Medieval History book for UPSC: Know Best History Books for UPSC IAS Exam

Looking for some books recommendation for UPSC? History is one of the subjects that have a very vast syllabus. Most of the candidates get confused about where to study. That is why in this article we will recommend you some of the medieval history books for UPSC. Read this article till the end to know the best History books for UPSC.

Medieval History Syllabus

• North Indian Kingdoms
• Kingdoms of the Deccan
• Delhi Sultanate
• Islamic Kingdoms in India
• Vijayanagara Empire
• Bhakti and Other Cultural & Religious Movements
• Mughal and Sur rule and the Arrival of Europeans

Medieval History Books for UPSC

Some of the books for History are:

• NCERT Class XI Medieval India – Satish Chandra
• NCERT Class XII Theme in Indian History- II
• Medival India – Volume I Satish Chandra
• Medival India – Volume II Satish Chandra
• Medieval India (Macmillan) –Satish Chandra
• The Wonder That was India (Vol.2), S.A.A. Rizvi
• Social life and cultural life of both Delhi Sultanate and Mughal India
• A history of South India – K. A. Nilakanta Shastri
• The Mughal Empire -J.F. Richards
• Urban Dynamics –H.C. Verma

Also Read: World History Syllabus For UPSC: World History Notes, Syllabus, Book List and Preparation Strategy

Some UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions on Medieval History

Questions

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.

(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.

(c) The forced laborer was entitled to weekly wages.

(d) The eldest son of the laborer was sent as the forced laborer.

Answer: a

Questions

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :

1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. C

Questions

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :

1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. C

Questions

Consider the following statements:

1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Questions

Nimbarka was a 13th century philosophical Saint whereas Akbar’s time period was 1556-1605; Saint Kabir was a 15th-century poet whereas Sirhindi was in the 17th century.

Ques: With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.

(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.

(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.

Answer: a

Questions

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

(a) agriculturists

(b) warriors

(c) weavers

(d) traders

Answer: d

Questions

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta’ refers to

(a) bonded labour

(b) land grants made to military officers

(c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

(d) waste and converted to cultivated land

Answer. C

Questions

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :

1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer. C

Also Read: Ancient History Questions in UPSC: Previous Year IAS Prelims Exam Questions on  Ancient Indian History.

Conclusion

History can be tricky. Candidates often get confused between events. The secret is to “Divide and Rule”. Divide different eras into different parts. This will help in better understanding. That is why this article was solely dedicated to Medieval History. Make separate notes for each era.  Draw a timeline chart for a better understanding. Revise as many times as you can. Read the standard books only when you have a good understanding of the NCERT textbooks.

Let us know in the comment section below how many questions were you able to answer without looking at the answers.

All the best for your preparation.