How to Study Indian History for the IAS Exam?

History is an unavoidable portion of your IAS exam preparation. Many aspirants find this subject toughest amongst all other subjects since history is definitely vast and involves a lot of facts, dates and names to remember. But the right approach can make any subject more interesting and easy to learn. Read on to find out about the right techniques to study history for the IAS exam.

Techniques to study Indian History for the IAS Exam

Technique 1: Appreciate the story in history

History doesn’t have to be boring. It is basically just a story albeit a long one! If you can read the history textbooks like a story, it will not seem so scary. Be curious to know more about your own country’s past and you will appreciate how the past has shaped the present. This will also help you remember things more.

Technique 2: Make chronological notes

Always make notes in chronological order when you study history. This will enable quicker and easier revision. You can make use of BYJU’S Infographics for making notes in a chronological order.

Technique 3: Read multiple times

This is true especially when you are studying history for the UPSC exam. When you read a particular section for the second time and preferably from a different source, you will be able to get a different layer of perspective and information about the same topic. This is essential when you write holistic answers as per the UPSC Syllabus. So, layering is necessary for history preparation.

Technique 4: Have multiple perspectives

They say history is written by the victors. So, there are many perspectives to whatever you read. Make sure you learn the topics in a variety of perspectives such as women’s perspective, educational perspective, administration perspective, from the perspective of the Governor-Generals of India, etc. doing this will serve the twin purpose of giving a holism to your answers and also giving you fresh ideas to write answers in other subjects like polity, social issues, economics, etc.

Technique 5: Relate the past with the present

This is the technique that makes history most relevant and interesting. The present socio-political situation of the world is a direct consequence of what happened in the past. We must understand that we are creating history as we live. We are a part of it. Why is there communal strife in the country from time to time? It could be because of the British policy of Divide & Rule. Why is there rural poverty today in the country? The answer lies in the economic policies of the British who destroyed Indian exports and industry to serve their interests.

Incorporate these techniques into your history preparation to enhance your understanding and learning of this wonderful subject.

Also Read | How to Study History for IAS

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