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History

The document outlines the history of India from ancient to modern times, detailing key periods such as the Prehistoric, Vedic, Maurya, Medieval, and British colonial eras. It highlights significant civilizations, empires, and movements, including the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, and the Indian independence struggle. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of studying these historical events for understanding and success in examinations.

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96 views3 pages

History

The document outlines the history of India from ancient to modern times, detailing key periods such as the Prehistoric, Vedic, Maurya, Medieval, and British colonial eras. It highlights significant civilizations, empires, and movements, including the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, and the Indian independence struggle. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of studying these historical events for understanding and success in examinations.

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AAI 31
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Ancient India
Prehistoric and Protohistoric Periods
Prehistoric India: The earliest period of human existence in India, categorized into three main stone ages:
· Paleolithic (Old Stone Age): Characterized by hunting, gathering, and the use of crude stone tools
(2.5 million years ago to 12,000 years ago).
· Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): The transition period, where humans began settling, fishing, and
practicing early agriculture (12,000 to 8,000 BCE).
· Neolithic (New Stone Age): Marked by settled farming, domestication of animals, and the
establishment of permanent settlements (8,000 to 3,000 BCE).

Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization):


Period: 3300–1300 BCE.
Key Features: Urbanization, advanced drainage systems, large cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro,
standardized weights, pottery, and undeciphered script.
Decline: Likely due to climate change, invasion, or internal decline.

Vedic and Post-Vedic Period


Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE):
The arrival of the Aryans and composition of the Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda).
Early Vedic society was pastoral; later Vedic period saw the rise of agriculture and the varna system
(Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras).

Mahajanapadas:
Sixteen large kingdoms (Mahajanapadas) flourished, including Magadha, Kosala, and Vatsa.
Buddhism and Jainism: Founded by Gautama Buddha and Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, emphasizing
non-violence and spiritual liberation.

Maurya and Post-Maurya Periods


Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE):
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya and expanded under Ashoka.
Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his propagation of Dhamma.
The Kalinga War (261 BCE) marked a turning point in Ashoka’s life, leading him to embrace non-violence.

Post-Maurya Period:
After the decline of the Mauryas, the Shunga Dynasty (185–75 BCE), Kushana Empire (1st–3rd century
CE), and Gupta Empire (4th–6th century CE) arose, marking a golden age in science, art, and culture.

2. Medieval India
Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)
Key Dynasties:
Slave Dynasty: Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish.
Khilji Dynasty: Ala-ud-Din Khilji, who expanded the Sultanate and implemented administrative reforms.
Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad bin Tughlaq, known for his failed experiments like shifting the capital to
Daulatabad.
Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties: The Lodi Dynasty's rule ended with the Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Important Features:

Introduction of Islam in India.


Delhi became the political and cultural center.
Growth of Persian culture and architecture.
Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1646)
Location: South India, with Hampi as its capital.
Key Rulers: Krishnadevaraya, one of the most famous rulers.
Decline: The empire was defeated in the Battle of Talikota (1565) by the Deccan Sultanates.
Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Babur: Founded the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat (1526).

Akbar the Great: Known for his policy of religious tolerance, administrative reforms, and consolidation of
the empire.

Key Contributions: Din-i Ilahi, Mansabdari System, and Rajput policy.


Shah Jahan: Built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Aurangzeb: The last powerful Mughal ruler, who expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent.
His reign saw the decline of the Mughal Empire due to increasing religious intolerance and internal strife.

Decline of the Mughal Empire: Due to invasions (like from Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Durrani), weak
successors, and internal revolts.

3. Modern India
British East India Company (1600–1857)
Battle of Plassey (1757): The British East India Company defeated Siraj-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal,
and began its political dominance in India.
Regulating Acts: The Regulating Act of 1773, Pitt’s India Act (1784), and Charter Act of 1813 regulated
British policies in India.
First War of Indian Independence (1857)
Often called the Sepoy Mutiny, it was a major rebellion against the British rule. It began with the Indian
soldiers (sepoys) in the British army and spread to other parts of northern and central India.
Though the rebellion was suppressed, it marked the end of the East India Company's rule, leading to
direct British control (Crown Rule).
British Raj (1858–1947)
Indian Councils Act of 1861: Marked the beginning of Indian participation in the British administration.

Indian National Congress (INC): Formed in 1885, initially a moderate political party, it later led the
freedom struggle under leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Important Movements:

Swadeshi Movement (1905): A response to the Partition of Bengal.


Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Led by Gandhi, calling for non-violent resistance against British rule.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Gandhi's famous Salt March to protest the British salt monopoly.
Quit India Movement (1942): A mass movement for immediate independence.
Partition of India (1947)
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, leading to the partition into India and Pakistan, based on
religious lines.
The partition caused mass migration and violence.
4. Post-Independence India
Constitution of India
Adopted on January 26, 1950, India became a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Constitution.
India is governed by a parliamentary system with a bicameral legislature.
Important Post-Independence Events
First General Elections (1952): India’s first general elections, which established the foundation for
democratic governance.
Indo-Pakistani Wars (1965, 1971):
1965 War: Fought over Kashmir; ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire.
1971 War: Resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and India’s victory over Pakistan.
Emergency (1975–77): Declared by Indira Gandhi, it suspended civil rights and curtailed political
opposition.
Economic Liberalization (1991): A series of reforms that opened the Indian economy to global markets,
leading to rapid economic growth.
Key Political and Social Leaders
Mahatma Gandhi: The central figure in India’s non-violent independence movement.
Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of independent India and key architect of post-independence
India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The first Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for the integration of princely
states into India.
Subhas Chandra Bose: Leader of the Indian National Army, who sought a more militant path for
independence.
Key Concepts and Terms
Colonialism: The control and exploitation of India by the British from the 18th century to 1947.
Indian Renaissance: A period of intellectual and cultural awakening in the 19th century, marked by the
efforts of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda.
Nationalism: The movement for independence from British rule, epitomized by Congress, Bose’s INA,
and Gandhi’s non-violent resistance.

Conclusion
The NTPC CBT-2 History section emphasizes both ancient and modern history, with a focus on key
political movements, major events, and prominent historical figures. Consistent study and regular
practice of previous year's papers will help you strengthen your understanding and perform well in the
exam.

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