- Pre-Historic Cultures in India
- Sources of Pre-History: Archaeological findings, tools, pottery
- Periodization: Stone Age divisions, cultural evolution
- Palaeolithic (2 million BCâ10,000 BC): Hunting-gathering, early tools
- Mesolithic (10,000 BCâ8,000 BC): Microliths, semi-sedentary life
- Neolithic (8,000 BCâ4,000 BC): Agriculture, domestication, pottery
- Chalcolithic Age (4,000 BCâ1,500 BC): Copper tools, village settlements
- Iron Age (1,500 BCâ200 BC): Iron tools, agricultural surplus
- Impact of Iron: Urbanization, societal complexity
- Pastoral & Farming Communities
- Neolithic Phase: Early farming, Mehrgarh evidence
- Chalcolithic Phase: Jorwe, Ahar cultures, rural settlements
- Early Iron Phase: Painted Grey Ware, agrarian expansion
- Geographical Distribution: Regional variations, river valleys
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Major Cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Dholavira
- Town Planning: Grid layout, drainage, Great Bath
- Trade: Internal (beads, cotton), foreign (Mesopotamia)
- Agriculture: Wheat, barley, cotton cultivation
- Domestication: Cattle, buffalo, goats
- Crafts: Seals, pottery, bronze work
- Weights and Measures: Standardized system
- Script: Undeciphered, pictographic
- Society: Egalitarian, urbanized
- Religion: Pashupati seal, mother goddess worship
- Economy: Agrarian base, trade-driven
- Burial Systems: Varied practices, grave goods
- Art & Architecture: Seals, figurines, terracotta
- Decline: Climate change, river shifts, trade collapse
- Vedic Society
- Original Home of Aryans: Central Asia hypothesis
- Aryan Culture: Pastoral, tribal organization
- Vedic Texts: Rigveda, Upanishads
- Sources: Literary (Vedas), archaeological (PGW)
- Geography: Rig Vedic (South Asia), Later Vedic (Ganges Plain)
- Economy: Cattle rearing, early agriculture
- Political Organization: Tribal assemblies, monarchies
- Social System: Emergence of caste system
- Religion: Rituals, nature worship, early philosophy
- Pre-Mauryan Period
- Second Urbanization: Iron tools, trade expansion
- State Formation: Rise of kingdoms, republics
- Mahajanapadas: Magadha, Kosala, Vrijji
- Republican States: Licchavis, Mallas
- Urban Centers: Rajgir, Varanasi
- Coins: Silver punch-marked coins
- Haryanka Dynasty: Bimbisaraâs conquests
- Shishunaga Dynasty: Administrative reforms
- Nanda Dynasty: Military and economic power
- Jainism & Buddhism
- Jainism: Mahaviraâs teachings, asceticism
- Buddhism: Buddhaâs life, Eightfold Path
- Spread: Royal patronage, trade routes
- Impact: Social change, ethical philosophies
- Mauryan Empire
- Chandragupta Maurya: Unification, Seleucid treaty
- Bindusara: Expansion, Deccan campaigns
- Arthashastra: Kautilyaâs governance principles
- Megasthenes: Indica, foreign accounts
- Ashoka: Kalinga war, conversion to Buddhism
- Ashokaâs Inscriptions: Edicts, dhamma propagation
- Dhamma: Ethical governance, non-violence
- Administration: Centralized, provincial divisions
- Decline: Weak successors, economic strain
- Post-Mauryan India (200 BCâ300 AD)
- Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Kushanas: Cultural synthesis
- Trade: Silk Route, Roman contacts
- Satavahanas: Deccan, trade hubs
- Society: Jati system, social stratification
- Sangam Literature: Tamil culture, polity
- Art Schools: Gandhara (Greco-Buddhist), Mathura, Amravati
- Gupta Empire
- Sources: Inscriptions, Fa-Hienâs accounts
- Political History: Chandragupta I, Samudragupta
- Administration: Decentralized, feudal elements
- Golden Age: Art, science, literature
- Economy: Agriculture, trade prosperity
- Urban Centers: Pataliputra, Ujjain
- Society: Varna reinforcement, womenâs status
- Harshavardhana
- Sources: Harshacharita, Xuanzangâs accounts
- Administration: Feudal, benevolent rule
- Economy: Land grants, trade decline
- Society: Caste rigidity, Buddhist influence
- Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism coexistence
- South Indian Dynasties
- Cholas: Rajaraja, naval power
- Cheras, Pandyas: Maritime trade
- Sangam Period: Literature, polity
- Economy: Agriculture, trade with SE Asia
- Art: Dravidian temples, bronze sculptures
- Early Medieval Dynasties (750â1200)
- Pratiharas: Arab resistance, Kanauj
- Palas: Buddhist patronage, Nalanda
- Rashtrakutas: Ellora, Deccan dominance
- Tripartite Struggle: Kanauj contest
- Feudalism: Land grants, hierarchy
- Economy: Trade decline, agrarian base
- Delhi Sultanate (1206â1526)
- Slave Dynasty: Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish
- Khalji Dynasty: Alauddinâs reforms
- Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad bin Tughlaqâs experiments
- Administration: Iqta system, centralization
- Market Reforms: Alauddinâs price controls
- Society: Urban growth, cultural synthesis
- Decline: Timurâs invasion, weak rulers
- Vijayanagar Empire
- Political: Harihara, Krishnadevaraya
- Administration: Nayaka system, taxation
- Economy: Trade, agriculture prosperity
- Culture: Telugu literature, temple art
- Conflicts: Bahmani rivalry, Talikota
- Mughal Empire
- Babur: Panipat, Mughal foundation
- Humayun: Exile, Sher Shahâs rule
- Akbar: Rajput policy, religious tolerance
- Administration: Mansabdari, zabt system
- Decline: Aurangzebâs policies, Maratha rise
- Marathas
- Shivaji: Swarajya, guerilla warfare
- Administration: Ashta Pradhan, forts
- Expansion: Peshwas, pan-Indian influence
- Legacy: Resistance to Mughal dominance
- Society and Culture
- Rural Society: Villages, land systems
- Urban Centers: Markets, artisans
- Trade: Inland, maritime routes
- Art: Miniature paintings, architecture
- Pre-1857 Scenario
- Later Mughals: Decline, regional powers
- European Arrival: Portuguese, Dutch, British
- British Conquest: Bengal, Plassey (1757)
- Anglo-Mysore Wars: Tipu Sultanâs resistance
- Anglo-Maratha Wars: British dominance
- Economic Impact: Drain of wealth, deindustrialization
- Revolt of 1857
- Causes: Sepoy grievances, social reforms
- Leaders: Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb
- Spread: Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow
- Consequences: End of Company rule
- Changes: British Crown takeover, army reforms
- Early Nationalism
- Pre-Congress: Bombay Presidency, ILbert Bill
- Indian National Congress: 1885, moderates
- Swadeshi Movement: Partition of Bengal
- Extremists: Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai
- Home Rule: Annie Besant, Tilak
- Gandhian Era
- Non-Cooperation: 1920, Khilafat alliance
- Satyagraha: Champaran, Kheda
- Civil Disobedience: Dandi Salt March
- Round Table Conferences: Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- Government of India Act, 1935: Federal structure
- Final Phase
- Quit India: 1942, mass movement
- Cabinet Mission: Federal plan, failure
- Mountbatten Plan: Partition, independence
- Constitution: 1950, republican framework
- Social and Religious Reforms
- Raja Rammohan Roy: Brahmo Samaj, sati abolition
- Tribal Uprisings: Santhal, Munda revolts
- Peasant Movements: Indigo, Pabna
- Womenâs Reforms: Education, widow remarriage
- Press: Vernacular newspapers, censorship
- State Reorganization and Integration
- Constitution: Article 3, flexible boundaries
- Princely States: Patelâs integration, Hyderabad
- Challenges: Jammu & Kashmir, Naga issue
- Linguistic States: Andhra, SRC 1956
- Goa Liberation: 1961, Portuguese exit
- Sikkim: 1975, merger with India
- Regionalism: Dravidian movement, autonomy demands
- Linguistic Regionalism
- Official Languages Act: Hindi, English debate
- Regionalism: Tamil Nadu, anti-Hindi protests
- Recent States: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana
- Tribal Issues
- Issues: Land alienation, displacement
- Policies: Fifth Schedule, Forest Rights Act
- Movements: Naxalism, tribal autonomy
- Caste and Communalism
- Ambedkar: Reservations, Dalit upliftment
- Communalism: Partition riots, secularism
- Issues: Mandal Commission, OBC reservations
- Initiatives: Anti-discrimination laws, social justice
- Secularism and Minority Issues
- Secularism: Constitution, state neutrality
- Challenges: Communal riots, Babri Masjid
- Minority Rights: Sachar Committee, education
- Economic Transformation
- Planning: Five-Year Plans, mixed economy
- Reforms: 1991 liberalization, globalization
- Green Revolution: Food security, Punjab
- Nationalization: Banks, insurance, 1969
- New Policies: Make in India, Digital India
- Science and Technology
- Progress: Space (ISRO), nuclear (1974)
- IT Revolution: Bangalore, tech hubs
- Education: IITs, IIMs, research institutes
- Recent: Chandrayaan, 5G rollout
- Modern Era and Enlightenment
- French Revolution: Liberty, equality, fraternity
- Renaissance: Art, science, humanism
- Reformation: Protestantism, religious split
- Enlightenment: Locke, Rousseau, reason
- Scientific Revolution: Copernicus, Newton
- French Revolution
- Causes: Inequality, financial crisis
- Events: Bastille, Reign of Terror
- Napoleon: Reforms, Napoleonic Wars
- Impact: Nationalism, modern state
- Nationalism in Europe
- Unification: Germany, Italy
- Revolutions: 1830, 1848 uprisings
- Germany: Bismarck, Franco-Prussian War
- Italy: Garibaldi, Cavour
- Colonialism and Imperialism
- Colonialism: Africa, Asia scramble
- British Empire: India, opium trade
- Impact: Economic drain, cultural change
- Resistance: Sepoy Mutiny, Boxer Rebellion
- World Wars
- World War I: Alliances, trench warfare
- Causes: Militarism, imperialism
- Consequences: Treaty of Versailles, League
- World War II: Axis vs Allies, Holocaust
- Causes: Fascism, economic depression
- Impact: UN formation, Cold War
- Cold War
- Causes: Ideological divide, power vacuum
- Events: Berlin Wall, Cuban Missile Crisis
- End: USSR collapse, 1991
- Decolonization
- Asia: India, Indonesia independence
- Africa: Ghana, Algeria liberation
- Impact: Non-Aligned Movement, new nations
- Performing Arts
- Classical Dances: Bharatanatyam, Kathak
- Folk Dances: Bhangra, Garba
- Music: Hindustani, Carnatic
- Theatre: Yakshagana, Ramlila
- Visual Arts
- Paintings: Mughal, Rajput miniatures
- Sculpture: Mauryan, Chola bronzes
- Modern Art: Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil
- Literature
- Vedic: Upanishads, Mahabharata
- Classical: Kalidasa, Tamil Sangam
- Medieval: Bhakti, Sufi poetry
- Modern: Premchand, Tagore
- Architecture
- Ancient: Stupas, Indus Valley
- Medieval: Temples, Mughal forts
- Colonial: Victoria Terminus
- Modern: Chandigarh, Le Corbusier
- Religion and Philosophy
- Hinduism: Vedanta, Bhakti movement
- Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana
- Jainism: Non-violence, Tirthankaras
- Sikhism: Guru Granth Sahib
- Festivals and Traditions
- Diplomacy: Holi, Eid, Christmas
- Rituals: Marriage, pilgrimage
- Cuisine: Regional diversity, spices
- Constitutional Framework
- Constitution: Features, preamble
- Amendments: 42nd, 44th, 101st
- Fundamental Rights: Article 12-35
- Directive Principles: Article 36-51
- Fundamental Duties: Article 51A
- Union and States
- President: Powers, election
- Parliament: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
- Prime Minister: Role, Council of Ministers
- State Legislature: Vidhan Sabha, Council
- Governor: Appointment, powers
- Judiciary
- Supreme Court: Jurisdiction, PILs
- High Courts: Structure, functions
- Judicial Review: Marbury vs. Madison impact
- Judicial Activism: Environment, rights
- Federalism
- Division of Powers: Union, State lists
- Inter-State Relations: Trade, disputes
- Emergency Provisions: Article 356
- Cooperative Federalism: GST, NITI Aayog
- Local Governance
- Panchayati Raj: 73rd Amendment
- Municipalities: 74th Amendment
- Urban Governance: Smart Cities
- Elections and Reforms
- Election Commission: Powers, EVMs
- Political Parties: Recognition, funding
- Reforms: Electoral bonds, NOTA
- Ecosystems
- Terrestrial: Forests, grasslands
- Aquatic: Freshwater, marine
- Food Chains: Producers, consumers
- Biodiversity: Hotspots, IUCN Red List
- Climate Change
- Causes: Greenhouse gases, deforestation
- Impact: Sea level rise, extreme weather
- Mitigation: Paris Agreement, renewable energy
- Adaptation: Coastal defenses, agriculture
- Pollution
- Air: PM2.5, smog, NAAQS
- Water: Eutrophication, Ganga Action Plan
- Soil: Contamination, pesticides
- Noise: Urban impact, WHO standards
- Conservation
- Protected Areas: National Parks, Sanctuaries
- Wildlife: Project Tiger, Elephant
- Forest Conservation: FRA 2006, CAMPA
- International: CITES, Ramsar Convention
- Sustainable Development
- SDGs: 2030 Agenda, Indiaâs role
- Green Economy: Solar, wind energy
- Circular Economy: Waste management
- Environmental Laws
- Acts: EPA 1986, Wildlife Protection
- Policies: National Environment Policy
- Institutions: NGT, CPCB
- Physical Geography
- Geomorphology: Plate tectonics, earthquakes
- Climatology: Monsoons, El Nino
- Oceanography: Currents, coral reefs
- Biogeography: Biomes, ecosystems
- Indian Geography
- Physiography: Himalayas, Plains
- Drainage: Ganga, Brahmaputra
- Climate: Monsoon, regional variations
- Soils: Alluvial, black, red
- Human Geography
- Population: Density, migration
- Settlements: Rural, urban patterns
- Urbanization: Smart cities, slums
- Cultural: Linguistic, religious diversity
- Economic Geography
- Agriculture: Cropping patterns, irrigation
- Industries: Steel, IT hubs
- Resources: Coal, petroleum, renewables
- Trade: Ports, SEZs
- World Geography
- Continents: Physical, economic features
- Climate Zones: Tropical, temperate
- Resources: Oil, minerals distribution
- Global Issues: Deforestation, desertification
- Mapping
- Topographic Maps: Contours, symbols
- Thematic Maps: Population, rainfall
- GIS: Applications, remote sensing
- Ethics and Human Interface
- Essence: Moral principles, human values
- Determinants: Culture, education
- Consequences: Ethical dilemmas, outcomes
- Attitude
- Structure: Cognitive, affective components
- Influence: Behavior, persuasion
- Functions: Social adjustment, ego defense
- Aptitude for Civil Services
- Integrity: Honesty, ethical conduct
- Impartiality: Non-partisanship
- Objectivity: Decision-making, fairness
-
- Emotional Intelligence
- Concepts: Self-awareness, empathy
- Applications: Leadership, conflict resolution
- Management: Stress, interpersonal relations
- Public Service Values
-
- Accountability: Transparency, answerability
- Probity: Uprightness, financial ethics
Dedication: Service orientation
-
Case Studies
- Ethical Dilemmas: Corruption, nepotism
- Decision-Making: Balancing stakeholders
- Resolution: Applying ethical frameworks
- Challenges to Internal Security
- Terrorism: Cross-border, domestic threats
- Naxalism: Left-wing extremism, Maoist insurgency
- Cyber Security: Hacking, data breaches
- Communal Violence: Riots, social unrest
- Linkages with External Security
- Border Management: LAC, LoC issues
- Cross-Border Terrorism: Drug trafficking, arms smuggling
- Maritime Security: Piracy, EEZ protection
- Security Forces
- Police: State police, reforms needed
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): CRPF, BSF
- Intelligence Agencies: IB, RAW
- Cyber Security
- Threats: Cyberattacks, ransomware
- Frameworks: NCSP 2013, CERT-In
- Challenges: Skill gap, infrastructure
- Money Laundering and Terror Funding
- Mechanisms: Hawala, cryptocurrencies
- Laws: PMLA 2002, FATF compliance
- Enforcement: ED, FIU-IND
- Security Management in Northeast
- Insurgency: AFSPA, peace accords
- Development: Act East Policy, infrastructure
- Ethnic Conflicts: Naga, Bodo issues
- Types of Disasters
- Natural: Earthquake, floods, cyclones
- Man-Made: Industrial accidents, chemical spills
- Biological: Pandemics, locust attacks
- Disaster Management Cycle
- Mitigation: Risk reduction, building codes
- Preparedness: Early warning, training
- Response: Rescue, relief distribution
- Recovery: Rehabilitation, reconstruction
- Institutional Framework
- NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority, guidelines
- SDMA: State-level coordination
- NDRF: National Disaster Response Force, operations
- Policies and Laws
- DM Act 2005: Legal framework, powers
- National Policy: 2009, proactive approach
- International: Sendai Framework, DRR
- Vulnerability in India
- Coastal Areas: Cyclones, tsunamis
- Himalayan Region: Earthquake, landslides
- Urban Risks: Flooding, fire hazards
- Technological Interventions
- Early Warning: INCOIS, IMD
- GIS: Mapping, risk assessment
- Drones: Damage assessment, delivery