Union Public Service Commission
SYLLABI FOR THE EXAMINATION
PART-B
MAIN EXAMINATION
HISTORY
PAPER - I
1. Sources: Archaeological sources: Exploration ,
excavation , epigraphy , numismatics, monuments Literary sources: Indigenous :
Primary and secondary ; poetry , scientific literature , literature , literature
in regional languages, religious literature. Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese
and Arab writers.
2. Pre-history and Proto-history: Geographic
alfactors; hunting and gather ing (paleol i thic and mesol i thic) ; Beginning
of agriculture (neolithic and chalcolithic).
3. Indus Valley Civilization: Origin, date, extent,
characteristics, decline, survival and significance, art and architecture.
4. Megalithic Cultures: Distribution of pastoral and
farming cultures community life, Settlements, Development of agriculture,
Crafts, Pottery, and Iron industry.
5. Aryans and Vedic Period: Expansions of Aryans in
India. Vedic Period: Religious and philosophic literature; Transformation from
Rig Vedic period to the later Vedic period; Political, social and economical
life; Significance of the Vedic Age; Evolution of Monarchy and Varna system.
6. Period of Mahajanapadas: Formation of States (Mahajanapada)
: Republics and monarchies; Rise of urban centres; Trade routes; Economic
growth; Introduction of coinage; Spread of Jainism and Buddhism; Rise of Magadha
andNandas. Iranian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
7. Mauryan Empire: Foundation of the Mauryan Empire ,
Chandragupta, Kautilya and Arthashastra; Ashoka; Concept of Dharma; Edicts;
Polity, Administration; Economy; Art, architecture and sculpture; External
contacts; Religion; Spread of religion; Literature. Disintegration of the
empire; Sungas and Kanvas.
