FREE EBOOK

History Notes
For UP Exams

UPSSSC PET, UP SI/ ASI, UPSC RO/ ARO

Free e-book

History Notes Free E-book

History has its own prominence when it comes to every
competitive examination. Different questions are asked from
this topic and is considered as one of the important topics for
different government exams like: UPSSSC PET, UP Police SI/
ASI, UPSC RO/ ARO. To help you with the History we have
brought you a free e-book on History Notes with sample
questions. This e-book will help you cover the important
history topics for the upcoming government exams. Let us
have a look at what all is included in this free e-book:

1. World Ancient History (Page No. 2 to 8)

2. World Ancient Civilizations (Page No. 9 to 16)
3. Modern Indian History & Freedom Struggle
(Page No. 17 to 22)
4. Important Historical Monuments of India
(Page No. 23 to 27)
5. Books & Authors of Ancient India (Page No.
28 to 33)
6. Famous Wars & Battles Fought In The World
(Page No. 34 to 35)
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SSC Topics Series

ANCIENT HISTORY
History is classified into three parts:-
Pre- history :- No written pieces of evidence.
Proto-history :- Written one; but not yet deciphered.
history :- Written and deciphered

What do you mean by Indian Ancient History ?

India's history and culture is dynamic, spanning back to the beginning of human
civilization. It begins with a mysterious culture along the Indus River and in farming
communities in the southern lands of India. Available evidence suggests that the use of
iron, copper and other metals was widely prevalent in the Indian sub-continent at a
fairly early period, which is indicative of the progress that this part of the world had
made. By the end of the fourth millennium BC, India emerged as a region of highly
developed civilization.
We will discuss Prehistoric period from the exam point of view.

PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD
• Mainly the pre-historic period divided into four:-
➢ Palaeolithic period / Old stone age (500000 BCE – 10000BCE)
➢ Mesolithic period / Late stone age (9000 BCE- 4000 BCE)
➢ Neolithic period / New stone age (5000BCE – 1000 BCE)
➢ Chalcolithic period /Metal age /Bronze age(1800 BCE- 1000BCE)
➢ Iron Age (started from 1000BCE -)

• Palaeolithic period / Old stone age (500000 BCE – 10000BCE)

-The term palaeolithic was coined by John Lubbock.
-Father of pre-historic archaeology – Robert Bruce (Discovered palaeolithic tools
from Attirampakkam (Tamil Nadu).
Lower palaeolithic
Middle palaeolithic Upper palaeolithic
(500000-50000
(50000-40000 BCE) (40000-10000 BCE)
BCE)
• Formation of • Transformation of • Developed as
Hominidae or great primitive - Homo Homosapiens or
apes. erectus or upright Human.
• Tools are used in this man • Tools are blades ,
period are choppers, • Main tools are chisels
hand axe, clavers. blades, points, borers
• Evidence in use of
fire.

Features of palaeolithic age:-

- People lived in Rock shelters and caves.

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- Obtained food by hunting, gathering edible plants and tubers.

- Palaeolithic man is also called quartzite man (stones made of from hard rock
called Quartzite).
- Palaeolithic sites are all around India except the region of Indus and Ganga
basins.
Major Palaeolithic sites are:- - Thar desert, Rajasthan -Belan valley, UP
(remains of animals like cattle, sheep) – Bhimbedka, Madhya Pradesh (rock
paintings), Chotanagpur plateau (tools are mainly found).
• Mesolithic period / Late stone age (9000 BCE- 4000 BCE)
-Transition stage from Paleolithic to the neolithic age.
- Microliths were an important tool introduced in this period.
-Tools have appeared in a more specialized way.
-The domestication of animals (Dog is the first animal domesticated) and primitive
agriculture started.
• Major Mesolithic sites are:- Bagor, Rajasthan -Langhnaj, Gujarat, --
Sarai Nahar Rai, Chopani Mando, Mahdaha Damdama in Uttar Pradesh, --
Bhimbetka and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh (paintings and engravings
in rocks), Orissa, Kerala, and south of river Krishna, Andhra Pradesh.
• Neolithic period / New stone age (5000BCE – 1000 BCE)
- Related with the invention of the wheel and pottery.
- Major characteristics are:- Started agriculture ( Cultivated crops were
Wheat, barley, Rice, Millets, Lentils) and settled life.
- Polished tools with fine edge cuttings and developed Mortar and Pestel.
Major Neolithic sites are- Mehargarh, Gufkral and Burzahom in Kashmir;
Chirand in Bihar, Mahgara, Chopani Mando, and Koldihwa in Uttar Pradesh.
• Chalcolithic period/Metal age (1800 BCE- 1000BCE)
- Copper was the first metal used by man; This period which copper used with
stone is referred to as chalcolithic or stone-copper period.
- Metal age is also called the Bronze age.
Major Chalcolithic sites are:- Harappan sites like Kalibangan, Rajasthan --
Banawali, Haryana - others are Malwa region include Daimabad, Kayatha etc.

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (2500 BC-1750 BC) (chalcolithic age/Bronze

age)
- Father of Indian Archaeology:- Alexander Cunningham
- First discovered site is Harappa (Therefore, this civilization also got the name-
Harappan civilization).
- Contemporary civilizations are :- Mesopotamia, Egypt and Chinese civilization.
- The total area of Indus valley Civilization – 12,60,000sq.km (India, Pakistan,
Afghanistan).
- Sir John Marshall – used the term Indus civilization.

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Sites Features
1. Harappa - In Rigveda, Harappa mentioned as a
(1921- excavated by Daya Ram battle place called Hariyumpia
Sahni) Situated near the Ravi river, Punjab,
Pakistan.
- Great granary, Naked Redstone
Statue, a symbol of Swastik,
Single room barrack.
2. Mohenjodaro - Mohenjodaro means
(1922- R.D.Banerjee) ‘ Mount of dead’
- Located near the Indus, Sindh
province, Pakistan.
- Great Bath, Multi-pillared
assembly hall, Two Bronze
swords, Bronze statue of the
dancing girl, Statue of beard man,
Stamp/Seal.
3. Chanudaro - Location - Indus river, Pakistan.
(1931 –N.G. - An only site without citadel.
Majumdar) - Bead making factory, Evidence of
Lipstick.
4. Kalibagan - Location – Ghaggar river, Rajasthan.
( 1953 – - Black bangles, ploughed fields, Tiled
A.Ghosh) floor, Human head, Bones of camel,
Two burials(Oval and rectangular pits)
- 7 fire Altars, Mesopotamian seal.
5.Ropar - Located at Punjab
(1953-Y.D.Sharma) - Strange burial – Dog buried with
humans.
- Only site divided into three parts;-
Giant water resources, Unique water
harnessing system, Dam,
embankments
6. Lothal - Location – Bhogava river, Gujarat.
(1957 – S.R.Rao) brick dockyard, Terracotta shi
- Got p, Terracotta statue of the horse,
Stamp seal, Compass like
instruments.
- Chess-like game and Rice granary,
Double burial.
7.Surkotada - Location –Gujarat.
(1964 – J.P. Joshi) - Bones of the horse, Pot burials,
Oval grave.
8.Dholavira - Location –Gujarat.

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(1967- J.P.Joshi) - Rain Water Harvesting.

- A Stadium
9.Banwali - Location – Hissar, Haryana
(1973- R.S.Bisht) - Terracotta toy Plough
- Grains of barley, mustard,
Clay figure of the mother goddess

Other Important Sites:-

- Mehargarh, Kashmir ( Mudbrick houses)
- Burzahom, Kashmir (The neolithic site had Pit dwelling)
- Rakhigarhi, Haryana
- Rangpur, Gujarat
- Daimabad, Maharashtra
- Ganweriewala, Pakistan
- Kot Diji, Sind, Pakistan
- Suktagendor, Balochistan.
- Shatughai, Afghanistan
- Mundigaq, Afghanistan.

Capital Cities Port Cities

Lothal
Surkagendor
Harappa
Balakot
Mohenjodaro
Kuntasi
Allahdino

Features Of Indus Valley Civilization

- Largest Site of Indus valley civilization:- Mohenjodaro.
- Largest Indian site of Indus Valley Civilization:- Rakhigarhi.
- Ancient port of Indus Valley Civilization:- Lothal.
- This Civilization spread in Triangular shape.
- Indus people were the first to cultivate cotton in the world.
- Major crops cultivated by Indus people are wheat, barley, Rice (Evidence from
Lothal and Rangpur).

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- Animals:- Sheep, goat, buffalo, boar, camel etc. Amari – an instance of Indian
Rhinoceros.
- Social and economic factors:-
▪ Town planning (grid pattern & well drainage system),
Urbanization.
▪ Matriarchal society (Women as the head of the family).
▪ The main occupation was agriculture.
▪ Trade based on the barter system. (trade with Mesopotamia
(Iraq) or Sumeria, Bahrain etc
▪ Main goddess –Maitridevi or Shakti
▪ Lord of Animals – Pashupati/Mahadeva and
▪ Important Animal- Unicorn (Humped bull).
▪ Important Bird –Dove and Pigeon.
▪ Tree worshipped – Peppal.

- Iron is not familiar to Indus people.

- Meluha, the name given to Indus region in the Sumerian texts.
- Pictographic Scripts (600 pictographs) and seals (steatite used for making seals).
- Writing script was boustrophedon (from right to left and left to right-Proto
Dravidian).
- Origin of Swastika Symbol from Indus civilization.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Which one of the following Indus Valley Civilization sites gives evidence of a
stadium? (SSC 2017)
(a) Harappa
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Mohenjodaro
(d) Dholavira

2. Harappa is located on the bank of the river:

(a) Indus
(b) Ravi
(c) Beas
(d) Sutlej

3. To make tools and weapons, the earliest inhabitants of India used : (SSC
Multitasking 2014)
(a) clay
(b) wood
(c) stones
(d) bronze

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4. In which state is the archaeological site of Surkotada situated? (SSC CPO,2019)

(a) Karnataka
(b) Haryana
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Gujarat

5. which of the following archaeological sites has evidence of pit dwellings? (SSC
CPO,2019)
(a) Mehrgarh
(b) Burzahom
(c) Rana ghundai
(d) Palavoi

6. Which of the following was a port site of Indus Valley Civilization? (SSC
CGL,2019)
(a) Kalibangan
(b) Lothal
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Dholavira

7. First Metal used by man?

(a) Copper
(b) Bronze
(c) Iron
(d) Tin

8. The People of Indus valley civilization worshipped? (SSC CGL, 2016)

(a) Vishnu
(b) Pashupati
(c) Indra
(d) Brahma

9. Match the following:- (SSC CGL, 2016)

A.Mohenjodaro 1. Statue of a priest
B.Harappa 2. Port
C. Kalibangan 3. Plough marks
D.Lothal 4. Great Bath
(a) A4, B1, C3, D2
(b) A3, B2, C4, D1
(c) A2, B3, C1, D4
(d) A1, B4, C2, D3

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10. Remains of horse bares have been found from:

(a) Mohenjodaro
(b) Lothal
(c) Surkotada
(d) Sutkagendor

1. 1. d. Dholavira
2. b. Ravi
3. c. Stones
4. d. Gujarat
5. b. Burzahom
6. b. Lothal
7. a. Copper
8. b. Pashupathi
9. a. A4, B1, C3, D2
10. c. Surkotada

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WORLD HISTORY - ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

SUMERIAN / MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION (3000 -1600 BC)

Oldest Civilization in the world and also known as ‘ the melting pot of
civilization’.
Flourished on the banks of Tigris and Euphrates (Mesopotamia –means the
land between these two rivers).
Mesopotamian( major portion of modern Iraq) civilization spread across three
countries – Iraq, Turkey, Syria.
The first dynasty in the world was established at Ur in Sumeria in 3000 BC.
Potters Wheel, glassware is first used in this civilization.
The script used in this civilization:- Cuneiform Script
-It is the first proper system of writing invented around 3400 BC.
-This script was deciphered by Henry Rawlinson.
- It is a wedge-shaped script.
- It is found on Clay tablets.
- (It

The Pythagoras theorem in geometry was a system invented by the

Mesopotamians.
Counting system used by Mesopotamians:- Sexagesimal (counted by
sixties).
They divided the whole day into 24 hours and invented the lunar calendar.

Related Facts

Hammurabi (the greatest Babylonian ruler) united the whole of Iraq

into a single kingdom.
His code of law - Tit for tat ( ‘Eye for Eye’ or ‘Tooth for Tooth’ ).

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Egyptian Civilization (3000BC – 1750 BC )

Flourished on the banks of the River Nile (Egypt is known as the gift of
Nile).

History of Egypt Kingdoms into

3:-
- Old kingdom/ Age of
pharaoh
- Middle kingdom
- New kingdom

Pyramids are the tombs built for Pharaohs – king of Egypt.

Preserved dead bodies of the ancient Egyptians were called Mummies.
The Great Pyramid at Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World)
was built by King Cheops (Khufu of the old kingdom).
Sphinx (Mythological creature – head of a man and body of a lion) is
another important architectural excellence of Egyptian civilization.
Egyptian script:- Hieroglyphic

-This script Invented around 3100 BC.

- It consisted of 24 signs.
- It is found on papyrus sheets made of
reeds.
- This hieroglyphic script is deciphered by
Champollion.

Egyptians were the first to develop a solar calendar consisting of 365

days.
Great temple of Abu Simbel is known as the Temple of the rising
sun.

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HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION (3300 BC – 1300 BC)

Also known as Indus valley civilization; flourished on the banks of

river Indus.

For more details refer:- https://download.oliveboard.in/pdf/Ancient-

History-For-SSC-2020.pdf

CHINESE CIVILIZATION (1600 BC -221 BC)

Chinese civilization is also known as the Yellow River or Hwang-ho

Civilization and the earliest Chinese civilization is known as Shang
civilization.
Chinese civilization script:- Pictographic Script.

The Great Wall of China (built by the Chin dynasty) is the

architectural excellence of Chinese civilization.
Chinese civilization was the first civilization to have a system of
selecting public officials based on competitive exams (introduced
by the Hans dynasty).
Main Chinese inventions:- Paper, Seismograph, Gun powder, Abacus,
Umbrella.

Related Facts

Herodotus of China – Ssumen Chien.

Religions of China – Confucianism (teachings of Confucius- contemporary
of Mahavira & Buddha); Taoism (teachings of Lao-tse)

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Persian/Iranian Civilization (559 BC – 331 BC)

Persian civilization located in the northern part of the Iranian plateau.

Cyrus was the most powerful ruler in the Persian Empire ( Achaemenid
Empire) in the sixth century;
his capital at Pasargadae and Darius expanded the Persian empire.
Aramaic was the official language of the Achaemenid Empire and they
introduced the use of money (gold and silver coins).
Later the Sassanid Empire accepted the Persian language (Pahlavi script).
This civilization dealt with Alphabetical writings.

Related Facts

Darius II ( king of Persia) sent Scylax (explorer) for the exploration of the
region of Indus to Egypt.
Religions:- Zoroastrianism; Founded by Zoroaster (Zend Avesta
(teachings of Zoroaster)is the holy book of Parsis).

GREEK CIVILIZATION (Back to 800 BC)

Greek Contributed much to the field of literature.

The Iliad & Odyssey (Greek epic) is composed of Homer.
Father of History:- Herodotus was a greek. And Other greek
historians are Thucydides (wrote a history of the Peloponnesian
War), Plutarch.
Growth in all spheres was reached during the reign of Pericles,
known as the Golden Age of Athens.
The greatest contribution of the Greek Civilization:- Democracy.
The First Olympic Games were held at Olympia in Greece in 776
BC.

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Greek civilization is known as the Classical Civilization of

History.
Greek Philosophers – Socrates; his disciple Plato (Author of
book - Republic) and Aristotle (disciple of Plato).
Father of Medicine:- Hippocrates (He laid the foundation of modern
medicine).
Greek astronomers:- Hipparchus (calculated the diameter of the
moon), Eratosthenes (calculated the circumference of Earth).
Greek mathematicians:- Euclid and Pythagoras.

Related Facts

Founder of Greek tragedy:- Aeschylus (His work – Prometheus Bound).

Master of Greek Comedy:- Aristophanes.

Greek worshipped:- Apollo (Sun god), Zeus (God of Sky), Poseidon( God of
Sea), Athena (Goddess of victory & art), Dionysus (God of wine).

Greeks considered Mount Olympus as Sacred Mountain.

ROMAN CIVILIZATION (Back to 27 BC)

This civilization flourished on the banks of river Tiber (Italy).

Founder of Rome City:- Romulus.
The major contribution of Roman Civilization:- Concept of
Republic.
Punic wars (264 BC- 146 BC) between Romans and Carthaginians
(Africans).
Inventions:- Concrete and Combining brick & stone.
Architectural contributions:- The Arch, The Dome, or Cupolas.
Roman Philosophers:- Lucretius (His work – On the nature of
things), Cicero, Marcus Aurelius & Seneca.
Roman Poets:- Horace (His work - Odes) & Virgil (His work -
Aeneids).

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Romans worshipped:- Jupiter (rains for crops), Mars (war),

Mercury, Neptune (God of Sea), Vesta, Juno (protect women).

Related Facts

‘I came, I saw, I conquered’ – by Julius Caesar.

The book ‘Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ – by Edward Gibbon.

OTHER CIVILIZATIONS

AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

- Incas, Mayan, Aztec are the main natives of America.

- Mayan civilization ( 1000BC- 1000AD) was the oldest American
Civilization.
- Mayans created bark-paper books called codices.
- Chinampas (floating land bodies) and Serpent worship were related
to Aztec civilization.
- Inca civilization prevailed in Peru (South America).
- Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492.
- America derived its name from an Italian Explorer, Americo
Vespucci.

AFRICAN CIVILIZATION

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- Bantus are the Negroes of Central & South Africa.

- Swahili is the native of Kenya and Tanzania.
- The major African Civilization was the Egyptian Civilization.

Practise Questions

1. Which of the following Script is related to Egyptian Civilization?

a) Pictographic Script
b) Cuneiform script
c) Hieroglyphic script
d) Aramaic script

2. Mayans are related with_________________?

a) Egyptian Civilization
b) American Civilization
c) African Civilization
d) Roman Civilization

3. _____________is considered as the centre of Roman Civilization?

a) Turkey
b) Germany
c) Italy
d) France

4. “I came, I saw, I conquered”- the famous quote related to whom?

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a) Alexander
b) Darius
c) Julius Caesar
d) Socrates

5. Consider the famous Greek Astronomer from the following?

a) Hippocrates
b) Pericles
c) Lucretius
d) Eratosthenes

Solutions

1. a) Hieroglyphic script

2. b) American
Civilization
3. c) Italy
4. d) Julius Caesar
5. d) Eratosthenes

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Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Modern Indian History & Freedom Struggle

History is a continuity, and it is difficult to mark the beginning of Modern

Indian History. For our convenience and better understanding while
preparing for Modern Indian History for RRB, we shall start it with the
advent of Europeans.
It was the year 1498 when the first European, Vasco Da Gama of
Portugal, arrived at Calicut, India. King Zamorin (Samuthiri) was the
then ruler. Ironically, the First to arrive Portuguese were also the last to
leave India in 1961.
Commercial Success of the Portuguese tempted the other European
States to come to India. Dutch became the second. After their arrival
in India, the Dutch founded their first factory in Masulipatnam in
1605.
English traders too wanted a share of profit from Eastern Trade.
On December 31, 1600, Queen Elizabeth I issued them a charter and
East India Company was formed with it.
In 1608, Captain William Hawkins arrived at Surat and in 1609 to
the Mughal court of Jahangir. He brought with him a letter from James
I (King of England) seeking permission to do business in India.

Preparing Modern Indian History: Timeline of British Rule

For our Exam, Englishmen are quite important for us. Let us check the
timeline of the British rule.

1611: The English had started trading at Masulipatnam.

1613: A permanent factory of East India Company is established at Surat.

1615: Sir Thomas Roe, the ambassador of King James I, arrives at

Jahangir’s court.

1616: The Company establishes its first factory in the south in

Masulipatnam.

1632: The Company gets the “Golden Farman” from the Sultan of
Golconda.

1633: The Company establishes its first factory in east India in

Hariharpur, Balasore (Odisha).

1662: The British King, Charles II, is given Bombay as dowry for marrying
a Portuguese princess
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

1667: Aurangzeb gives the English a Farman for trade in Bengal.

1717: The Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar issues a Farman, called the

Magna Carta of the Company.

French were the last Europeans to come to India with the purpose of
trade.
Though the British and the French came to India for trading purposes,
they were ultimately drawn into the politics of India. Both had visions of
establishing political power over the region. The Anglo-French rivalry in
India reflected the traditional rivalry of England and France throughout
their histories.

Anglo-French Wars:

1740-48: First Carnatic War

The First Carnatic War is remembered for the Battle of St. Thome.
1749-54: Second Carnatic War
The French defeated and killed Anwar-ud-din at the battle of
Ambur (near Vellore) in 1749.
1758-63: Third Carnatic War
The decisive battle of the Third Carnatic War was won by the English on
January 22, 1760, at Wandiwash in Tamil Nadu.
After understanding the chronological order of European Powers in India,
let us shift our focus on the British Conquest of India and Our Freedom
Struggle.

Battle of Plassey:
The Battle of Plassey (June 23, 1757) is usually regarded as the decisive
event that brought about ultimate British rule over India.

Battle of Plassey was decided before the battle was even fought. Due to
the conspiracy of the nawab’s officials, the strong force of Siraj-ud-daula
was defeated by a handful of Clive’s forces.

The Battle of Buxar:

The combined armies of Mir Kasim, the Nawab of Awadh, and Shah Alam
II were defeated by the English forces under Major Hector Munro at Buxar
on October 22, 1764, in a closely contested battle.

The importance of this battle lay in the fact that not only the Nawab of
Bengal but also the Mughal Emperor of India was defeated by the English.

The Battle of Buxar is followed by the Treaty of Allahabad concluded by

Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Robert Clive in August 1765.

British Conquest of Mysore:

• First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69); Treaty of Madras.
• Second Anglo-Mysore War (1779-1784); Treaty of Mangalore.
• Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92); Treaty of Seringapatam.
• Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799); Mysore is conquered by
British forces.

Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy

• First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82); Treaty of Surat (1775),
Treaty of Purandhar (1776), and Treaty of Salbai (1782)
• Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-05); Treaty of Bassein,
1802
• Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819)

Conquest of Sindh (1843)

• Lord Ellenborough was the Governor-General of India

Conquest of Punjab
• Treaty of Amritsar (1809) took place between Maharaja Ranjit
Singh and the British.
• First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46)
• Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)

The Policy of Ring-Fence

Warren Hastings the 1st Governor-General of India followed a policy of
ring-fence. It was the policy of defence of their neighbours’ frontiers for
safeguarding their territories.

Subsidiary Alliance
This system was used by Lord Wellesley, to build an empire in India.
Under the system, the allying Indian state’s ruler was compelled to accept
the permanent stationing of a British force within his territory and to pay
a subsidy for its maintenance.

Doctrine of Lapse
The doctrine stated that the adopted son could be the heir to his foster
father’s private property, but not the state. Though this policy is
attributed to Lord Dalhousie he was not its originator. Dalhousie annexed
eight states during his eight-year tenure (1848-56) as governor-general.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Paika Rebellion
It was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company’s rule in
Odisha in 1817.

It is regarded as the first war of independence.

The Revolt of 1857

The revolt began at Meerut on May 10, 1857.

The British captured Delhi on September 20, 1857.

Effect of the Revolt

Crown took over and Company rule was abolished with the Queen’s
Proclamation.

Indian National Congress: 1885

• INC was Formed by A.O. Hume.
• The first session was presided over by Womesh Chandra
Bonnerjee at Bombay in December 1885.
• Annie Besant was the first woman President of the Indian
National Congress.
Partition of Bengal
It was formally announced in July 1905 and came into force in October
1905. It was decided to annul the partition of Bengal in 1911.

The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement: 1905

Began as a reaction to the partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement fizzled
out by 1908 due to Severe government repression, Lack of effective
organisation, and a narrow social base.

Home Rule League Movement: 1916

It was pioneered by Tilak and Annie Besant on lines of a similar
movement in Ireland.

It shifted the emphasis to the masses permanently and influenced the

Moderate-Extremist reunion at Lucknow.

Emergence of Gandhi
Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. During 1917 and 1918, Gandhi
was involved in three struggles—in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)—First Civil Disobedience

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)—First Hunger Strike
Kheda Satyagraha (1918)—First Non-Cooperation
Rowlatt Act
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Passed in March 1919. The act allowed political activists to be tried

without juries or even imprisoned without trial.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)

Hunter Committee/Commission was formed in October 1919 to inquire
about the Jallianwala Bagh Incident.

Non Co-operation Movement: 1920

The Khilafat Committee started a campaign of non-cooperation and the
movement was formally launched on 31st August 1920.
Chauri-Chaura Incident of February 5, 1922, prompted Gandhi to
withdraw the movement.

Simon Commission
Came in 1928 to explore the possibility of further constitutional advance.

Boycotted by Indians because no Indian represented in the commission.

Lahore Congress Session (December 1929)

Congress adopted complete independence as its goal.

January 26, 1930, celebrated as the first Independence Day all over the
country.

Civil Disobedience Movement: 1930

The historic Dandi march began on March 12, 1930, marked the launch of
the Civil Disobedience Movement

Gandhi-Irwin Pact: March 1931

Congress agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference and to
withdraw the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Communal Award and Poona Pact: 1932

Communal Award provided separate electorates to depressed classes.

Gandhi’s fast unto death (September 1932) led to the Poona Pact which
abandoned separate electorates for depressed classes in favour of
increased reserved seats for them.

Quit India Movement (1942)

In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and
resolved that it would authorise Gandhi to take charge of the non-violent
mass movement. The resolution is generally referred to as the ‘Quit India’
resolution.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

The Quit India Movement is also known as the August Movement was
launched on August 8, 1942, due to the failure of Cripps Offer.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

List of Important State-wise Historical monuments of India

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Cellular Jail Port Blair A Colonial Prison used by the British to

exile prisoners to the archipelago

Andhra Pradesh

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Venkateswara Temple Tirumala Temple dedicated to Lord

Venkateswara, an incarnation of
Vishnu.

Assam

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Kamakhya Temple Guwahati A Hindu Temple dedicated to

Goddess Kamakhya.

Bihar

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Mahabodhi Temple Bodh The location where Lord Buddha is

Gaya said to have attained enlightenment.
Nalanda Bihar A Buddhist Monastery in the Kingdom of
Sharif Magadha.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Goa

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Basilica of Bom Jesus Bainguinim Church in Old Goa that holds the
mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier.
Se Cathedral Church Velha Church dedicated to Saint
Catherine, constructed during
the reign of King Dom
Sebastiao.

Gujarat

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Rani Ki Vav Patan A Step-well constructed in the Maru-

Gurjara Architectural Style.

Karnataka

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Gol Gumbaz Bijapur Sultan of Bijapur, Mohammed Adil

Shah's Mausoleum.
Gommateshwara Statue Shravanabela A Monolithic statue
gola dedicated to Lord Bahubali.
Halebidu Hassan Capital of the Hoysala Empire
during the 12 and 13th Century.
Hampi Monuments Hampi Important religious centre, which was
once the seat of the Vijayanagara
Empire.
Hoysala Temples Hoysala Temples built by the Hoysala Empire.
Mysore Palace Mysore Residence of the Wodeyars (Royal
family of Mysore) and a popular
tourist attraction.
Pattadakal group of Pattadakal Group of Hindu temples and a Jain
monuments Sanctuary built during the Chalukya
Dynasty.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Rajasthan

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Amber Fort (aka Amer Jaipur Built by Raja Man Singh, one of the rst
Fort) Generals of Emperor Akbar.

Chittor Fort Chittorgarh One of India's largest forts, which was once
the capital of Mewar.
Dilwara Temples Mount Abu Jain temples built during 11th and 13th
century. Known for the striking use of marble
in their construction.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur A high wall with windows and screened
balconies to enable royal women to observe
street festivals while unseen from outside.
Jaisalmer Fort Jaisalmer Rajasthan's second oldest fort, made of
sand stones.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur Houses astronomical instruments built by
Sawai Jai Singh. Also features the world's
largest stone sundial.
Lake Palace Udaipur Built under Maharaja Jagat Singh II during
the 1740's. Voted as the most romantic
hotel in India.
Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur One of India's largest forts. Known for it's
intricate architecture and courtyards.

Tamil Nadu

Name of the Place Remark

Monument
Airavatesvara Temple Darasuram Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the
12th Century by Rajaraja Chola II.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur Fine example of Dravidian Architecture and
one of India's largest temples.

Gangaikonda Ariyalur Built by Rajendra Chola. Renowned for

Cholapuram Temple having the biggest Shivalingam in South
India.

Mahabalipuram Group Mahabalipura Pallava period sites, containing several cave

of Monuments m temples known for their architectural
grandeur.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Meenakshi Amman Madurai Temple dedicated to Parvati and Shiva.

Temple Most visited tourist attraction in the city.

Telangana

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Charminar Hyderabad One of the most recognized monuments of

India. A Global icon of Hyderabad.
Golkonda Hyderabad One of India's most magnicent fortress
ruled by the Qutub Shahi Kings in 16th
and 17th century.
Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad Built by Vikar-Ul-Umra, then PM of
Hyderabad,later renovated by Taj Hotels
into a Luxury hotel.

Uttar Pradesh

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Agra Fort Agra Home of the Mughal Emperors till 1638.

Akbar’s Fort Sikandra Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra City with intricate architecture that integrates

Jain, Hindu and Persian elements.
Taj Mahal Agra Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife
Mumtaz Mahal.

West Bengal

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Victoria Memorial Kolkata Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria.

Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

New Delhi

Name of the Monument Place Remark

Akshardham Noida Mor Hindu temple and a unique cultural
complex dedicated to Lord
Swaminarayan.
Humayun’s Tomb Nizamuddin Mughal Emperor Humayun's tomb.
East Built in 1560's under Emperor Akbar's
patronage.
India Gate Rajpath Commemorates soldiers of the Indian
Army who died fighting for the British
Army during WWI.
Jama Masjid Chandni Chowk One of India's largest Mosques. Built
by Shah Jahan.
Lotus Temple Kalkaji Lotus-shaped temple. Last of the seven
Baha'i Temples build around the world.
Qutub (Qutb) Minar Mehrauli 2nd Tallest architecture in India and
world’s tallest rubble masonry minaret
Rashtrapati Bhavan President's Official home of the President of India.
Estate
Red Fort Chandni Chowk Mughal Emperors' Main Residence
and Political centre for 2000 years.
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Books & Authors of Ancient India

Name of Ancient Books Authors

Amarakosha Amarasimha
Prashnottarmalika Amoghavarsha
Surya Sidhanta and Aryabhatta Aryabhatta
Buddhacharita Asvaghosha
Suandarananda Asvaghosha
Vajrasuchi Asvaghosha
Harsha Charita Banabhatta
Kadambari Banabhatta
Natyashastra Bharata
Swapanvasdattam Bhasa
Lilawati Bhaskara II

Siddhanta Shiromani [4 parts

Lilavati, Bijaganita, Grihaganita and Bhaskaracharya

Gola (on Astronomy)

Ravan Vadha Bhattin
Uttarama-Charita Bhavbhuti
Malati Madhava Bhavbhuti
Saraswati Kanthabharana Bhoja
Vikramanakadeva Charitra Bilhana
Karnasundari Bilhana
Bhoja prabandha Billal
Brahmasiddhanta; Khandakhya Brahmagupta
Prithviraj Raso Chand Bardai
Charaka Samhita Charaka
Dasakumaracharita Dandin
Parsvanathacharita (Jaina Narrative) Devabhadra
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Name of Ancient Books Authors

Shantinathacharita (Jaina Narrative) Devachandra

Dasharupa Dhananjaya
Gathasaptashati Hala
Ratnavali Harsha vardhan
Nagananda Harshavardhana
Priyadarsika Harshavardhana
Dvayashraya Mahakavya – Sapta Hemchandra
Sadhana
Si-yu-Ki Hiuen Tsang
Tuzk-e-Jahangir Jahangir
Geet Govinda Jaya Deva
Prasanna raghava Jayadeva
Prithviraja Vijay Jayanka
Kumarapalacharita Jayasimha
Rajtarangini Kalhana
Malavikagnimitram Kalidas
Kumar Sambhava Kalidasa
Meghdoot Kalidasa
Malavikagnimitra Kalidasa
Raghuvansha Kalidasa
Abhigyan Shakuntalam Kalidasa
Vikramorvashi Kalidasa
Nitisara Kamandaka
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Name of Ancient Books Authors

Tisata - Vagabhatta's
Chikitsakalika or Yogamala Son

Astanga-Sangraha Vagabhatta
Astanga-Hirdaya-Samhita Vagabhatta
Gudavaho Vakpati
Panchsiddhantika Varahamihira
Suryasiddhanta Varahamihira
Brihatsamhita Varahamihira
Adinathacharita (Jaina Narrative) Vardhamana

Panchsidhantika Varharmihara
Brihat Samhita Varharmihara
Kamasutra Vatsayana
Mitakasara Vijnanaeshvara
Navratna Virsena
Harikeli Nataka Visaladeva
Mudra Rakshasa Vishaka Dutta
Devichandraguptam Vishakhadatta
Panchatantra Vishnu Sharma
Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Famous Wars & Battles of India

Battle/War Year Fought Between

First Battle of Tarain 1191 Prithviraj Chauhan and
Mahmud Ghuri
Second Battle of 1192 Prithviraj Chauhan and Mahmud
Tarain Ghuri
Battle of Chandawar 1194 Ghurid Empire and Gahadavala
Dynasty
Portuguese conquest 1510 Portuguese Empire and Bijapur
of Sultanate
Goa
Battle of Panipat 21 April 1526 Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi
Battle of Khanwa 17 March Babur and Rana Sanga
1527
Battle of Chanderi 1528 Babur and Medini Rai
Battle of Ghaghra 1529 Babur and Afghans
Battle of Chausal 1539 Sher Shah and Mughal emperor
Humayun
Battle of Kanauj 1540 Sher Shah Suri and Mughal
emperor Humayun
Battle of Panipat 1556 Bairam Khan (For Akbar) and Hem
Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu)

Battle of Talikota 1565 Unified Army of the five Deccan

Sultanates and Vijayanagara Army

Battle of Haldighati 1576 Akbar and Rana of Mewar Pratap

Battle of Pratapgad 1659 Maratha Empire and Adilshahi

Dynasty
Battle of Kolhapur 1659 Maratha Empire and Adilshahi
Dynasty
Battle of Pavan 1660 Maratha Empire and Adilshahi
Khind Dynasty
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Battle of Surat 1664 Maratha Empire and Mughal

Empire
Battle of Purandar 1665 Maratha Empire and Mughal
Empire
Battle of Sinhagad 1670 Maratha Empire and Mughal
Empire
Battle of Colachel 1741 Kingdom of Travancore and Dutch
East India Company
Siege of Trichinopoly 1741 Maratha Empire and Mughal
Empire
Battle of Madras 1746 French East India Company and
British East India Company
Siege of Arcot 1751 British East India Company and
Nawab of Arcot, French East India
Company
Second Carnatic War 1752 Chanda Sahib, Muzaffar Jung,
French and Nawab of Ambur
Battle of Seringham 1753 British East India Company and
French East India Company troops
and Chanda Sahib
Battle of Plassey 1757 Robert Clive and Siraj Ud-Daulah

Third Battle of 1761 Ahmad Shah Abdali and Marathas

Panipat
Battle of Wandiwash 1761 British East India Company and
French East India Company
Battle of Buxar 1764 Hector Munro and Combined
armies of Nawab Mir
Qasim(Bengal), Nawab Shuja- ud-
daulah(Awadh)& Mughal emperor
Shah Alam
First Anglo-Mysore 1766-1769 British and Mysore (Haider Ali)
War
First Anglo-Maratha 1775-1782 British and Marathas
War
Second Anglo- 1780-1784 British and Mysore (Haider Ali)
Mysore War
Third Anglo-Mysore 1789-1792 British and Mysore (Tipu Sultan)
War
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Fourth Anglo-Mysore 1798-1799 British and Mysore (Tipu Sultan)

War
Second Anglo- 1803-1805 British and Marathas
Maratha War
Anglo-Gorkha war 1814-1816 British and Gorkhas

Third Anglo-Maratha 1817-1818 British and Marathas

War
First Anglo-Sikh War 1845-1846 British and Sikhs

Second Anglo-Sikh 1848-1849 British and Sikhs

War
Indian Rebellion Of 1857 British Troops and Indian Sepoys
1857 / First War of
Independence
War of 1947 India and Pakistan
Independence /
Indo-Pakistani War
Sino-Indian War 1962 India and China

Indo-Pakistani War 1965 India and Pakistan

Kargil War 1999 India and Pakistan

Free e-book History Notes For UP Exams

Important Wars & Battles of The World

Year Battle / War

1815 Battle of Waterloo
1817 Liberation of Chile
1817 Mexican War of Independence
1817 British-Kandyan War
1821 Sardinian Revolt
1821 Greek Independence War
1823 First British-Burmese War
1824 Liberation of Peru
1831 First Syrian War
1832 First Mexican War
1834 Egypt-Palestinian Anti-Conscription Revolt
1836 First Bosnian War
1839 Second Syrian War Phase 1
1839 First Opium War
1840 Lebanon Insurgency
1840 First Colombian War
1840 Second Syrian War Phase 2
1841 Second Bosnian War
1843 British-Sind War
1844 Franco-Moroccan War
1852 Second British-Burmese War
1853 Crimean War
1856 Second Opium War
1856 Anglo-Persian War
1859 Netherlands-Bone War
1859 War of Italian Unification
1860 Neapolitan War
1865 British-Bhutanese War
1879 War of the Pacific
1880 Gun War
1882 Conquest of Egypt
1883 Haitian Civil War
1884 Sino-French War
1894 First Sino-Japanese War
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1898 Spanish-American War

1900 Sino-Russian War
1904 Russo-Japanese War
1912 Balkans War
1914 World War I
1917 Russian Civil War
1918 Second Sino-Tibetan War
1920 Conquest of Mongolia
1920 Italian Fascist War
1936 British-Palestinian War
1937 Third Sino-Japanese War
1939 World War II
1946 French-Indochina War
1947 Taiwan Revolt
1947 Paraguay War
1947 Palestine War
1950 Korean War
1955 Vietnam War
1956 Suez Crisis, or the Second Arab–Israeli War
1957 French-Cameroon War
1958 First Lebanese War
1958 Cuban Revolution
1971 Pakistan-Bengal War
1990 Gulf War
1991 Croatian Independence War
2001 America Afghanistan War
2003 Second Gulf/Iraq War
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