Introduction
History is one of the most scoring subjects in the UPSC Prelims and Mains. From Ancient civilizations to India’s Independence, every topic holds significance. However, with 100 days left, how can you revise effectively without feeling overwhelmed?
At Ignite IAS, the Top IAS Academy in Hyderabad, we’ve created a 100-day structured plan to help you revise History quickly and smartly. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
| Sr | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Why is History Important for UPSC? |
| 2 | Understanding the 100-Day History Challenge |
| 3 | Best Books and Resources for History |
| 4 | 100-Day History Revision Strategy |
| 5 | Ancient Indian History |
| 6 | Indus Valley Civilization |
| 7 | Vedic Period and Mahajanapadas |
| 8 | Mauryan and Gupta Empires |
| 9 | Medieval Indian History |
| 10 | Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire |
| 11 | Bhakti & Sufi Movements |
| 12 | Modern Indian History |
| 13 | British Expansion and Revolt of 1857 |
| 14 | Indian National Movement (1885-1947) |
| 15 | Post-Independence India |
| 16 | Final 10-Day Crash Revision Plan |
| 17 | Common Mistakes to Avoid |
| 18 | Conclusion & Last-Minute Tips |
1. Why is History Important for UPSC?
✔ Prelims: 15-20 questions come from History every year.
✔ Mains (GS Paper 1): Requires detailed understanding of socio-political events.
✔ Interview: A good understanding of History strengthens opinion-based answers.
History is static, meaning well-prepared candidates can score high with proper revision.
2. Understanding the 100-Day History Challenge
✔ First 50 Days: Cover all topics in detail.
✔ Next 30 Days: Revise and practice MCQs.
✔ Last 20 Days: Focus on Mains answer writing and PYQs (Previous Year Questions).
3. Best Books and Resources for History
✔ NCERT Books (Class 6-12) – Essential for conceptual clarity.
✔ Tamil Nadu State Board Books – Useful for Ancient & Medieval History.
✔ Spectrum’s Modern History – Best for Modern India.
✔ Bipan Chandra’s “India’s Struggle for Independence” – Mains-focused.
✔ Previous Year Question Papers (Last 10 Years) – Must practice.
4. 100-Day History Revision Strategy
✔ Day 1-15: Ancient India (Indus Valley, Vedic Period, Mauryan & Gupta Empires).
✔ Day 16-30: Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti & Sufi Movements).
✔ Day 31-50: Modern India (British Rule, 1857 Revolt, Indian National Movement).
✔ Day 51-70: MCQs + Mains Answer Writing Practice.
✔ Day 71-100: Full-length Mock Tests + Quick Revisions.
5. Ancient Indian History
✔ Sources of Ancient History: Archaeology, Inscriptions, Coins, and Literature.
✔ Key Dynasties: Mauryas, Guptas, Satavahanas, Sangam Age.
✔ Important Books: Arthashastra, Vedas, Jataka Tales.
6. Indus Valley Civilization
✔ One of the oldest urban civilizations (2600–1900 BCE).
✔ Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira.
✔ Advanced drainage system, town planning, and trade.
✔ Decline theories: Climate change, Aryan invasion, River drying up.
7. Vedic Period and Mahajanapadas
✔ Vedic Age (1500-600 BCE): Rig Veda (early), Later Vedic Age (Upanishads).
✔ Mahajanapadas: 16 powerful states (Magadha, Kosala, etc.).
✔ Rise of Jainism and Buddhism – Reaction to Brahmanical dominance.
8. Mauryan and Gupta Empires
✔ Mauryan Empire (321-185 BCE): Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, Ashoka.
✔ Ashoka’s Dhamma: Spread of Buddhism, inscriptions, welfare policies.
✔ Gupta Empire (319-550 CE): Golden Age of Indian culture, Nalanda University.
9. Medieval Indian History
✔ Rajput Kingdoms: Prithviraj Chauhan, Battle of Tarain (1191 & 1192).
✔ Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526): Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
10. Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire
✔ Mughal Rule (1526-1707): Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb.
✔ Akbar’s Reforms: Din-i-Ilahi, Rajput policy, Mansabdari system.
✔ Decline of the Mughals: Rise of Marathas, British expansion.
11. Bhakti & Sufi Movements
✔ Bhakti Movement: Kabir, Guru Nanak, Mirabai, Tulsidas.
✔ Sufi Saints: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya.
12. Modern Indian History
✔ Arrival of Europeans: Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French.
✔ Battle of Plassey (1757) & Buxar (1764) – Beginning of British rule.
✔ British Economic Policies: Drain of Wealth, Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari.
13. British Expansion and Revolt of 1857
✔ First major war of Indian independence.
✔ Causes: Political, economic, religious, and military grievances.
✔ Leaders: Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
14. Indian National Movement (1885-1947)
✔ Early Phase (1885-1905): Moderate demands, Congress formation.
✔ Swadeshi Movement (1905-1917): Partition of Bengal, Boycott & Nationalism.
✔ Gandhian Phase (1917-1947): Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India.
✔ Independence (1947): Role of Subhash Chandra Bose, INA, Mountbatten Plan.
15. Post-Independence India
✔ Integration of Princely States: Sardar Patel’s efforts.
✔ Five-Year Plans: Development models.
✔ Major Wars: 1962 (China), 1965 & 1971 (Pakistan).
16. Final 10-Day Crash Revision Plan
✔ Day 1-3: Ancient & Medieval India.
✔ Day 4-6: Modern India (1857-1947).
✔ Day 7-8: Post-Independence India.
✔ Day 9-10: Mock Tests & Quick Notes.
17. Common Mistakes to Avoid
✔ Ignoring Previous Year Questions (PYQs).
✔ Focusing only on facts instead of concepts.
✔ Not practicing answer writing for Mains.
18. Conclusion & Last-Minute Tips
✔ Revise daily to reinforce concepts.
✔ Use flowcharts and timelines for quick recall.
✔ Solve 500+ MCQs before Prelims.
Stay consistent and focused, and you’ll ace UPSC History effortlessly! 🚀
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cover History in 100 days?
Yes! A structured plan and daily revision will help you master History.
2. Is NCERT enough for UPSC History?
For Ancient & Medieval, NCERT is enough. For Modern History, read Spectrum.
3. How many History questions come in UPSC Prelims?
On average, 15-20 questions appear every year.
4. How to remember History facts?
Use timelines, flowcharts, and mind maps.
5. How does Ignite IAS help in History preparation?
We provide structured courses, expert guidance, and daily answer writing practice.
