21 Jul Topic-wise Study Plan for History Optional
Topic-wise Study Plan for History Optional – UPSC CSE
Total Duration: 100 Days (70 Days Study + 30 Days Revision)
📅 Study Phase (Days 1–70)
Paper I – Ancient & Medieval India
| Week | Topic | Sub-topics to Cover |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sources of Ancient Indian History | Archaeology, Literature, Epigraphy, Foreign Accounts |
| 2 | Prehistoric & Harappan Culture | Paleolithic to Neolithic, Urban Planning, Decline of IVC |
| 3 | Vedic Age & Religious Movements | Rigvedic vs Later Vedic, Jainism, Buddhism |
| 4 | Mahajanapadas to Mauryan Empire | Magadha, Ashoka, Arthashastra, Administration |
| 5 | Post-Mauryan & Gupta Period | Sungas, Kushanas, Gupta Economy, Golden Age |
| 6 | Early Medieval India | Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas, Temple Architecture |
| 7 | Delhi Sultanate | Slave to Lodi Dynasties, Iqta, Reforms of Alauddin Khilji |
| 8 | Bhakti & Sufi Movements | Major Saints, Teachings, Social Impact |
| 9 | Mughal Empire | Akbar’s Policies, Mansabdari, Economy, Culture |
| 10 | Regional Kingdoms & Decline of Mughals | Marathas, Rajputs, Shivaji’s Administration |
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Paper II – Modern India & World History
| Week | Topic | Sub-topics to Cover |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | British Expansion in India | Battle of Plassey, Buxar, Subsidiary Alliance |
| 12 | Economic Impact of British Rule | Land Revenue, Drain of Wealth, Famines |
| 13 | 1857 Revolt & Socio-Religious Reform | Causes, Spread, Reform Movements |
| 14 | Rise of Indian Nationalism | INC Formation, Extremists vs Moderates |
| 15 | Gandhian Phase | Champaran, Khilafat, Civil Disobedience, Quit India |
| 16 | Revolutionary & Left Movements | HSRA, INA, Trade Unionism |
| 17 | Constitutional Developments | Acts of 1909, 1919, 1935, Cabinet Mission |
| 18 | Independence & Partition | Mountbatten Plan, Communal Politics |
| 19 | Post-Independence Consolidation | Integration of States, Linguistic Reorganization |
| 20 | French Revolution & Napoleon | Causes, Reforms, Continental System |
| 21 | Industrial & American Revolutions | Technological Changes, Impact on Society |
| 22 | Unification of Germany & Italy | Role of Bismarck, Cavour, Nationalism |
| 23 | World Wars & Cold War | Causes, League of Nations, Non-Aligned Movement |
| 24 | Decolonization | Asia & Africa, End of Empires, Fall of USSR |
🧠 Revision Phase (Days 71–100)
- Days 71–80: Ancient & Medieval Revision (Timelines, Diagrams, PYQs)
- Days 81–90: Modern & World History Revision (Concepts, Maps, Essays)
- Days 91–100: Full-Length Tests (2 GS + 2 Optional Papers)
📚 Recommended Books
- NCERTs (Class 6–12)
- Ancient India – R.S. Sharma
- Medieval India – Satish Chandra
- Modern India – Bipan Chandra
- From Plassey to Partition – Sekhar Bandyopadhyay
- World History – Arjun Dev or Norman Lowe
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📝 Test Series Recommendation
PlutusIAS History Optional Test Series – Includes 8 sectional and 4 full-length tests. Special focus on Paper II and analytical writing with expert feedback.
🔁 Daily Routine (Suggested)
- 2 hours – New topic reading
- 1.5 hours – Note-making & timelines
- 1 hour – PYQ practice (2–3 daily)
- 30 mins – Daily quick revision
- Weekend – Write 1 answer from any previous year question
🔗 Related Links
- UPSC Official Website
- Top History Optional Coaching
- TheHinduZone.com – UPSC Mentorship
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