Table of Contents8 sections
Group-IV includes five history subjects. CSS aspirants may select ONE or TWO subjects from this group, with combined marks not exceeding 200 marks. This comprehensive guide covers all history subjects.
Group-IV Overview
| Code | Subject | Marks | MCQs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | History of Pakistan & India | 100 | 20 | Pakistan Studies graduates |
| 26 | Islamic History & Culture | 100 | 20 | Islamic Studies graduates |
| 27 | British History | 100 | 20 | History enthusiasts |
| 28 | European History | 100 | 20 | History enthusiasts |
| 29 | History of USA | 100 | 20 | International relations students |
1. History of Pakistan and India (100 Marks)
This is one of the most popular optional subjects due to its relevance to Pakistan Affairs.
Complete Syllabus
Part I: Pre-Islamic India (10 marks)
Indus Valley Civilization:
- Discovery and excavations
- Town planning
- Economic life
- Social and religious life
- Decline
Aryans:
- Arrival and settlement
- Vedic period
- Society and religion
- Caste system
Rise of Buddhism:
- Life of Buddha
- Teachings
- Spread of Buddhism
- Decline
Part II: Muslim Period (20 marks)
Arab Conquest of Sindh:
- Background
- Muhammad bin Qasim's invasion
- Administration
- Impact on subcontinent
Ghaznavid Period:
- Mahmud of Ghazni
- Military campaigns
- Cultural contributions
- Al-Biruni
Delhi Sultanate:
| Dynasty | Period | Key Rulers |
|---|---|---|
| Slave Dynasty | 1206-1290 | Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia, Balban |
| Khilji Dynasty | 1290-1320 | Alauddin Khilji |
| Tughlaq Dynasty | 1320-1414 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah |
| Sayyid Dynasty | 1414-1451 | - |
| Lodi Dynasty | 1451-1526 | Ibrahim Lodi |
Mughal Empire:
| Ruler | Reign | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526-1530 | Foundation, military tactics |
| Humayun | 1530-1556 | Struggles, restoration |
| Akbar | 1556-1605 | Administration, Din-i-Ilahi |
| Jahangir | 1605-1627 | Art, justice |
| Shah Jahan | 1627-1658 | Architecture, Taj Mahal |
| Aurangzeb | 1658-1707 | Expansion, religious policy |
Decline of Mughal Empire:
- Causes of decline
- Later Mughals
- Rise of regional powers
Part III: British Period (40 marks)
Establishment of British Rule:
- East India Company
- Battles of Plassey and Buxar
- Company administration
- Economic exploitation
War of Independence 1857:
- Causes (political, economic, military, religious)
- Course of events
- Centers of revolt
- Failure and consequences
- End of Mughal rule
Muslim Response:
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan:
- Aligarh Movement
- Educational reforms
- Two-Nation Theory
- Political philosophy
Constitutional Developments:
| Act/Reform | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Councils Act | 1861 | Indians in councils |
| Indian Councils Act | 1892 | Election principle |
| Minto-Morley Reforms | 1909 | Separate electorates |
| Montagu-Chelmsford | 1919 | Dyarchy system |
| Government of India Act | 1935 | Provincial autonomy |
Muslim League:
- Formation (1906)
- Background and objectives
- Lucknow Pact (1916)
- Fourteen Points of Jinnah (1929)
Indian National Congress:
- Formation and early phase
- Moderates vs. Extremists
- Gandhi's leadership
- Non-cooperation movement
- Civil disobedience
Pakistan Movement:
- Allama Iqbal's address (1930)
- Lahore Resolution (1940)
- Cripps Mission (1942)
- Simla Conference (1945)
- Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
- Direct Action Day (1946)
- 3rd June Plan (1947)
- Independence Act (1947)
Role of Quaid-i-Azam:
- Early career
- Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity
- Transformation to Muslim leadership
- Struggle for Pakistan
- First Governor-General
Part IV: Pakistan Since Independence (30 marks)
Problems at Independence:
- Division of assets
- Refugee crisis
- Governor-General vs Constituent Assembly
- Constitutional issues
- Kashmir dispute
Constitution Making:
- Objectives Resolution (1949)
- Constitution of 1956
- Constitution of 1962
- Constitution of 1973
Political Developments:
| Period | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1947-1958 | Political instability, frequent PM changes |
| 1958-1969 | Ayub Khan era, Basic Democracy |
| 1969-1971 | Yahya Khan, 1970 elections, Bangladesh |
| 1971-1977 | Bhutto era, nationalization, 1973 Constitution |
| 1977-1988 | Zia era, Islamization, Afghan war |
| 1988-1999 | Democratic period, Benazir, Nawaz |
| 1999-2008 | Musharraf era |
| 2008-present | Return to democracy |
Foreign Relations:
- Relations with India (wars, diplomacy)
- Relations with Afghanistan
- Relations with USA
- Relations with China
- Relations with Muslim world
- Kashmir issue
Economic Development:
- Five-year plans
- Nationalization and privatization
- Economic challenges
- CPEC
Recommended Books for History of Pakistan & India
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| A Short History of Pakistan | I.H. Qureshi |
| Muslim Community of Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent | I.H. Qureshi |
| Struggle for Pakistan | I.H. Qureshi |
| Pakistan: A Modern History | Ian Talbot |
| History of Modern India | Bipin Chandra |
| Making of Pakistan | K.K. Aziz |
| Pakistan Movement | Ch. Muhammad Ali |
| Emergence of Pakistan | Ch. Muhammad Ali |
| Speeches and Statements of Quaid-i-Azam | Khurshid Ahmed |
| Freedom Movement in India | Tara Chand |
| India Wins Freedom | Abul Kalam Azad |
| A Nation Nobody Wanted | Leonard Mosley |
| Political History of Pakistan | K.B. Sayeed |
2. Islamic History and Culture (100 Marks)
Islamic History covers the evolution of Islamic civilization from Prophet's time to modern era.
Complete Syllabus
Part I: Early Islamic Period (30 marks)
Pre-Islamic Arabia:
- Political condition
- Social organization
- Religious beliefs
- Economic life
- Cultural heritage
Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
- Birth and early life
- Prophethood
- Meccan period
- Hijra
- Medinan period
- Building Muslim community
- Battles (Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar)
- Conquest of Mecca
- Farewell pilgrimage
- Death
Pious Caliphate (Khilafat-e-Rashida):
| Caliph | Reign | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Bakr (RA) | 632-634 | Wars of Apostasy, Compilation of Quran |
| Umar (RA) | 634-644 | Conquests, Administration, Hijri calendar |
| Uthman (RA) | 644-656 | Naval expansion, Standard Quran |
| Ali (RA) | 656-661 | Civil conflicts, Arbitration |
Conquests During Pious Caliphate:
- Syria and Palestine
- Iraq and Persia
- Egypt and North Africa
- Administration of conquered territories
Part II: Umayyad and Abbasid Period (30 marks)
Umayyad Caliphate (661-750):
Political History:
- Muawiyah I: Founder
- Yazid I: Karbala tragedy
- Abdul Malik: Arabic as state language
- Walid I: Greatest expansion
- Umar bin Abdul Aziz: Reforms
- Fall of Umayyads
Expansion:
- Spain (Al-Andalus)
- Central Asia
- Sindh (Muhammad bin Qasim)
- Byzantine wars
Administration:
- Central and provincial administration
- Army organization
- Revenue system
Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258):
Political History:
- Foundation by Abu Abbas
- Al-Mansur: Baghdad founded
- Harun al-Rashid: Golden age
- Al-Mamun: House of Wisdom
- Decline and fall
- Mongol invasion (1258)
Administration and Culture:
- Wazarate system
- Provincial administration
- Scientific achievements
- Translation movement
- Major scholars
Important Figures:
| Field | Scholars |
|---|---|
| Theology | Al-Ash'ari, Al-Maturidi |
| Philosophy | Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina |
| Science | Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Razi, Ibn al-Haytham |
| History | Al-Tabari, Al-Masudi |
| Geography | Al-Idrisi, Ibn Battuta |
Part III: Muslim Spain (10 marks)
Political History:
- Conquest (711)
- Umayyad rule
- Abd al-Rahman I: Independent emirate
- Abd al-Rahman III: Caliphate
- Taifa kingdoms
- Almoravids and Almohads
- Reconquista
- Fall of Granada (1492)
Cultural Achievements:
- Cordoba as center of learning
- Architecture (Alhambra, Cordoba Mosque)
- Sciences and philosophy
- Agricultural innovations
- Cultural exchange with Europe
Part IV: Muslim Art and Culture (10 marks)
Architecture:
- Mosque architecture
- Palaces and forts
- Tombs and mausoleums
- Gardens
- Regional styles
Arts:
- Calligraphy
- Miniature painting
- Ceramics
- Textiles
- Metalwork
Science and Education:
- House of Wisdom
- Major libraries
- Universities
- Scientific method
- Translation movement
Part V: Later Islamic Periods (20 marks)
Crusades:
- Causes
- Major Crusades
- Salahuddin Ayyubi
- Impact on Muslim world
Mongol Invasions:
- Genghis Khan
- Destruction of Baghdad
- Conversion to Islam
- Timurid period
Muslim India:
- Delhi Sultanate (overview)
- Mughal Empire (overview)
- Decline of Muslim power
Ottoman Empire:
- Rise of Ottomans
- Major sultans
- Conquest of Constantinople
- Empire at its height
- Decline and fall
- Caliphate abolition (1924)
Modern Period:
- Colonialism
- Reform movements
- Independence movements
- Modern Muslim states
- Challenges facing Muslim world
Recommended Books for Islamic History & Culture
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| History of the Arabs | Philip K. Hitti |
| A Short History of the Saracens | Syed Amir Ali |
| The Preaching of Islam | T.W. Arnold |
| Muslim Civilization in India | S.M. Ikram |
| History of Islamic Art and Architecture | K.A.C. Creswell |
| History of Islam (3 Volumes) | Akbar Shah Najeebabadi |
| Al-Faruq: Life of Umar the Great | Shibli Nomani |
| The Spirit of Islam | Syed Amir Ali |
| Warriors of Islam | Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznavi |
| Muslim Political Thought | M.A. Ali |
3. British History (100 Marks)
British History covers from Tudors to modern Britain.
Complete Syllabus
Part I: Tudor and Stuart Period (25 marks)
Tudor Dynasty (1485-1603):
| Ruler | Reign | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Henry VII | 1485-1509 | Foundation, financial reforms |
| Henry VIII | 1509-1547 | Reformation, Break with Rome |
| Edward VI | 1547-1553 | Protestant reforms |
| Mary I | 1553-1558 | Catholic restoration |
| Elizabeth I | 1558-1603 | Elizabethan era, Spanish Armada |
Key Themes:
- English Reformation
- Religious changes
- Parliament's role
- Foreign policy
- Economic developments
- Irish question
Stuart Dynasty (1603-1714):
| Ruler | Reign | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| James I | 1603-1625 | Union of crowns, Gunpowder Plot |
| Charles I | 1625-1649 | Civil War, execution |
| Commonwealth | 1649-1660 | Cromwell's rule |
| Charles II | 1660-1685 | Restoration |
| James II | 1685-1688 | Glorious Revolution |
| William & Mary | 1689-1702 | Constitutional monarchy |
| Anne | 1702-1714 | Union with Scotland |
English Civil War:
- Causes
- Course of war
- Cromwell and the Commonwealth
- Significance
Part II: Eighteenth Century (25 marks)
Georgian Period:
- Hanoverian succession
- Whig supremacy
- Robert Walpole (First PM)
- Cabinet system development
Wars and Empire:
- War of Spanish Succession
- Seven Years' War
- American Revolution
- French Revolutionary Wars
- Napoleonic Wars
Industrial Revolution:
- Agricultural changes
- Textile industry
- Iron and steel
- Transportation
- Social impact
- Urbanization
Part III: Victorian Era (25 marks)
Reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901):
- Early reign
- Prince Albert's influence
- British Empire expansion
- Home rule issues
- Late Victorian politics
Political Developments:
- Reform Acts (1832, 1867, 1884)
- Chartism
- Two-party system
- Gladstone vs. Disraeli
- Irish Home Rule
Social Reforms:
- Factory Acts
- Poor Law Amendment
- Public health
- Education
- Women's rights
Foreign Policy:
- Crimean War
- Scramble for Africa
- India: Crown rule
- Boer War
- Splendid isolation
Part IV: Twentieth Century (25 marks)
Early Century:
- Edward VII: Entente Cordiale
- World War I: Causes, course, impact
- Inter-war period
- Great Depression
World War II:
- Causes
- British role
- Churchill's leadership
- Home front
- Victory and aftermath
Post-War Britain:
- Labour government (1945-51)
- Welfare state
- Decolonization
- Cold War role
- European integration
- Thatcher era
- Blair's New Labour
- Brexit
Monarchy:
- George V and VI
- Elizabeth II
- Constitutional role
Recommended Books for British History
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| A History of England | Goldwin Smith |
| The English Constitution | Walter Bagehot |
| History of England | G.M. Trevelyan |
| The Age of Revolution | Eric Hobsbawm |
| The Glorious Revolution | Tim Harris |
| A History of Modern Britain | Andrew Marr |
| The Victorian Age | J.L. Hammond |
| Britain Since 1945 | David Childs |
| Churchill | Martin Gilbert |
4. European History (100 Marks)
European History covers from Renaissance to modern times.
Complete Syllabus
Part I: Renaissance and Reformation (20 marks)
Renaissance:
- Origins in Italy
- Humanism
- Art and literature
- Science and exploration
- Spread to Northern Europe
Protestant Reformation:
- Causes
- Martin Luther
- Calvinism
- Anglican Church
- Counter-Reformation
- Religious wars
Part II: Rise of Nation States (20 marks)
Absolute Monarchies:
- Spain: Charles V, Philip II
- France: Louis XIV
- Prussia: Frederick the Great
- Russia: Peter and Catherine the Great
Dutch Republic:
- Independence struggle
- Golden Age
- Commercial power
Balance of Power:
- Thirty Years' War
- Peace of Westphalia
- Dynastic rivalries
Part III: Age of Revolution (25 marks)
French Revolution:
- Causes (social, economic, political)
- Stages of revolution
- Reign of Terror
- Directory
- Significance
Napoleon Bonaparte:
- Rise to power
- Reforms
- Napoleonic Wars
- Continental System
- Fall and legacy
Congress of Vienna:
- Metternich system
- Restoration
- Concert of Europe
1848 Revolutions:
- Causes
- Spread across Europe
- Outcomes
Part IV: Age of Nationalism (20 marks)
Italian Unification:
- Mazzini
- Cavour
- Garibaldi
- Kingdom of Italy
German Unification:
- Prussia's rise
- Bismarck
- Wars of unification
- German Empire
Eastern Europe:
- Ottoman decline
- Balkan nationalism
- Russian expansion
- Crimean War
Part V: World Wars and After (15 marks)
World War I:
- Causes (MAIN: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism)
- Course of war
- Peace treaties
- League of Nations
Interwar Period:
- Rise of fascism
- Nazi Germany
- Soviet Russia
- Great Depression
World War II:
- Causes
- Course
- Holocaust
- Allied victory
- UN formation
Post-War Europe:
- Cold War division
- Western European integration
- Eastern Bloc
- Fall of communism
- European Union
Recommended Books for European History
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| A History of Modern Europe | John Merriman |
| Europe Since Napoleon | David Thomson |
| The Age of Revolution | Eric Hobsbawm |
| The Age of Capital | Eric Hobsbawm |
| The Age of Empire | Eric Hobsbawm |
| Modern European History | William Duiker |
| The French Revolution | Christopher Hibbert |
| Europe Since 1870 | James Joll |
| History of Western Civilization | W.H. McNeill |
5. History of USA (100 Marks)
USA History covers American development from colonies to superpower.
Complete Syllabus
Part I: Colonial and Revolutionary Period (20 marks)
Colonial America:
- European exploration
- English colonies
- Colonial society
- Economy and trade
- French and Indian War
American Revolution:
- Causes (taxation, representation)
- Key events
- Declaration of Independence
- Revolutionary War
- Constitution and Bill of Rights
Founding Fathers:
- Washington
- Jefferson
- Madison
- Hamilton
- Franklin
Part II: Nineteenth Century (30 marks)
Early Republic:
- Federalists vs. Republicans
- Louisiana Purchase
- War of 1812
- Monroe Doctrine
Westward Expansion:
- Manifest Destiny
- Indian removal
- Mexican-American War
- Oregon Trail
- Gold Rush
Civil War Era:
- Slavery issue
- Abolitionist movement
- Compromise attempts
- Secession
- Civil War (1861-1865)
- Lincoln's leadership
- Reconstruction
Gilded Age:
- Industrialization
- Immigration
- Urbanization
- Labor movements
- Political corruption
Part III: Twentieth Century to World War II (25 marks)
Progressive Era:
- Reform movements
- Muckrakers
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Wilson's reforms
World War I:
- Neutrality
- Entry into war
- Wilson's Fourteen Points
- League rejection
- Treaty of Versailles
1920s:
- Republican prosperity
- Cultural changes
- Prohibition
- Stock market boom
Great Depression:
- Causes
- Impact
- New Deal
- FDR's leadership
- Recovery efforts
World War II:
- Isolationism to intervention
- Pearl Harbor
- American role
- Home front
- Atomic bomb
- Post-war settlement
Part IV: Cold War and Contemporary (25 marks)
Cold War:
- Containment policy
- Truman Doctrine
- Marshall Plan
- NATO
- Korean War
- McCarthy era
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- Vietnam War
Civil Rights Movement:
- Segregation
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Civil Rights Acts
- Voting Rights Act
Recent Decades:
- Nixon and Watergate
- Reagan era
- End of Cold War
- Gulf Wars
- War on Terror
- Obama presidency
- Contemporary politics
Foreign Policy:
- Cold War strategy
- Middle East involvement
- Relations with China
- NATO leadership
- Globalization
Recommended Books for USA History
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| A History of the American People | Paul Johnson |
| The Growth of the American Republic | Morison & Commager |
| A People's History of the United States | Howard Zinn |
| American Pageant | Thomas Bailey |
| Battle Cry of Freedom | James McPherson |
| The Glory and the Dream | William Manchester |
| The Cold War | John Lewis Gaddis |
| American Foreign Policy | Walter McDougall |
| A Short History of the United States | Robert Remini |
Subject Selection Comparison
| Subject | Difficulty | Best For | Scoring Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| History of Pakistan & India | Medium | Pakistan Studies graduates | High |
| Islamic History & Culture | Medium | Islamic Studies graduates | High |
| British History | Medium-High | History enthusiasts | Medium-High |
| European History | Medium-High | History enthusiasts | Medium |
| History of USA | Medium | IR, History students | Medium-High |
Most Popular Choice
History of Pakistan and India is the most selected history subject due to:
- Direct relevance to Pakistan Affairs
- Familiar content for Pakistani students
- Scoring subjective questions
- Overlap with other subjects
Preparation Tips for History Subjects
- Chronological Understanding - Know the sequence of events
- Cause and Effect - Understand why events happened
- Key Personalities - Learn about important figures
- Dates and Facts - Memorize essential dates
- Maps - Know geographical aspects
- Source-Based Study - Read primary documents when possible
- Answer Writing - Practice structured essay writing
- MCQ Focus - Prepare factual details for 20-mark MCQs
- Comparative Analysis - Compare different periods and events
- Current Relevance - Connect history to present issues
Based on official FPSC CSS Syllabus for CE-2016 onwards. Always verify current syllabus from FPSC website.