly 90 to 100 questions.

1. In Ancient India, there are certain clear-cut major topics viz. Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic Age, India in 600 BC, the Mauryas; India in the period 200 BC to 300 AD and Socio-Economic changes in the Gupta and Post-Gupta period.

2. The section post-Gupta period (650 A.D. to 1200 A.D) has gained significance. Of late a good number of questions are being put from this section and unfortuantely this happens to be the most ignored and neglected section as well. The Civil Services Aspirants are advised to make a detailed study of this section. I am giving below a list of various topics from this section which will help Civil Services Aspirants determine the areas to be focussed upon.

1. Social changes
2. Decline of trade, art & crafts, towns, paucity of coins, decline of vaishyas
3. Feudal polity & economy
4. Emergence of closed economy—implications
5. Various kingdoms (example : Palas, Pratiharas, Senas, Kashmir etc.)
6. Tripartite Struggle
7. Reference from law books
8. Important kings/rulers of various dynastics and their deeds
9. Various books—their authors and contents/subject matter of important books
10. Development in science and technology
11. New Agrarian relations

3. The entire potion of Medieval India can be broadly divided into the following sections.

1. The Sultanate of Delhi
2. Religious Movements (Bhakti, Sufi etc.)
3. The Mughal Empire
4. The Marathas.

The trend of the questions exhibits that (a) & (d) emerge as the two most important sections every year. The Civil Services Aspirants should take this trend into account and accordingly put emphasis on these two sections. I would also like to discuss threadbare some aspects and sub-aspects of these four sections. The Sultanate of Delhi

1. Various Sultans and their deeds (conquests, invasions, building activities, cultural activities etc.)
2. Important personalities and their deeds (like Amir Khusro etc.)
3. Regional kingdoms - Kings, cultural activities (like Jaunpur, Bengal etc.)
4. Administrative policies
5. Agrarian policies & structure
6. Cultural activities (architecture, literature, painting, music etc.).

The Mughal Empire

1. Kings (Babar to Aurangzeb) and their important deeds.
2. Later Mughals (Bahadurshah I to Bahadurshah Zafar) and their deeds.
3. Important personalities and their deeds (like Man Singh, Birbal etc.)
4. Administration
5. Agrarian policy and structure
6. Economy & trade and commerce
7. Cultural activities (architecture, literature, painting, music etc.)

Religious Movements

1. Bhakti Movement - origin, spread and impact
2. Bhakti sains - Facts associated with them
3. Sufis - origin, spread, impact
4. Various Silsilahas and associated Sufi saints.
5. Sufi Saints - facts associated with them.

The Marathas

1. Marathas - Rise
2. Shivaji - Life, conquests, Administration
3. Peshawas - Important deeds
4. Maratha confederacy
5. Important Maratha Sardars and their deeds.

In Modern India Civil Services Aspirants should focus upon the following portions :

1. Rise of regional states like Bengal, Oudh, Hyderabad—Kings/Nawabs and their deeds and their relationship with the British (including wars).
2. Marathas—various Peshawas, confedaracy, their relationship with various Indian powers and the British (including wars).
3. Various Governor Generals/Viceroys and their policies and important deeds.
4. Various movements (Socio—Religious Reforms Movement, Caste Movements, Tribal Movements etc.) and persons associated with them.
5. Revolt of 1857—causes, leaders, impact.

5. Indian National Movement (1885 to 1947) constitutes an important portion of the syllabi and a significant number of questions are put from this section every year. Various aspects of this section

1. Various events culminating in independence.
2. Various leaders—their role
3. Various books/journals/newspapers their subject matter and authors/founders.
4. Various organizations—founders, foundation years, aims, work.
5. Various reform movements—founders, aims work.
6. Various movements (caste, peasant, trade union etc.)—leaders, areas, work
7. Constitutional development—various acts.

The Civil Services Aspirants must make a chronological study of this sub-section so that they may become well-aware of various events and role of various personalities in right sequence. Since there are "match questions" (Events—year, Movements—persons, Pioneering Works—Persons etc.) and questions where Civil Services Aspirants have to arrange events/movements in chronological order, this kind of study is of great relevance for this sub-section.

The study of South Indian History usually is a problem for the Civil Services Aspirants. Generally they neglect this part. Their unfamiliarity with the various words, terms, names etc. besides their typical structure and pronunciation also pose difficulty.

In the preparation of South Indian Historthat is what to study and what not. I am providing below a list of areas to be studied.

1. 1. Important rulers of South Indian Dynastics / Kingdoms / Empires - various facts associated with them (like titles, performance of sacrifies, patronage to literatteurs, construction of monuments/temples, wars/battles, Inscriptions etc.
2. Important dynasties/kingdoms of the south which are to be taken into consideration are : the Satvahanas, the Chalukyas of Badami, the Pallavas. The Chalukyas of Vengi, the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the Cholas, the Rastrakutas, The Bahmani Kingdom, the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Various facts associated with the above-mentioned dynasties/kingdoms (like capitals, founders, important generals & ministers, important momuments etc.)
4. Political, Economic and Social conditions of important ages. These ages are the Sangam Age, the Age of the Satvahanas, the Age of the Pallavas, the Age of the Cholas and the Age of the Vijayanagara Empire.
5. Development of Religion in South India - Incorporate these ages : the Age of Sangam, the Age of the Pallavas, the Age of the Cholas, the Age of the Vijayanagara Empire.
6. Development of architecture, sculpture, painting, music and literature - the periods of the Chalukyas of Badami, the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Bahmanis and the Vijayanagara Empire
7. Put emphasis on the following aspects of the South Indian History :
   1. Facts associated with three dynasties, the Cholas, the Pallavas, the Cheras of the Sangam Age.
   2. Development of art and architecture during the periods of the Chalukyas of Badami, the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Bahmani kingdom and the Vijayanagara Empire.
   3. Politico - Administrative system of the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Rulers.
   4. Economic and Commercial development during the age of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Empire.
   5. The Society during the age of the Pallavas and the Vijayanagara Empire.
   6. Various terminology - Social, Economic, Political and Religious.

About the questions on map
There are usually 5 to 7 questions on maps based on various facets of Indian history. This variety of questions demands that the Civil Services Aspirants should have a clear-cut idea of locations of various places, routes, kingdoms/empires etc of importance. The best way to prepare for these kind of questions is to cultivate a habit of map-study. This does not involve any written work. Civil Services Aspirants are just supposed to look at various maps depicting all that are required for the examination. Looking at these maps on a regular basis or at least in short intervals will enable the Civil Services Aspirants to develop the imprints of various locations in their mind and they would be comfortable in attempting such questions. Next thing important in this context is the areas of concern for such questions. I would like to determine the areas which are to be taken into consideration for examination purpose.

1. Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
2. Sites of Painted Grey ware Culture
3. Sites of NBPW culture
4. Sites of Ashokan edicts.
5. Sixteen Mahajanapadas
6. Centres of art (like Gandhara etc.)
7. Trade Routes
8. Various ports
9. Routes Followed by important kings in invasions
10. Extent of the empires / kingdoms / important kings.
11. Various European settlements (17th & 18th centuries)

There are about 15-16 questions based on reason and assertion. These questions as is the opinion of Civil Services Aspirants pose problems for them and they have difficult time attempting these questions. Many a Civil Services Aspirant is under impression that there is a trick to answer these questions.
To all intents and purposes there is no trick involved at all in answering these questions. The questions are in majority of the cases fact-based but with a difference. What make them different is the nature of facts on which these questions are based. Facts are not very common types of facts usually the Civil Services Aspirants come across. Facts associated, in most of the cases, are typical facts.
So in answering these questions the most crucial requirements is to be well-aware the facts. I would suggest the Civil Services Aspirants to accumulate some additional information/facts apart from the information/facts associated with the core areas of the syllabus which constitute about 90 to 100 questions of the total that is 120.
One another important aspect of answering these questions is comprehension of the central idea of the question. Merely understanding the general meaning of the question might not help a Civil Services Aspirant answer. The Best way is to go through the question twice-thrice and comprehend the essence.
I am giving some examples below where you find that if you are well aware of the facts you can answer them.

1. Assertion (A) : The Cholas were the inheritors and continuers of the Pallava traditions in Temple construction
   Reason (B) : They built numerous monopolithic temple throughout their kingdom following the Pallava styles.
2. Assertion (A) : The Indo-Aryans came to India from somewhere in Central Asia, possibly from the region south of the Urals and east of the Caspian Sea.
   Reason (B) : They had been defeated by their Indo-European neighbours.
3. Assertion (A) : The Kushanas carried on sea trade through the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
   Reason (B) : They maintained a well-organized navy.
4. Assertion (A) : Soon after the resignation of the Congress ministries in the provinces in 1939, the Muslim League observed Deliverance Day.
   Reason (B) : Ambedkar supported and joined it.

A good number of questions in Indian History paper are match-type questions. This trend has been becoming popular for a few years. So Civil Services Aspirants are advised to pay attention to this type of questions as well.
Match-type questions are essentially fact-based. Preparation of this variety of questions calls for keeping oneself abreast of manifold kinds of facts. Preparation of charts & tables would help the Civil Services Aspirants a great deal in attempting these questions. Civil Services Aspirants are advised to give a wider base to their charts and tables so that accumulation of facts might be given comprehensive character.
Some model types match-pattern are given below—this would give the Civil Services Aspirants the idea of the nature of these questions.

1. Gods/Godesses of regional importance - Gods/ goddesses associated with
mainstream religion
2. Philosophy - Essence
3. Events - Year
4. Statements - Associated Person
5. Sects - Founders
6. Places - Associated gods & goddesses
7. Inscriptions - Contents

Preparation of tables and charts is of great relevance in the preparation. In fact in history there are too many facts, so their systematic collection become important. Systematic collection is also important for memorising them. There is a need to collect them, put them in different heads and give them the form of charts and tables.

For the preparation of charts and tables the Civil Services Aspirants are advised to consult all books given in the list (provided under a seperate sub-heading). What is important is that Civil Services Aspirants cannot do away with the preparation of charts & tables—preparation (that is mugging up various facts) without charts and tables would become unorganized and haphazard. Civil Services Aspirants may also get such readymade charts/tables from various sources books, guides, magazines etc. Civil Services Aspirants can use these charts/tables supplementing them with aditional information. This way they can save some time as well. But make certain of the authenticity of the facts given in these charts and tables.

Some examples of charts and tables are given belwo :

1. Dynasty Founder Year Capital
1. Cholas Vijayala 850AD Tanjore
2. Haranyaka Bimbisar 542Bc Rajgriha
2. City Situation River Findings
1. Harappa W. Punjab Ravi Worker's platform, barrracks, etc.
2. Mohenjodaro Sind Indus Great bath Bearded priest etc.
3. Books Author Language Nature / Contents
1. Panch atantra Vishnu Sharma Sanskrit Book of fables
2. Arthashastra Kautilya Sanskrit On political & economic thoughts

I am presenting below a list of certain important areas on which charts/tables are to be prepared. The list is not comprehensive. This is just to give an idea.

1. Sites of Indus Valley Civilization- Location, Riverine location, Findings.
2. Kingdoms - Capitals, Founder, Year of foundation, Important rulers
3. Old & new names of places, rivers mountains etc.
4. Items of Import & Export and the areas
5. Buddhist & Jaina Councils - Place, President, Cause, Outcome, Patronage
6. Literatteurs - Books, Patronage, Titles
7. Travellers - Native place, Descriptions, Period of visit, Place of visit
8. Monuments/Temples - Builders, Place, Style, Characteristics

Civil Services Aspirants are usually obsessed with the idea of going through a large number of books. The principal factor behind this obsession is their false notion that the more number of books they go through, the more number of typical facts they come across and finally more comfortable they would be in attempting the questions. As I have already said, that there is a requirement of going through a good number of books but still there should be limitation. Right selection of books is important for effective preparation. The right strategy is to study a few books as base books and then to study a few specific books for specific information.

Books published by NCERT (12th Standard) are good to begin with. These books are good as they can provide the themes and a broader outline of entire Indian History. The language of these books are lucid, contents have been presented in a way to make them intelligible, new approaches in history are discernable and above all they all have been authored by great historians. Civil Services Aspirants should shed off bias or prejudice if they harbour against these books; for I have found Civil Services Aspirants decrying these books, considering them to be sub-standard. Go ghrough these books twice-thrice and develop a broad outline of entire history. After studing NCERT books Civil Services Aspirants are advised to go through the booklets of history published by IGNOU. The entire study material is divided into 5 time period and consists of 42 booklets. Baring a few all are important. These booklets are standard, contain plenty of information, present a beautiful harmony of facts and thoughts, and are based on new approaches. The proper study of these booklets would provide the Civil Services Aspirant a deep insight into various aspects of Indian history—the proper study would help the Civil Services Aspirants collect plenty of relevant information.

These Books and booklets would strengthen the base of the Civil Services Aspirants, make them abreast of almost all relevant information. After this the requirement is to go through certain specific books for certain specific information. I am providing a list of books below. Civil Services Aspirants are advised to go through these books or specific topics of these books according to the requirements.

Ancient India

1. The Wonder that was India - A.L. Basham
2. History of South India - Nilakantha Shastri
3. Gazetteer of India - Vol. II
4. Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas - Romila Thaper
5. Ancient India - R.S. Tripathi

Medieval India

1. The Cambridge Economic History of India - Ed. Irfan Habib & Tapan Rai Chaudhuri
2. The Wonder that was India - Vo. II, S.A.A. Rizvi
3. A History of South India - Nilkantha Shastri
4. The Gazetteer of India - Vol. II
5. Delhi Sultanate - Satish Chandra
6. Mughal India - Satish Chandra

Modern India

1. Modern India - Summit Sircar
2. History of Modern India - Grover and Grover
3. India's Struggle for Independence Bipin Chandra & Others
4. Gazetteer of India - Vol. II
5. India after Independence - Bipin Chandra