Exam Topper

Magadha became the most important mahajanapada in about two hundred years. This was partly because of the Magadhan army (see above). Besides, Magadha was surrounded by rivers, included the Ganga and Son. This was important for transport, water supplies and fertile land.  Magadha had two very powerful rulers, Bimbisara and his son Ajatashatrum who use all possible means to overcome their rivals and conquer other janapadas. Sometimes, they entered into marriage alliances with neighbouring rulers. In other instances, they led armies into and actually conquered neighbouring states.  Mahapadma Nada was another important ruler or Magadha. He extended his control up to the northwest part of the subcontinent. It is likely that Alexander’s soldiers had heard about his vast army.

Indian sub-continent from the earliest times has been an attractive destination for traders, travellers and pilgrims alike. These travellers often left a description of what they observed here. Such authoritative accounts are often used to reconstruct the ancient and medieval Indian history.  Some of the most famous among them came from China and parts of Arabia. While the Arab travellers were curious about India’s riches and its distinct cultural traditions, the Chinese travellers were more motivated by their religious zeal.  Factors underlining the significance of accounts by Chinese and Arab travellers  •These accounts provided an outsider’s perspective to the contemporary issues. Thus, Fa Hien’s account of life in the 5th century Gupta empire was devoid of any biases.  •Such accounts were taken by the travellers to their home countries, which enabled a better understanding about India, and consequently establishment of better diplomatic relations.  •Accounts...

The art and heritage of a nation is a prized possession which needs to be preserved, protected and promoted. It assumes much greater significance for a vast country like India with diverse mixture of traditions and cultures.  Following factors underline the need to preserve our art and heritage :  •It gives the people a sense of history. Manuscripts and monuments have been relied on to understand the political, economic and social aspects of earlier times.  •It highlights the concept of ‘unity in diversity’ by showcasing the harmonious co-existence of different cultures and traditions.  •It is seen as a symbol of national identity. For instance the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath was adopted as the official emblem. Invoking national symbols can also instill a sense of oneness, as was done during the freedom struggle.  •In this era of rampant industrialization, the art and culture heritage can show the way towards a symbiotic relationship between development an...

The French revolution laid the foundation of the modern world:  • The French Revolution had been a world-shaking event. For years to come its direct influence was felt in many parts of the world. It inspired revolutionary movements in almost every country of Europe (German and Italian unification) and in South and Central America.  • For a long time the French Revolution became the classic example of a revolution which people of many nations tried to emulate.  • It gave the idea of liberty, equality and fraternity to the modern world. It brought about a political awakening in Europe. People began to rise in revolt to demand their rights.  • It also popularized the concept of democracy. Absolute monarchy was replaced by constitutional monarchy in many countries.  • It separated religion from politics and stood for secularism which condemned religious fanaticism.  • It a number of movements where people demanded not only political freedom but also right to pr...

The social and religious reforms movement, popularly termed as Indian renaissance, which preceded the political struggles, are considered a necessary precursor to origin of Indian nationality.  How renaissance facilitated the emergence of national identity • Rediscovery of India’s glorious past: The nineteenth century Indian Renaissance also created several avenues in the field of oriental studies. Western scholars like Max Muller, Sir William Jones, Alexander Cunningham, etc. translated several ancient Sanskrit texts of this land and established before the people the glorious cultural heritage of India. Inspired by them, the Indian scholars like R.D. Banerjee, R.G. Bhandarkar, Madan Mukhopadhyaya, Hari Prasad Astir, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, etc. rediscovered India’s past glory from the history of this land. This encouraged the people of India who felt that they were the ancestors of grand monarchs of this country and ruled by foreigners. This flared up the fire of nationalism.  ...

Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2014 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2015 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2016 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2017 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2018 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2019 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2020 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click Here To Download Civil Services (History Optional) Paper 2021 History Paper - 1 Click Here To Download History Paper - 2 Click H...

I. History and Culture of India, with special reference to Modern Period (1757 to 1947 A.D.)   1. Early Indian Civilizations-Indus and Vedic; Emergence of Religious Movements in the sixth century BC - Jainism and Buddhism; Indo- Greek Art and Architecture – Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravathi Schools; Social and Cultural condition under the Mauryan, Satavahanas and Guptas .  2. Advent of Islam and its impact on Indian Society – Nature and significance of Bhakti and Sufi Movements; Contribution of Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara rulers to Language, Literature, Art and Architecture: the contribution of Delhi Sultans and Mughals to Language, Literature, Art, Architecture and Fine Arts, Monuments; Emergence of Composite Culture in the Deccan and India.  3. The Establishment of British Colonial Rule in India: Carnatic Wars , Battle of Plassey, AngloMysore, Anglo-Maratha and Anglo-Sikh Wars; Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule: Land Revenue Settlements in British India; -Commercia...