Textbook
Themes in Indian History, Parts I–III (Class 12)
Source-based chapters on Harappa, Vijayanagara, the Mughal court and 1857 — essential for UPSC.
Recommended reading
A curated shelf for exam preparation and for curious readers — from NCERT basics to the standard references and the best popular histories. Every note is our own.
Era
Prehistory & Harappan 3
Textbook
India's Ancient Past
The expanded version of the classic old-NCERT ancient India text; clear and exam-friendly.
Reference
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India
The most complete modern textbook on ancient India, rich in sources, maps and archaeology.
Ancient India 2
Reference
Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300
An authoritative, interpretive history of early Indian society and states.
Reference
A History of South India
The classic survey of the south, from prehistory to the fall of Vijayanagara.
Medieval India 3
Textbook
History of Medieval India
The go-to single volume on the Sultanate, Mughals and regional kingdoms.
Reference
Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (2 vols)
The detailed two-volume treatment for readers who want more than the single-volume textbook.
Reference
The Mughal Empire
A compact, respected overview of the Mughal state from Babur to its decline.
Modern India 6
Textbook
History of Modern India
The old-NCERT modern India classic, from the decline of the Mughals to independence.
Textbook
A Brief History of Modern India
The most-used exam book for modern India; dense, well organised and revision-friendly.
Reference
India's Struggle for Independence
The standard narrative of the national movement from 1857 to 1947.
Reference
From Plassey to Partition and After
A balanced, analytical history of colonial India; excellent for Mains answers.
Popular history
India After Gandhi
The history of the Republic, from 1947 to the present.
Primary source / classic
Annihilation of Caste
Ambedkar's landmark critique of caste, essential for social reform topics.
World history 3
Textbook
Themes in World History (Class 11)
A readable bridge into world history: empires, nomads, industrialisation and colonisation.
Reference
Mastering Modern World History
The favourite for UPSC world history: world wars, revolutions and the Cold War.
Textbook
The Story of Civilization, Vols 1 & 2
Old-NCERT world history from early civilisations to the modern world.
Art & culture 1
Textbook
Indian Art and Culture
Covers architecture, painting, music, dance and religion in one exam-oriented book.
Read, then test yourself. Explore the map · Take the quiz