History & Geography (Static) - Complete SSC CGL Guide
What are History & Geography in SSC CGL? These are static GK topics covering Ancient, Medieval, Modern History of India, World History, Indian Geography, World Geography, and important maps. Essential for SSC CGL Tier I and Tier II exams.
Indian History Timeline - Must remember for SSC exams
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya • Capital: Pataliputra • Ashoka the Great
Founded by Babur • Last ruler: Bahadur Shah Zafar • Architecture peak
Major Indian Empires - Key facts for quick revision
Pro Tip – The 3-Step History & Geography Mastery Method!
1. Learn Timeline First: Chronological order of dynasties, events, freedom movement
2. Memorize Key Facts: Dates, locations, personalities, geographic features
3. Practice MCQs Daily: Apply knowledge to actual exam questions
Visit SKY Practice for 1000+ History & Geography questions with detailed explanations.
1. Ancient Indian History
Ancient India: From prehistoric times to 647 AD. Includes Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire.
Ancient Civilizations & Empires
Understanding Ancient India Timeline
Ancient Indian history covers prehistoric, protohistoric, and early historic periods. Key sources: Archaeological evidence, literary texts, foreign accounts.
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE)
Major cities: Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Dholavira
Features: Town planning, drainage system, Great Bath
Script: Undeciphered (pictographic)
Religion: Mother goddess, Pashupati seal
Decline: Climate change, river shifts, Aryan migration
Rediscovered: 1921 by Dayaram Sahni (Harappa)
Vedic Period (1500-600 BCE)
Later Vedic (1000-600 BCE): Social stratification begins
Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
Epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata (Later periods)
Political: Sabha, Samiti, Vidatha assemblies
Economy: Pastoral, agriculture, barter system
Mahajanapadas: 16 major kingdoms (600 BCE)
Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Capital: Pataliputra (Patna)
Great rulers: Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka
Ashoka: Kalinga war (261 BCE), conversion to Buddhism
Administration: Centralized, provincial governors
Sources: Arthashastra, Indica, Ashokan edicts
Decline: After Ashoka, weak successors
Gupta Empire (320-550 CE)
Founder: Chandragupta I (not same as Mauryan)
Great rulers: Samudragupta, Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Literature: Kalidasa (Shakuntala, Meghaduta)
Science: Aryabhata (mathematics, astronomy)
Art: Ajanta caves (Buddhist paintings)
Decline: Hun invasions, internal weakness
Post-Gupta: Harsha Vardhana (606-647 CE)
SSC Shortcut: Ancient History Numbers to Remember
Indus Valley: 3300-1300 BCE • Vedic: 1500-600 BCE
Mahajanapadas: 16 kingdoms • Mauryan: 322-185 BCE
Gupta: 320-550 CE • Harsha: 606-647 CE
Ashoka's reign: 268-232 BCE • Kalinga war: 261 BCE
Alexander's invasion: 326 BCE • First Buddhist Council: 483 BCE
Ajanta caves: 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE
Important Ancient History Table
| Period | Dynasty/Empire | Important Rulers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3300-1300 BCE | Indus Valley | Unknown | Urban planning, drainage, trade |
| 1500-600 BCE | Vedic Period | Tribal chiefs | Vedas, caste system beginnings |
| 600-322 BCE | Mahajanapadas | Bimbisara, Ajatashatru | 16 kingdoms, rise of Buddhism/Jainism |
| 322-185 BCE | Mauryan Empire | Chandragupta, Ashoka | First pan-Indian empire, Ashoka's edicts |
| 185-30 BCE | Post-Mauryan | Pushyamitra Sunga | Smaller kingdoms, foreign invasions |
| 320-550 CE | Gupta Empire | Samudragupta, Chandragupta II | Golden Age, literature, science |
| 606-647 CE | Harsha's Empire | Harsha Vardhana | Last Hindu empire of North India |
Solved Example: Ancient History
Mauryan Empire existed from 322 BCE to 185 BCE
It was the first pan-Indian empire covering most of South Asia
Step 2: Identify founder
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE
He overthrew the Nanda dynasty with help of his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya)
Step 3: Eliminate other options
• Ashoka: Grandson of Chandragupta, most famous Mauryan ruler
• Bindusara: Son of Chandragupta, father of Ashoka
• Samudragupta: Gupta dynasty ruler, not Mauryan
• Harsha Vardhana: Much later ruler (7th century CE)
Step 4: Additional facts about Chandragupta
• Ruled from 322 BCE to 298 BCE
• Capital: Pataliputra (modern Patna)
• Defeated Seleucus Nicator (Greek general) in 305 BCE
• Treaty resulted in marriage alliance and 500 elephants
• Later converted to Jainism and abdicated throne
• Died by Sallekhana (Jain ritual fasting) at Shravanabelagola
Step 5: Important sources
• Arthashastra by Chanakya: Manual on statecraft
• Indica by Megasthenes: Greek ambassador's account
• Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta: Sanskrit play
Step 6: Significance
Mauryan Empire established efficient administration
Ashoka's reign spread Buddhism across Asia
Empire declined after Ashoka's death
Final Answer: Chandragupta Maurya
2. Medieval Indian History
Medieval India: From 647 AD to 1707 AD. Includes Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdom, and regional kingdoms.
Delhi Sultanate & Mughal Empire
The Medieval Period Timeline
Medieval period saw Islamic invasions, establishment of Sultanates, Bhakti and Sufi movements, and architectural developments.
Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526)
Founder: Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Slave dynasty)
Notable rulers:
• Alauddin Khilji: Market reforms, Mongol defense
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Failed experiments
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Welfare measures
Administration: Iqta system, central bureaucracy
Architecture: Qutub Minar, tombs, mosques
End: Defeated by Babur in First Battle of Panipat (1526)
Mughal Empire (1526-1857)
Great Mughals: Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb
Akbar (1556-1605): Religious tolerance, Din-i-Ilahi, Mansabdari
Shah Jahan (1628-1658): Taj Mahal, Red Fort, peak of architecture
Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Last great Mughal, expansion, religious orthodoxy
Decline: After Aurangzeb, weak successors, British rise
End: Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled after 1857 Revolt
Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646)
Capital: Hampi (Karnataka)
Great ruler: Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529)
Administration: Nayankara system, efficient
Architecture: Dravidian style, Virupaksha temple
Foreign accounts: Nicolo Conti, Abdur Razzak, Domingo Paes
Battle of Talikota (1565): Defeated by Deccan Sultanates
Legacy: Last great Hindu kingdom of South India
Bhakti & Sufi Movements
• Ramanuja, Ramananda, Kabir, Nanak, Chaitanya, Mirabai
• Devotion to God, equality, vernacular languages
Sufi Movement (8th-16th century):
• Chishti, Suhrawardi, Qadiri, Naqshbandi orders
• Music, dance, tolerance, social service
Impact: Religious harmony, literature development
Sikhism: Founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539)
Guru Granth Sahib: Holy scripture compiled by Guru Arjan
SSC Shortcut: Medieval History Dates
Delhi Sultanate: 1206-1526 • Mughal Empire: 1526-1857
First Battle of Panipat: 1526 (Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi)
Second Battle of Panipat: 1556 (Akbar vs Hemu)
Third Battle of Panipat: 1761 (Marathas vs Ahmad Shah Abdali)
Battle of Haldighati: 1576 (Akbar vs Maharana Pratap)
Battle of Plassey: 1757 (British vs Siraj-ud-Daula)
Battle of Buxar: 1764 (British vs Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II)
Solved Example: Medieval History
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum in Agra
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
Step 2: Identify builder
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal
Built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum)
Construction period: 1632-1653 (approximately 21 years)
Step 3: Architectural details
• Architectural style: Mughal (combination of Persian, Indian, Islamic)
• Chief architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (probably)
• Material: White marble from Makrana, Rajasthan
• Precious stones: Jasper, jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli
• Calligraphy: Quranic verses in black marble
• Garden: Charbagh (Persian-style quadrilateral garden)
Step 4: Eliminate other options
• Akbar: Built Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort
• Jahangir: Built Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula
• Aurangzeb: Built Bibi Ka Maqbara (poor imitation of Taj)
• Babur: Built gardens, not major monuments
Step 5: Historical context
Shah Jahan was fifth Mughal emperor (reigned 1628-1658)
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 during childbirth (14th child)
Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb
Spent last years in Agra Fort looking at Taj Mahal
Buried next to Mumtaz in Taj Mahal
Step 6: Cost and labor
Estimated cost: 32 million rupees (about $1 billion today)
Labor: 20,000 workers, 1,000 elephants
Craftsmen from Persia, Ottoman Empire, Europe, India
Final Answer: Shah Jahan
3. Modern Indian History
Modern India: From 1707 AD to 1947 AD. Includes British rule, freedom struggle, social reforms, and independence movement.
British Rule & Independence Movement
The Colonial Period Timeline
Modern period covers East India Company rule, British Crown rule, national movement, and achievement of independence.
1 Important Battles & Wars
• Company got Bengal diwani rights
• Beginning of British political power in India
Battle of Buxar (1764): Hector Munro vs Mir Qasim, Shah Alam II
• Company got diwani of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa
• Mughal emperor became pensioner
Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799): vs Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan
• Fourth war (1799): Tipu killed, Mysore subsidiary alliance
Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818): vs Maratha Confederacy
• Third war (1817-18): Maratha power destroyed
Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849): vs Sikh Empire
• Second war (1848-49): Punjab annexed
2 Governor Generals & Viceroys
• Regulating Act 1773, Pitt's India Act 1784
• Rohilla War, First Anglo-Maratha War
Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793): Permanent Settlement
• Separation of revenue and judiciary
• Third Anglo-Mysore War
Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856): Doctrine of Lapse
• Railways, telegraph, postal system
• First railway: Bombay to Thane (1853)
Lord Canning (1856-1862): First Viceroy
• 1857 Revolt, Government of India Act 1858
• Indian Councils Act 1861
Lord Curzon (1899-1905): Partition of Bengal (1905)
• Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904
• Indian Universities Act 1904
SSC Shortcut: Modern History Timeline
1757: Battle of Plassey • 1764: Battle of Buxar
1773: Regulating Act • 1784: Pitt's India Act
1793: Permanent Settlement • 1813: Charter Act
1833: Charter Act (end of Company trade) • 1853: First railway
1857: Revolt of 1857 • 1858: British Crown rule begins
1885: Indian National Congress founded • 1905: Partition of Bengal
1906: Muslim League formed • 1911: Delhi Durbar, capital shift
1919: Jallianwala Bagh, Montagu-Chelmsford
Solved Example: Modern History
Indian National Congress (INC) was first organized political party in India
Played dominant role in Indian independence movement
Step 2: Identify founding details
Founded on: 28 December 1885
First session: Bombay (now Mumbai)
President: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
Founded by: Allan Octavian Hume (British civil servant)
Initial objective: Platform for civic and political dialogue
Step 3: First session details
Venue: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
Delegates: 72 from across India
Notable attendees: Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, Pherozeshah Mehta
Safety valve theory: Hume wanted peaceful outlet for Indian discontent
Step 4: Eliminate other dates
• 1883: Ilbert Bill controversy, not INC formation
• 1886: Second INC session in Calcutta
• 1905: Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement
• 1919: Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Step 5: Historical significance
Initially moderate, constitutional methods
Early leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Mahadev Govind Ranade
1907 Surat Split: Moderates vs Extremists
Later under Gandhi: Mass movement, civil disobedience
Post-independence: Dominant political party
Step 6: Important sessions
1885: Bombay (first)
1905: Banaras (Gokhale president, against Bengal partition)
1906: Calcutta (Dadabhai Naoroji, Swaraj resolution)
1907: Surat (split)
1916: Lucknow (Congress-League pact)
1929: Lahore (Purna Swaraj resolution)
1931: Karachi (Fundamental Rights resolution)
Final Answer: 28 December 1885
4. Indian Freedom Struggle
Freedom Movement: Organized efforts to end British rule. Includes various phases: Moderate (1885-1905), Extremist (1905-1918), Gandhian (1919-1947).
National Movement & Leaders
The Struggle for Independence
From early rebellions to mass movements, the freedom struggle involved millions of Indians across regions, classes, and communities.
Father of Nation
Non-violence, Satyagraha
Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad
Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience
Quit India Movement
First Prime Minister
Socialist, secular outlook
President INC 1929, 1936, 1937, 1946
"Tryst with Destiny" speech
Architect of modern India
Netaji, radical leader
President INC 1938, 1939
Indian National Army (INA)
"Give me blood and I will give you freedom"
Mystery about death
Revolutionary socialist
Saunders murder, Assembly bombing
Hunger strike in jail
"Inquilab Zindabad" slogan
Hanged at 23
Iron Man of India
Bardoli Satyagraha 1928
Integration of princely states
First Deputy PM, Home Minister
Statue of Unity (world's tallest)
Chairman, Drafting Committee
Dalit rights activist
Hindu Code Bill
Converted to Buddhism
Bharat Ratna 1990
1 Important Movements & Events
• Response to Bengal partition
• Boycott of British goods
• Promotion of Indian industry
• "Vande Mataram" as national song
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):
• Gandhi's first mass movement
• Boycott of schools, courts, councils
• Chauri Chaura incident (1922) led to withdrawal
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):
• Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March (1930)
• Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
• Second phase after Gandhi's return
Quit India Movement (1942):
• "Do or Die" call by Gandhi
• Mass arrests of leaders
• Parallel governments in some areas
• Cripps Mission failed (1942)
2 Revolutionary Activities
Abhinav Bharat (1904): Founded by V.D. Savarkar
Ghadar Party (1913): Founded in US by Lala Hardayal
Kakori Conspiracy (1925): Train robbery by HRA
Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930): Surya Sen
Indian National Army (1942): Subhas Chandra Bose
Important revolutionaries:
• Khudiram Bose (hanged at 18)
• Chandrashekhar Azad (never captured)
• Ram Prasad Bismil (Kakori case)
• Ashfaqullah Khan (Muslim revolutionary)
• Rajguru, Sukhdev (Bhagat Singh's associates)
Solved Example: Freedom Struggle
Quit India Movement launched in August 1942
Also called August Movement or August Kranti
Last major mass movement before independence
Step 2: Identify slogan and speaker
"Do or Die" slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi
Delivered in his speech at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay
Date: 8 August 1942, during All India Congress Committee meeting
Step 3: Speech content
Gandhi said: "Here is a mantra, a short one, that I give you...
You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours give expression to it.
The mantra is: 'Do or Die'. We shall either free India or die in the attempt."
Step 4: Movement aftermath
Early morning of 9 August 1942: Gandhi and all Congress leaders arrested
Congress declared illegal organization
Mass protests across India despite leadership vacuum
Parallel governments formed in Ballia, Tamluk, Satara
Movement suppressed by British with force
Step 5: Eliminate other options
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Supported movement but didn't give this slogan
• Subhas Chandra Bose: "Give me blood and I will give you freedom"
• Bhagat Singh: "Inquilab Zindabad"
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: "Swaraj is my birthright"
Step 6: Historical significance
Showed British that they couldn't hold India by force
International pressure increased after WWII
Clement Attlee's Labour government came to power in UK (1945)
Cabinet Mission sent (1946), leading to independence (1947)
Final Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
5. Indian Geography
Geography of India: Physical features, climate, vegetation, agriculture, minerals, industries, and population. India is the 7th largest country by area.
Physical & Human Geography of India
India's Geographic Diversity
From Himalayas in north to Indian Ocean in south, from Thar desert in west to rainforests in east, India has incredible geographic diversity.
Northern Mountains
Himalayas: Young fold mountains
Three ranges: Himadri, Himachal, Shiwalik
Highest peak: K2 (Godwin-Austen) in Pak, Kangchenjunga in India
Important passes: Zoji La, Nathu La, Shipki La
Northern Plains
Formed by: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra rivers
Most fertile: Alluvial soil
Food bowl: Wheat, rice, sugarcane
Densely populated: 40% of India's population
Peninsular Plateau
Deccan Plateau: Oldest landmass
Bordered by: Western & Eastern Ghats
Rich in minerals: Iron, coal, manganese
Black soil: Cotton cultivation (regur soil)
1 Indian River Systems
• Indus: Origin: Tibet (near Mansarovar), Length: 3180 km
• Ganga: Origin: Gangotri (Uttarakhand), Length: 2525 km
• Brahmaputra: Origin: Tibet (as Tsangpo), Length: 2900 km
Peninsular Rivers (Seasonal):
• Godavari: Longest in South India, Dakshin Ganga
• Krishna: Second longest peninsular river
• Kaveri: Perennial, water disputes
• Narmada: West flowing, rift valley
• Tapi: West flowing, parallel to Narmada
Major Dams: Bhakra (Sutlej), Hirakud (Mahanadi), Sardar Sarovar (Narmada)
2 Climate & Monsoon
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, dry
• Summer (Mar-May): Hot, dry
• Monsoon (Jun-Sep): Southwest monsoon
• Retreating Monsoon (Oct-Nov): Northeast monsoon
Monsoon Mechanism:
• Southwest monsoon: Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal branches
• Northeast monsoon: Affects Tamil Nadu coast
• Break monsoon: Dry spells during rainy season
• Monsoon trough: Shifting north-south
Climate types: Tropical monsoon, tropical wet, tropical dry, alpine
SSC Shortcut: Geography Facts & Figures
Area: 3.28 million sq km (7th largest) • Coastline: 7516 km
Latitude: 8°4'N to 37°6'N • Longitude: 68°7'E to 97°25'E
Standard Meridian: 82°30'E (Mirzapur, UP) • Time difference: 5.5 hrs ahead of GMT
Tropic of Cancer: 23°30'N (passes through 8 states)
Highest point: Kanchenjunga (8598 m) • Lowest point: Kuttanad (-2.2 m)
Longest river: Ganga (2525 km) • Largest lake: Wular (J&K)
Largest state: Rajasthan • Smallest state: Goa
Solved Example: Indian Geography
Peninsular rivers originate in peninsular plateau
Mostly rain-fed, seasonal flow
Older than Himalayan rivers
Step 2: List major peninsular rivers
• Godavari: Length 1465 km
• Krishna: Length 1400 km
• Kaveri: Length 800 km
• Mahanadi: Length 858 km
• Narmada: Length 1312 km
• Tapi: Length 724 km
Step 3: Identify longest
Godavari is longest peninsular river (1465 km)
Also called "Dakshin Ganga" (Ganga of South)
Originates: Trimbakeshwar, Nasik, Maharashtra
Flows through: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Delta: Forms second largest delta in India
Tributaries: Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari
Step 4: Eliminate other options
• Krishna: Second longest (1400 km)
• Narmada: Fifth largest (1312 km), flows west
• Mahanadi: Major east flowing river (858 km)
• Ganga: Himalayan river, not peninsular
Step 5: Important projects on Godavari
• Jayakwadi Dam (Maharashtra)
• Sriram Sagar Project (Telangana)
• Polavaram Project (Andhra Pradesh) - multi-purpose
Step 6: Cultural significance
Godavari is sacred river in Hinduism
Pushkaram festival held every 12 years
Major pilgrimage centers: Nashik, Bhadrachalam
Basin area: 312,812 sq km (10% of India)
Final Answer: Godavari
6. World Geography
Global Geography: Continents, oceans, mountains, deserts, rivers, climate zones, and important geographic features around the world.
Continents & Physical Features
Earth's Geographic Divisions
Understanding world geography helps in comprehending global climate, resources, trade routes, and international relations.
World Geographic Features
World Geography Reference
Important continents, oceans, mountains, deserts for SSC exams
1 Continents & Oceans
1. Asia (44.6 million km²)
2. Africa (30.4 million km²)
3. North America (24.7 million km²)
4. South America (17.8 million km²)
5. Antarctica (14.2 million km²)
6. Europe (10.2 million km²)
7. Australia (8.6 million km²)
Five Oceans (largest to smallest):
1. Pacific (165.2 million km²)
2. Atlantic (106.5 million km²)
3. Indian (73.6 million km²)
4. Southern (20.3 million km²)
5. Arctic (14.1 million km²)
Largest country: Russia • Smallest country: Vatican City
2 Major Mountain Ranges
• Himalayas (India, Nepal, China): Everest (8848 m)
• Kunlun (China): Second longest in Asia
• Ural (Russia): Boundary between Europe and Asia
• Altai (Central Asia): Russia, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan
Europe:
• Alps (Europe): Mont Blanc (4808 m)
• Pyrenees (France-Spain border)
• Apennines (Italy): "Backbone of Italy"
• Carpathians (Eastern Europe)
Americas:
• Andes (South America): Longest continental range
• Rockies (North America): From Canada to USA
• Appalachians (Eastern North America)
Africa: Atlas (Northwest Africa), Drakensberg (South Africa)
SSC Shortcut: World Geography Facts
Largest desert: Antarctica (cold desert) • Hot desert: Sahara (Africa)
Longest river: Nile (Africa) • Largest river: Amazon (South America)
Deepest point: Mariana Trench (Pacific) • Highest waterfall: Angel Falls (Venezuela)
Largest lake: Caspian Sea (saltwater) • Freshwater lake: Lake Superior (North America)
Largest island: Greenland • Largest archipelago: Indonesia
Largest coral reef: Great Barrier Reef (Australia) • Largest delta: Sundarbans (Ganga-Brahmaputra)
Highest capital: La Paz (Bolivia) • Largest city: Tokyo (Japan)
Solved Example: World Geography
Deserts are areas with less than 250 mm annual rainfall
Two types: Hot deserts (Sahara) and cold deserts (Antarctica)
Step 2: Compare desert sizes
• Antarctica: 14.2 million km² (cold desert)
• Arctic: 13.9 million km² (cold desert)
• Sahara: 9.2 million km² (hot desert, Africa)
• Arabian: 2.3 million km² (hot desert)
• Gobi: 1.3 million km² (cold desert, Asia)
Step 3: Identify largest
Antarctica is largest desert (14.2 million km²)
Also largest cold desert
Continent covered by ice sheet (average thickness 1.9 km)
Contains about 70% of world's fresh water
No permanent human residents, only research stations
Step 4: Common misconception
Many think Sahara is largest desert
But Antarctica is technically desert due to low precipitation
Precipitation in Antarctica: Less than 200 mm annually (mostly snow)
Step 5: Sahara Desert facts
Largest hot desert (9.2 million km²)
Covers 11 African countries
Highest temperature recorded: 58°C (Libya)
Important features: Atlas Mountains, Nile River, sand dunes (ergs)
Step 6: Other major deserts
• Arabian Desert: Second largest hot desert
• Gobi Desert: Largest in Asia
• Patagonian Desert: Largest in Americas
• Great Victoria Desert: Largest in Australia
Final Answer: Antarctica
7. Climate & Agriculture in India
Agricultural Geography: Climate zones, soil types, cropping patterns, irrigation, and agricultural revolutions in India.
Climate Zones & Farming Systems
India's Agricultural Diversity
India has diverse climatic conditions supporting various cropping patterns. Agriculture employs about 40-45% of workforce.
Major Crops Production (Approx)
Agricultural production figures are approximate annual averages
1 Soil Types in India
• Rich in potash, poor in phosphorus
• Suitable for wheat, rice, sugarcane
Black Soil (Regur) (15%): Deccan plateau
• Rich in iron, lime, calcium, magnesium
• Retains moisture, cracks in summer
• Ideal for cotton (black cotton soil)
Red Soil (18.5%): Eastern & southern plateau
• Rich in iron, poor in nitrogen, phosphorus
• Suitable for millets, pulses, tobacco
Laterite Soil (3.7%): High rainfall areas
• Rich in iron, aluminum, poor in nitrogen
• Tea, coffee, cashew cultivation
Others: Arid, forest, mountain, saline soils
2 Agricultural Revolutions
• M.S. Swaminathan, Norman Borlaug
• High yielding varieties, fertilizers, irrigation
• Wheat (Punjab, Haryana), rice (Andhra, Tamil Nadu)
White Revolution (1970s): Milk production
• Verghese Kurien (Operation Flood)
• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
• Amul cooperative model
Blue Revolution (1980s): Fish production
• Marine, inland fisheries development
• Freshwater aquaculture, shrimp farming
Other Revolutions:
• Yellow Revolution: Oilseeds (1986-1990)
• Pink Revolution: Meat, poultry processing
• Golden Revolution: Fruits, honey (1991-2003)
• Silver Revolution: Egg production
• Brown Revolution: Leather, cocoa
Solved Example: Agriculture
Wheat is rabi crop (winter crop)
Sown in October-November, harvested in March-April
Requires cool growing season, bright sunshine at ripening
Temperature: 10-15°C at sowing, 21-26°C at harvesting
Step 2: Major wheat producing states
Northern states dominate wheat production:
• Uttar Pradesh: Largest producer (30-35% of total)
• Punjab: Second largest, highest productivity
• Haryana: Third largest
• Madhya Pradesh: Significant production
• Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat: Other producers
Step 3: Identify largest producer
Uttar Pradesh is largest wheat producer in India
Produces about 30-35 million tonnes annually
Major wheat belts: Western UP (Meerut, Saharanpur)
Despite high production, productivity lower than Punjab
Step 4: Punjab's position
Punjab has highest productivity (yield per hectare)
About 4.5-5 tonnes per hectare (national average ~3.5 tonnes)
Second largest producer overall
Green Revolution success story
Step 5: Green Revolution impact
Wheat production increased from 11 MT (1960) to 102 MT (2020)
High yielding varieties: Kalyan Sona, Sonalika
Irrigation: Tube wells, canals
Fertilizers, pesticides intensive use
Environmental concerns: Water depletion, soil degradation
Step 6: Current trends
Government procurement at MSP (Minimum Support Price)
Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies wheat
Climate change affecting production
Need for sustainable agriculture
Final Answer: Uttar Pradesh
8. Rivers & Important Maps
Hydrography & Cartography: River systems, their tributaries, drainage patterns, and important map-based questions for SSC exams.
River Systems & Map Reading
Understanding India's Drainage
India has Himalayan and Peninsular river systems. Map-based questions test location knowledge of states, cities, rivers, mountains, etc.
Important Map Locations for SSC
Practice Map Locations
States, capitals, rivers, mountain peaks, national parks, ports
1 Important River Tributaries
• Left bank: Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi
• Right bank: Yamuna, Son, Punpun
• Yamuna tributaries: Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken
Brahmaputra Tributaries:
• Left bank: Dibang, Lohit, Dhansiri
• Right bank: Subansiri, Manas, Sankosh
Godavari Tributaries: Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari
Krishna Tributaries: Bhima, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha
Kaveri Tributaries: Hemavati, Kabini, Amaravati, Bhavani
West flowing rivers: Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, Mahi, Periyar
2 Important Map Locations
New states: Telangana (2014), Jammu & Kashmir bifurcation (2019)
UTs with legislature: Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry
Mountain Peaks:
• Kanchenjunga: Sikkim (highest in India)
• Nanda Devi: Uttarakhand
• Anamudi: Kerala (highest in Western Ghats)
• Doddabetta: Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris)
National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries:
• Kaziranga: Assam (rhinoceros)
• Sundarbans: West Bengal (tigers)
• Gir: Gujarat (Asiatic lions)
• Periyar: Kerala (elephants)
Ports: Mumbai, Kandla, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi
SSC Shortcut: Map-Based Questions Strategy
State location: Remember neighboring states, position in India
River flow: Origin state, through states, delta location
Mountain ranges: States covered, direction (east-west, north-south)
National parks: State, famous animal, UNESCO sites
Industrial centers: City, state, industry type
Ports: Coast (east/west), state, major exports
Practice method: Blank map filling, digital quizzes, flashcards
Solved Example: Rivers & Maps
Narmada is west flowing river in central India
Flows through rift valley between Vindhya and Satpura ranges
One of only three major rivers in India that flow east to west
Others: Tapi, Mahi
Step 2: Identify source
Origin: Narmada Kund, Amarkantak, Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh
Amarkantak is also source of Son river (east flowing)
Considered sacred river in Hinduism
Step 3: Trace flow path
From Madhya Pradesh through:
1. Madhya Pradesh (major part of journey)
2. Maharashtra (border area, short stretch)
3. Gujarat (enters near Statue of Unity)
Finally drains into: Gulf of Khambhat, Arabian Sea
Step 4: Major cities on banks
• Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for marble rocks
• Bharuch (Gujarat): Ancient port city
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Jyotirlinga temple
• Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh): Holkar dynasty capital
Step 5: Important projects
• Sardar Sarovar Dam: Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border
• Indira Sagar Dam: Madhya Pradesh
• Maheshwar Dam: Madhya Pradesh
• Omkareshwar Dam: Madhya Pradesh
Step 6: Cultural significance
Narmada Parikrama: Circumambulation of river (2600 km)
Considered more sacred than Ganga by some traditions
Mentioned in ancient texts: Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas
Final Answer: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat
9. SSC Shortcuts & Memory Techniques
Exam Strategy: History & Geography have many dates, names, locations. Use these techniques to remember effectively.
Memory Techniques for History & Geography
Remembering Facts & Locations
Use mnemonics, acronyms, associations, and visualization to remember numerous dates, dynasties, and geographic features.
Mnemonics for Dynasties
Great Mughals: BHAJSA (Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb)
Delhi Sultanate dynasties: S-K-T-S-L (Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi)
Vijayanagara dynasties: S-S-A-T (Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu)
Important battles: PBMH (Plassey 1757, Buxar 1764, Mysore, Hyderabad)
Geography continents: A-A-N-S-A-E-A (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia)
History Dates Acronyms
1556: A-S-B-P (Akbar's Second Battle of Panipat)
1600: EIC (East India Company formed)
1757: P-B-P (Plassey Battle - Political power)
1764: B-B-B (Buxar Battle - British supremacy)
1857: R-R (Revolt/Rebellion)
1885: INC (Indian National Congress)
1905: B-P (Bengal Partition)
1947: I-Day (Independence Day)
Geography Facts
Indian climate seasons: W-S-M-R (Winter, Summer, Monsoon, Retreating)
Soil types: A-B-R-L (Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite)
Green Revolution states: P-H-U (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP)
Rice producing states: WBAAP (West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Punjab)
Wheat producing states: UP-P-H (UP, Punjab, Haryana)
Metro cities: D-M-C-K-B-H (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad)
Time Management
• Date/event: 30 sec
• Dynasty/ruler: 45 sec
• Movement/revolution: 60 sec
Geography Questions: 45-60 seconds
• Location/fact: 30 sec
• River/mountain: 45 sec
• Map-based: 60 sec
Strategy:
• Direct factual: Do first
• Date-based: Do if sure
• Map-based: Visualize, eliminate
• Guess if >90 sec without progress
Total: 10-12 minutes for 8-10 questions
SSC Shortcut: Common Question Patterns
Pattern 1: "Battle of... was fought in which year?" (Plassey 1757, Buxar 1764, Panipat series)
Pattern 2: "Who founded/built..." (Dynasty founder, monument builder)
Pattern 3: "Which ruler was contemporary of..." (Akbar-Elizabeth I, Chandragupta-Alexander)
Pattern 4: "River X originates from..." (Ganga-Gangotri, Godavari-Nasik)
Pattern 5: "State X is largest producer of..." (UP-wheat, WB-rice, Gujarat-cotton)
Pattern 6: "Mountain peak X is in state..." (Kanchenjunga-Sikkim, Anamudi-Kerala)
Pattern 7: "National park X is famous for..." (Kaziranga-rhino, Gir-lion)
Memory tip: Practice each pattern with previous year questions
10. Practice Exercises
Hands-on Practice: Apply what you've learned with these SSC-level questions.
Interactive Practice Questions
Practice Approach
Time yourself: 60 seconds per question. Apply elimination technique for factual questions.
Practice Question 1: Ancient History
Practice Question 2: Modern History
Practice Question 3: Indian Geography
SSC Shortcut: Practice Strategy
Daily practice: 10 history + 10 geography questions daily
Revision cycle: Revise timelines weekly, maps bi-weekly
Current affairs: Monthly update on geographical eventsPrevious papers: Solve last 5 years' SSC history-geography questions
Mixed practice: Practice all topics randomly to avoid pattern recognition
Time management: Aim for 45 seconds per factual question, 60 seconds per map question
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many history & geography questions in SSC CGL?
Answer: Typically 8-12 questions in Tier I. History: 4-6 questions (Ancient, Medieval, Modern). Geography: 4-6 questions (Indian, World, maps).
Q2: What are the most important dates to remember?
Answer: 1526 (Panipat I), 1556 (Panipat II), 1600 (EIC), 1757 (Plassey), 1764 (Buxar), 1857 (Revolt), 1885 (INC), 1905 (Bengal partition), 1947 (Independence).
Q3: How to remember all dynasties and rulers?
Answer: Use mnemonics: Mauryan (C-B-A), Mughals (BHAJSA), Delhi Sultanate (S-K-T-S-L). Create timeline charts for visual memory.
Q4: What geography topics are most frequently asked?
Answer: Rivers (origin, tributaries, states), mountains (peaks, ranges), climate (monsoon, seasons), agriculture (crops, revolutions), maps (states, cities, locations).
Q5: How to prepare for map-based questions?
Answer: Practice with blank maps regularly. Focus on: State boundaries, river flows, mountain ranges, national parks, industrial cities, ports.
Q6: Best way to improve history & geography score?
Answer: 1) Learn chronologically (timelines), 2) Use visual aids (maps, charts), 3) Practice MCQs daily, 4) Revise with mnemonics, 5) Solve previous year papers.
Final Exam Strategy for History & Geography
Time Allocation: Total 12-15 minutes for 8-10 questions.
Priority Order: 1) Direct factual questions, 2) Date-based questions, 3) Map-based questions, 4) Analytical/comparison questions.
Accuracy Check: For history, verify dates. For geography, verify locations (state, direction, neighboring features).
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