Recommended reference books for UPSC Paper I

1. History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra:
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of modern India from the advent of the British rule to the present day.
- It covers important topics such as the Indian National Movement, the struggle for independence, and the socio-political changes in the country.
- The book is written in a simple language and is considered one of the best reference books for the history section of Paper I.

2. India's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra:
- This book focuses specifically on India's freedom struggle and provides a detailed account of the various movements, leaders, and events that shaped the country's fight for independence.
- It covers topics such as the Revolt of 1857, the emergence of Indian nationalism, the role of Mahatma Gandhi, and the partition of India.
- The book is widely recommended for its analytical approach and detailed analysis of the freedom struggle.

3. Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania:
- This book covers the art and culture of India, including topics such as architecture, sculpture, painting, dance, and music.
- It provides a comprehensive understanding of the various art forms and their historical significance.
- The book is highly recommended for its coverage of both ancient and modern Indian art and culture.

4. Geography of India by Majid Husain:
- This book is a comprehensive guide to the geography of India, covering physical, economic, and social aspects of the country.
- It provides detailed information on topics such as climate, vegetation, agriculture, industries, and urbanization.
- The book includes maps, diagrams, and case studies to enhance the understanding of the subject.

5. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth:
- This book is a widely recommended reference for the Indian polity section of Paper I.
- It covers topics such as the Constitution of India, parliamentary system, federalism, fundamental rights, and the role of various institutions in the governance of the country.
- The book is known for its comprehensive coverage and easy-to-understand language.

6. Economic Development in India by Uma Kapila:
- This book provides an in-depth analysis of the economic development of India since independence.
- It covers topics such as planning, economic reforms, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and social sectors.
- The book is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the subject and its focus on the Indian context.

7. Science and Technology in India by Kalpana Rajaram:
- This book covers the developments in science and technology in India, including topics such as space technology, information technology, biotechnology, and energy.
- It provides a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of India in the field of science and technology.
- The book is recommended for its coverage of both basic science concepts and recent advancements.

Overall, these reference books provide a comprehensive coverage of the topics mentioned in UPSC Paper I. They are widely recommended by experts and previous UPSC toppers for their accuracy, depth of coverage, and easy-to-understand language. It is important to read these books along with other relevant study materials and practice previous year question papers to have a holistic preparation for the exam.