A Peep into Political & Cultural History of Ancient & Medieval India for UPSC & State PCS Civil Services Examinations (Prelims & Mains) by Raj Malhotra and published by S Chand Publishing is a comprehensive guide designed to help aspirants prepare effectively for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), State PCS, and other competitive exams. This book provides an in-depth exploration of India’s ancient and medieval political history along with a detailed analysis of Indian culture, making it an essential resource for history and art & culture preparation.
Key Features of the Book
1. Structured Syllabus Coverage – The book is systematically divided into three major sections: Ancient History, Medieval History, and Indian Culture, aligning perfectly with the UPSC and State PCS syllabus. Each chapter is meticulously crafted to ensure clarity and depth.
2. Comprehensive Content on Ancient India – The Ancient History section covers crucial topics such as the Prehistoric Period, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Age, and Post-Mauryan Kingdoms. It also includes detailed discussions on Buddhism and Jainism, the Sangam Age, and the rise of Magadha, providing a solid foundation for understanding early Indian polity and society.
3. Detailed Medieval Indian History – The Medieval History section explores significant dynasties and empires, including the Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdom, Mughal Empire, and the rise of the Marathas. It also covers regional kingdoms, Arab invasions, and the socio-political developments of the medieval period.
4. Extensive Coverage of Indian Culture – The Indian Culture section is one of the most detailed resources available, covering temple architecture, sculptures, Bhakti and Sufi movements, Indian dance, music, paintings, theatre, puppetry, languages, literature, religions, festivals, and cinema. This section is particularly useful for UPSC Mains (GS Paper 1) and Prelims art & culture questions.
5. Exam-Oriented Approach – The book is tailored to meet the demands of competitive examinations, with a focus on conceptual clarity, factual accuracy, and analytical depth. It includes important inscriptions, historical sources, and cultural developments that are frequently asked in UPSC and State PCS exams.
6. Easy-to-Understand Language – Written in a clear and concise manner, the book avoids unnecessary jargon, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced aspirants.
7. Useful for Prelims and Mains – The content is designed to help aspirants tackle objective-type questions in Prelims as well as descriptive answers in Mains. It includes chronological events, comparative analysis of empires, and cultural evolution, which are crucial for answer writing.
6. Published by S Chand – As a trusted name in academic and competitive exam books, S Chand ensures high-quality content that adheres to the latest exam patterns and trends.
Why Choose This Book?
1. One-Stop Solution for Ancient, Medieval, and Cultural History for UPSC and State PCS.
2. Aligned with Latest UPSC Syllabus – Covers all major topics from Prehistoric India to Mughal Empire and Maratha Rise.
3. Rich Cultural Insights – Helps in answering Art & Culture questions in both Prelims and Mains.
4. Authored by Raj Malhotra – A well-respected name in competitive exam preparation.
5. Trusted by Toppers – Recommended by many successful candidates for its completeness and reliability.
Conclusion
A Peep into Political & Cultural History of Ancient & Medieval India by Raj Malhotra offers detailed insights into India’s ancient and medieval history, culture, and civilization. Published by S Chand, this book covers key periods, empires, cultural movements, and artistic traditions essential for Prelims and Mains exams. With clear explanations, timelines, and exam-oriented content, it is an ideal resource to build a strong foundation and excel in civil services examinations.
