HISTORY booklist and approach for UPSC CSE Prelims:
1. Tamil Nadu class 11 for Ancient and Medieval, an excellent source for reading south indian dynasties, Vijayanagar Kingdom etc. Covered major points of art and culture too.
3. Spectrum for Modern History-
• The most comprehensive book for reading modern history. For me it was one of the indispensable books that one needed to read multiple times. I didn't make notes as I found it crisp and concise.
• Summary at the end of each chapter and all the appendices given are extremely important for quick revision. While following the chronological order, it is advised to keep in mind the governor general of that timeframe eg INC established during Lord Duffrin etc.
• Don't make the mistake of starting from the very first chapter every time you are sitting with Spectrum. I did the maximum revision of 1939- 1947, a lot of events are there.
• Next priority of items should be the tribal and peasant revolts, social reform movements, governor generals etc.
• Lastly, if someone gets bored or has a lot of time, Pratik Nayar's modern history lectures available freely on youtube Mrunal's channel is recommended. He has covered the entire spectrum with his own incredible sense of humour.
• Even after doing all these, you will encounter a plethora of new terms/ facts/freedom fighters/social reformers from the mock test series. Make separate notes or start writing new names at the margin of the books/inserting blank pages in the basic books. I found the method of inserting notes on blank pages in the book itself very handy during revision, you don't have to carry separate copies for notes.
• Please consider both Spectrum and Laxmikanth while reading about pre constitutional regulations and acts.
~ UPSC CSE Topper.