Sources for History Optional

By Ashutosh Kulkarni, AIR 44, CSE 2019

Ancient India
Old NCERT by • This NCERT will prepare the base for ancient
R.S Sharma India.
• Prepare notes with proper headings from this
book. Rest all sources will only add to these
existing headings.
• Focus on noting sources and quotes of any
historian
A History of • This is the gospel for ancient India. All that has
Ancient and to be said about ancient India is said here.
Early • First three chapters to be used for mapping only
Medieval • Start preparing notes from 4th chapter of
India by Harappan Civilization
Upinder Singh • Look at the syllabus. Read only those things
necessary for exam.
BA History Certain chapters on Mauryas, post-Mauryan
Notes by invasions are good
IGNOU
11th Standard Combine the data from Upinder Singh and this
Fine Arts NCERT side-by-side for covering Art and
NCERT Architecture aspects
 Early Medieval India
BA History Unit number 36 to 39 will cover economic and
Notes by social changes in early medieval India
IGNOU
A History of • This book will cover the history of kingdoms like
Ancient and Rajputs, Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Hoysalas
Early • It will also cover issues of land grants, fall in
Medieval trade, Indian feudalism, monetary anaemia, etc
India by • Focus on art of Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas and
Upinder Singh Pallavas
Hemant Jha Gaps will be filled by these notes. Use selectively
Notes

Delhi Sultanate
Old NCERT by • This is the basis for all political, economic and
Satish social events from 12th to 15th century
Chandra • The base for notes should be this NCERT
BA IGNOU • Very detailed coverage of all aspects of Delhi
Notes for Sultanate
Delhi • Miscellaneous aspects like agriculture, trade,
Sultanate currency, Iqta, slavery, etc are covered well
J.L Mehta • Only the third volume is to be read
Volume 3 • It deals with both Sultanate and Mughal times
• Read it thoroughly. May questions can be
answered based on this book
 Mughals
Old NCERT by • This is the basis for all political, economic and
Satish social events in Mughal times
Chandra • Too many political events are mentioned. Focus
on selective ones.
BA IGNOU • Read mainly for non-political aspects
Notes for • Aspects like Akbar’s religious policy, Rajput
Mughals policy, Mansabdari, etc should be focused
J.L Mehta • Only the third volume is to be read
Volume 3 • The Mughal part is brilliant in its coverage

Modern India
Old NCERT by • Very good coverage
Bipin Chandra • The base for modern India will be created by
this book. Make proper notes
• Focus on noting down quotes. They can serve
as good intro and conclusions to answers
Hemant Jha • Brilliant coverage. Don’t skip these notes
Notes for • It acts as good value addition in topics that are
Modern India left out
• Post-independence India is also covered well
Plassey to • Take this book up ONLY when the base is ready
Partition by • The book is more about analysis of events.
Sekhar • It is filled with quotes and views of historians.
Bandyopadhyay Make good use of it
Spectrum and Use only as fillers. These books are NOT to be
Grover & read fully for mains. Spectrum is good for prelims.
Grover
 World History
A History of • Use this book as the base for world history
Modern World • It covers events up till second world war
by Ranjan • It has quotes at the end of chapter. Note them
Chakrabarti because some are asked as 10 markers
Hemant Jha • All gaps of Ranjan Chakrabarti will be filled by
Notes for these notes
World History • Post-1945 events are covered really well
• Caution- The notes are too big. Be smart and
collect only that which is necessary
Norman Lowe/ To be used only for reference. Not to be read
Jain and fully.
Mathur