How to Study Modern History from Bipan Chandra?

  Bipan Chandra is one of the best books when it comes to preparing modern Indian history. In fact I will go to the extent of saying that any aspirant reading Bipan Chandra thoroughly has an advantage in answering history questions (in both prelims and mains).

Before I proceed further, let me introduce the author -

Dr. Bipin Chandra was an intellectual scholar who taught at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University and Hindu College (DU ). He is respected widely for his studies on Gandhiji. Bipin Chandra was also Chairman of the National Book Trust.

Here’s how you should go about reading this book -

1st reading - Go through the book from cover to cover like a story book. This will ensure you understand the chronology of events.

2nd reading -Go through the book and this time underline important aspects and make notes as well.

When it comes to making notes from Bipin Chandra, there has to be a methodical way. You should understand that random note making will not help. You will have to focus on certain key concepts.

Here are a few important ones that you just cannot miss -

1. Nationalism
2. Gandhiji
3. Social reforms
4. Issues pertaining to women
5. Literature
6. Constitutional development
7. Peasant Movements
8. Communalism
9. Nationalist Foreign Policy

The above components along with a few other key concepts should be given priority.

Now coming to Individual topics under the above headings, make sure you have a strong grip on the following -

• Morley-Minto Reforms
• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
• Govt of India Act 1935
• Non-Cooperation Movement
• Civil Disobedience Movement
• Dandi March
• Champaran
• Kheda
• Ahmedabad Mill Strike
• Quit India Movement

Recommended Books for UPSC preparation by Dr. Bipin Chandra

1. NCERT Class XII Modern India
2. History of Modern India
3. India’s Struggle for Independence
4. India Since Independence