How to read spectrum ?
Disclaimer: This suggestion is for beginners or those who haven’t figured out yet and are struggling with this book.This is applicable for both prelims and mains.Also,this is a personal opinion and only a suggestion,you are free to choose whichever way yields maximum output for you.
1. Start with Chapter:”Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India”all the way till chapter:“Independence with Partition”.This will cover maximum portion between 1885 to 1947 which is the most important aspect of Modern History syllabus.
2.Then read the following chapters:
•Economic Impact of British Rule in India
•Development of Indian Press
•Development of Education
•Peasant Movement 1885-1947
•Movement of working class
•Survey of British policies in India
The above chapters are also important as questions are invariably asked from this section too.
3. The chapter “Constitutional,Administrative and Judicial Developments”, here constitutional part can be read either from spectrum or from 1st chapter of Laxmikant book(however,some acts of missing in Laxmikant if u refer that then do cross-check from spectrum).I personally did this constitutional portion from Laxmikant and NOT from spectrum.
From this particular chapter”Evolution of Civil Services in India,Police system,Military Rule and Development of Judiciary”portions are important as questions are asked from here.Rest development of local bodies is also an important topic.
4.Then read Chapter on social religious reform movement (2 chapters for the same) and 2nd one is more important.
5. Then read Chapter “People resistance against British b4 1857” again very important.In recent times many questions especially in prelims asked from here.N then read chapter on “revolt of 1857”.
6. For the following chapters read the whole chapter 2-3 times and then revision can be done from summary given in the end of the chapters.You can add ur own points in the summary also for these chapters.In my opinion these chapters are less important but even then should be read:
•Advent of the Europeans in India
•India on the Eve of British Conquest
•Expansion n consolidation of British power in India.
7. Lastly chapters on post independence,I did not read them from here so,u can decide accordingly for yourself as I cannot comment on the same.
8. Appendices at the end of the book are also important and helps in quick revision n thus, should be read.
9. Chapter 1 and 2 not important for exam perspective and can be left.
Finally whatever u are reading keep checking the PYQs both prelims n mains.More than anything else that will guide you what should and should not be read for ur CSE preparation😊