Ancient History
1.1 Prehistoric Cultures
Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic ages; geographical distribution, tools, settlements, and lifestyle patterns.
1.2 Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
Origin, major sites (Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan); town planning, society, economy, crafts, script, religion, and theories of decline.
1.3 Vedic Period
Rig Vedic and Later Vedic phases; Vedic texts (Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads); social and political organisation; evolution of Varna; religion and philosophy.
1.4 Mahajanapadas & Rise of Magadha
16 Mahajanapadas, early republics, second urbanization, agriculture, trade, Persian and Macedonian invasions and their impact.
1.5 Buddhism & Jainism
Teachings of Buddha and Mahavira; councils; sects; literature; royal patronage; spread; contributions to art, architecture, and ethics.
1.6 Mauryan Empire
Chandragupta Maurya; Megasthenes; Ashoka’s Dhamma, inscriptions; centralised administration; economy; Mauryan art and decline.
1.7 Post-Mauryan Period
Shungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas; Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas; Kanishka; Silk Route; Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati art schools.
1.8 Gupta Period
“Golden Age”: literature, science (Aryabhata, Varahamihira), architecture, coins, administration, economy, major rulers.
1.9 Post-Gupta & South Indian Dynasties
Harshavardhana; Tripartite struggle; Pallavas, Chalukyas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Pandyas — governance, art, and temple architecture.
Medieval History
2.1 Early Medieval India
Pala, Pratihara, Rashtrakuta, and Chola dynasties — political structure, feudalism debate, agrarian expansion, and cultural developments.
2.2 Delhi Sultanate
Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi dynasties; Iqta system; economic reforms; society; regional cultures; Indo-Islamic architecture.
2.3 Vijayanagar & Bahmani Kingdoms
Administration, Nayankara system, economy, temple architecture (Hampi, etc.), literature, art, and Indo-Persian cultural interaction.
2.4 Mughal Empire
Babur to Aurangzeb; administration (Mansabdari, Jagirdari); economy; land revenue systems; religious policies; decline.
2.5 Bhakti & Sufi Movements
Origins; teachings; Nirguna & Saguna traditions; major saints (Kabir, Nanak, Mirabai, Chaitanya); Sufi silsilas (Chishti, Suhrawardi) and cultural impact.
2.6 Regional Powers
Rise of Marathas (Shivaji, Peshwas); Ahom kingdom; Rajput states; regional autonomy after Mughal decline.
2.7 Culture, Art & Literature
Persian literature, regional bhakti literature, temple architecture, Mughal architecture, miniature painting, and synthesis of composite culture.