NCERT Notes of Ancient History (Old NCERT RS Sharma) for UPSC Preparation PDF Download

NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam

NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam are revision notes based on the NCERT textbook "Ancient India" written by renowned historian RS Sharma. The notes provide a concise and organized summary of the key topics and events covered in the textbook, making them an ideal resource for candidates preparing for the UPSC exam.

1. Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History cover significant topics, including the Prehistoric Period and Sources of Ancient History. The Prehistoric Period denotes the era before the emergence of writing, making it a challenge to collect data from that time. Nevertheless, archaeology has offered some evidence, like fossils and artifacts, providing an understanding of early human life. This period is further classified into the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): The Stone Age 

2. Indus Valley Civilisation

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History give significant coverage to the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization. This urban civilization is recognized as one of the earliest and most expansive in the ancient world. Its existence dates back to approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE and was located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. The civilization was uncovered during the 1920s, and since then, several archaeological explorations have been performed at different sites, including Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Lothal.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): The Harappan Culture (Indus Valley Civilisation) UPSC Notes 

3. Vedic Period

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History give significant coverage to the Vedic Period, which is a critical period in ancient Indian history when the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, were composed. This period lasted from roughly 1500 BCE to 500 BCE and was categorized into two primary phases - the Early Vedic Period (1500 BCE to 1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (1000 BCE to 500 BCE).

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Advent of Aryans & Rig Vedic Period 

4. Territorial States & First Maghdha Empire

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History provide comprehensive coverage of the emergence of territorial states and the First Magadha Empire, which are significant topics in the history of the Indian subcontinent. During the 6th century BCE, several territorial states emerged in the region, marked by clearly defined territories, fortified cities, organized armies, and centralized systems of administration.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Territorial States & The First Magadhan Empire- 1 
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Territorial States & The First Magadhan Empire- 2 

5. Buddhism & Jainism

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History cover the significant topics of Buddhism and Jainism, which were major religious movements that emerged in ancient India during the 6th century BCE. These movements challenged the traditional Brahmanical orthodoxy and presented alternative ways of life to people seeking spiritual fulfillment.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Jainism & Buddhism 

6. The Mauryan Empire

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History cover the topic of the Mauryan Empire, which was one of the most significant and dominant empires in ancient India. This empire was established in 322 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya and lasted for over a century until 185 BCE. The Mauryan Empire was renowned for its effective centralized administration, extensive territories, and formidable military prowess.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Significance of the Mauryan Empire 
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): The Mauryan Empire 

7. Bhagavatism and Brahmanism

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History provide coverage of two significant religious movements in ancient India - Bhagavatism and Brahmanism. Bhagavatism is a devotional cult that originated in India during the early centuries of the Common Era. The followers of Bhagavatism worshipped Bhagavatas, or the devotees of Vishnu, who is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The Bhagavatas believed that devotion to Vishnu was the path to liberation and salvation.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): The Dawn of History in the Deep South 

8. Additional Topics of Ancient India

RS Sharma Notes for Ancient History

RS Sharma's Notes for Ancient History comprehensively cover various significant topics related to ancient India. Apart from the topics already mentioned, the notes provide an in-depth analysis of other essential subjects, including the post-Mauryan period, the Satavahanas, the Guptas, the Cholas, the Pallavas, and the Chalukyas. The notes also offer insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of ancient India, covering subjects such as the caste system, agriculture, trade, art, and architecture.

• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Harsha and His Times
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): The Age of Satvahanas
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Formation of New States & Rural Expansion
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Central Asian Contacts & their Results
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Sequence of Social Changes
• Old NCERT Notes (RS Sharma): Spread of Civilization in Eastern India

How to Prepare NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam?

To prepare NCERT notes of Ancient History by RS Sharma for the UPSC exam, you can follow these steps:

• Read the NCERT textbook thoroughly: Start by reading the NCERT textbook of Ancient History by RS Sharma. Make sure you understand the concepts, events, and timelines mentioned in the book.
• Make notes: While reading the textbook, make notes of important events, concepts, and terminologies. This will help you in quick revision during the last days before the exam.
• Revise regularly: Revise your notes regularly to ensure that you remember the important points. Try to recall the events and concepts without looking at your notes.
• Solve previous year papers: Solve previous year papers to understand the pattern of questions asked in the exam. This will help you in identifying the important topics and their weightage in the exam.
• Practice writing: Practice writing answers to the questions asked in previous year papers. This will help you in improving your writing skills and time management.
• Refer to other study materials: Refer to other study materials and books to supplement your preparation. However, do not rely on them completely and stick to the NCERT textbook for the basics.
• Take mock tests: Take mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you in improving your overall performance in the exam.

Importance of NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam

NCERT Notes of Ancient History by RS Sharma are of great importance for the UPSC Exam preparation for the following reasons:

• Comprehensive coverage: The notes provide a comprehensive coverage of ancient Indian history from the prehistoric period to the end of the Mauryan Empire.
• Authoritative source: RS Sharma is a renowned historian and his notes are considered to be one of the most authoritative sources for ancient Indian history.
• Easy language: The language used in the notes is simple and easy to understand, making it easier for aspirants to grasp the concepts.
• Helps in building a strong foundation: The notes provide a strong foundation in ancient Indian history, which is essential for understanding the evolution of Indian civilization and culture.
• Relevant for both prelims and mains: The notes are relevant for both the prelims and mains exams of the UPSC, covering all the important topics and concepts in ancient Indian history.
• Helps in essay writing: The notes also help in essay writing as they provide a deep understanding of the historical events, which is essential for writing a good essay on ancient Indian history.

Overall, the NCERT Notes of Ancient History by RS Sharma are a valuable resource for UPSC aspirants and can greatly aid in their preparation for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam

Are NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) enough for UPSC Exam preparation?

While NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) are a good starting point for UPSC Exam preparation, they may not be sufficient on their own. It is important to supplement these notes with other study materials, such as reference books, newspapers, and magazines.

What is the level of difficulty of NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam?

The level of difficulty of NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) for UPSC Exam is considered moderate to difficult. However, with consistent effort and practice, aspirants can easily grasp the concepts and score well in the exam.

Are NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) helpful for other competitive exams besides UPSC?

Yes, NCERT Notes of Ancient History (RS Sharma) are helpful for other competitive exams besides UPSC, such as State Public Service Commission exams and other central government exams.