TN TRB Assistant Professor Syllabus – HISTORY
Introduction
The TN TRB Assistant Professor History Syllabus provides a detailed framework for candidates preparing for the Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) examination. The syllabus covers key areas such as ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, along with world history, historiography, and cultural heritage studies. It emphasizes political, economic, and social developments across different periods while also focusing on historical research methods and interpretation. This syllabus helps aspirants gain a broad understanding of historical events, movements, and transformations that have shaped human civilization, equipping them for teaching and research roles in higher education.
TN TRB Assistant Professor Syllabus – HISTORY
Unit-1: Ancient Indian History
Sources of Ancient Indian History: Archaeological Sources: Exploration, Excavation, Epigraphy, Numismatics, Monuments. Literary Sources: Indigenous: Primary and Secondary–Problem of Dating- Myths, Legends, etc.–Religious and Secular Literature–the Puranas and the Epics – Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arabs- Geographical Factors -Pre-Historic Age- Hunting and Gathering- Paleolithic Age or Early Stone Age and Mesolithic Age–Mesolithic Culture–Neolithic Age–Beginning of Agriculture, the Age of Metals–Pastoralism and Food production: Chalcolithic Age [Generally, the Prehistoric Period categorized in three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age]. Indus Valley Civilisation: Introduction to Indus Valley Civilisation–Extent of the Civilisation–Main Cities of Indus Valley Civilization–Town Planning–Religion, Society and Polity–Decline of Indus Valley Civilisation.
Unit-2:
First urbanization in India–Megalithic Cultures–Megaliths of South India–Introduction of Iron Technology (Use of Iron in Agriculture)–Iron Age in India–Urban Occupations, Crafts and Pottery. Vedic Period: Migrations and Settlements–Original Home of the Aryans–Evolution of Social and Political Institutions–Four Stages of life (chaturashrama system): Economic Condition–Religious Condition–Vedic Gods and their Importance–The Later Vedic Age or The Epic Age–Political, Social, Economic and Religious Conditions – Philosophical Ideas, Rituals and Practices–Vedic Literature- Condition of India during the Epic Period–Development of Image-worship among the Aryans–Significance of the Vedic Age–Evolution of Monarchy.
Unit–3: Expansion of State System
Formation of States (Mahajanapada): From State to Empire: Monarchies and Republics–Economic and Social Developments and Emergence of Second Urbanization in 6th century BCE: Emergence of Heterodox sects- Jainism, Buddhism and Ajivikas–From State to Empire: Rise of Magadha and Foreign Invasions- Persian and Macedonian Invasions and their Impact–Greek invasion under Alexander and its effects–Mauryan Empire: Foundation of the Mauryan Empire–Chandragupta Maurya -Mauryan Polity, Society and Economy -Mauryan Art and Architecture–Ashoka-Kalinga Warandits Impact-Concept of Ashoka’s Dhamma and its Nature-Ashokan edicts–Brahmi and Kharoshthi Scripts–Arthashastra of Kautilya–Indian Society under the Mauryas- Downfall of the Mauryan Empire–Dissolution of Empire and Emergence of Regional Powers: IndoGreeks, Sungas: Pushyamitra-Importance of the Sungas–Growth of Bhagavata Cult and Revival of Brahmanical Religion -Satavahanas, The Kushanas–Origin and Original Home of the Kushanas–Kanishka I–Contact with Outside World–Growth of Urban Centres–Economy–Crafts and Guilds–Coinage–Development of Religions–Bhagavatism and Saka- Ksatrapas.
Unit-4: Sangam literature:
Polity and Society in South India as reflected in Sangam literature–Trade and commerce from 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE – Trade with the Roman World–Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism– Kharavela and Jainism – Post–Mauryan Art and Architecture –School of Art in Ancient India: Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravati Schools. Gupta Vakataka age: Sources–Founders–Chandragupta I–Administration of Guptas–Bureaucracy of the Government–Council of Ministers–Agrarian Economy: Land Grants, Land Revenue and Land Rights–Coinage of the Guptas–Beginning of Temple Architecture -Emergence of Puranic Hinduism–Decline of Urban Centres–Indian Feudalism–Caste System: Changing Social Structure–Position of Women–Education and Educational Institutions– Development of Sanskrit Language and Literature. Developments in Science and Technology, Astronomy, Mathematics and Medicine–Contact with Neighbouring Countries: Central Asia, South-East Asia, China–Harsha and his Times: Administration and Religion–Salankayanas and Visnukundins in Andhradesa.
Unit-5: Emergence of Regional Kingdoms
Emergence of Regional Kingdoms: Kingdoms in Deccan: Gangas, Kadmabas, Western and Eastern Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas and Yadavas–Kingdoms in South India: Pallavas, Ceras, Cholas and Pandyas–Kingdoms in Eastern India: Palas and Senas of Bengal, Varmans of Kamarupa, Bhaumakaras and Somavams is of Odisha–Kingdoms in Western India: Maitrakas of Vallabhi and Chalukyas of Gujarat–Kingdoms in North India: Gurjara-Pratiharas, Kalacuri-Chedis, Gahadavalas and Paramaras–Characteristics of Early Medieval India: Administration and Political Structure–Legitimation of Kingship–Agrarian Economy: Land Grants–Changing Production Relations: Graded Land Rights and Peasantry, Water Resources, Taxation System, Coins and Currency System–Trade and Urbanization: Patterns of Trade, Urban Settlements, Ports and Trade Routes, Merchandise and Exchange–Guilds: Trade and Colonization in South–East Asia–Temple Architecture and Regional Styles–Growth of Brahminical Religions: Vaisnavism and Saivism–Temples: Patronage and Regional Ramification- Society: Varna, Jati and Proliferation of Castes–Position of Women: Gender, Marriage and Property Relations–Women in Public Life–Tribes as Peasants and their place in Varna order–Untouchability – Growth of Regional Languages. Education and Educational Institutions: Institution of Temples and Mathas–Agraharas and Mahaviharasas the Centres of Education. Kayastha System of Teaching–The Arab Invasion of Sindh–Suleiman Ghaznavid conquests Alberuni’s Accounts.
Unit-6: Research in History:
Scope and Importance of History- Objectivity and Bias in History–Criticism in History, Causation of History–History and its Auxiliary Science–Significance of Regional History–Synthesis and Presentation–Recent Trends of Indian History–Research Methodology–Hypothesis in History–Area of Proposed Research- Sources: Data Collection, Primary, Secondary, Original and Transit Sources–Research Versus Review Articles–Trends in Historical Research–Recent Indian Historiography–Selection of Topic in History- Notes Taking, References, Footnotes and Bibliography–Thesis and Assignment Writing–Plagiarism–Beginnings of Historical Writings – Greek, Roman and Church Historiography– Renaissance and its Impact on History Writing –Negative and Positive Schools of Historical Writing- Cyclical Theory of History– Oswald Spengler; Challenge and Response Theory – Arnold Joseph Toynbee; Post Modernism in History.
Unit–7: Medieval Indian History
Sources of Medieval Indian History: Archaeological: Epigraphic, Numismatic Sources–Material Evidences and Monuments–Chronicles; Literary Sources–Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit Literature–Regional languages–Archival Materials–Foreign Traveller’s Accounts: Persian and Arab. Political Developments: Foundation of Delhi Sultanate–The Ghoris, the Turks, the Khaljis, the Tughlaqs, the Sayyids and the Lodis–Decline of Delhi Sultanate–Administrative Structure, Society and Culture, Art and Architecture and Literature during Delhi Sultanate–Religious Movements–Sufism and Bhakti Movement–Famous Saints of Medieval Period–The Mongol Invasions and its Impact- Rise of Provincial Kingdoms–Vijayanagara Bahmani Kingdoms: Vijayanagara Empire–Foundation of Vijayanagara Kingdoms–Krishnadeva Raya–Nature of Vijayanagara State–Nayankara System–Ayagar System–Revenue Administration- Economy–Trade– The Bahmani Kingdom: Administration–Economy and Society–Social Structure. Mughal Period: Sources and Monuments of the Mughal Period-Foundation of Mughal Empire–Suris–Expansion and Consolidation from Akbar to Aurangzeb–Mughal Relations with the Nobility and the Rajputs–India in the first half of the 17th Century–Jahangir–The Period of Stability of Expansion- The Period of Crises–Nur Jahan–Shah Jahan–Aurangzeb.
Unit–8:
Crisis of the Jagirdari System–Decline of Mughal Empire -Later Mughals and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Rise of the Marathas–the foundation of Swaraj by Shivaji and its expansion under the Peshwas – Maratha AdministrationAsta Pradhan- Mughal Expansion and Consolidation: Maratha Confederacy–Mahadaji Scindia, Maharaj Yashwant Rao Holkar–British Intervention–Decline of Maratha Empire–Deccan Sultanate ( Post- Bahamani Era): Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar, Bijapur and Golconda -Rise, Expansion and Disintegration: Eastern Gangas–Anantavarman Chodaganga and Suryavamshi Gajapatis–Kapilendra Deva. Sher Shah Suri–Administrative Reforms and his Contribution–Mughal Administration–Mansabdari System and the Army–Jagirdari System–Organisation of Government and State–Land Revenue System–Inam Grants–Bhaktism: Dana, Tirtha and Bhakti–Tamil Bhakti Movement- Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism–Nayanmars (Shivism) and Alvars (Vaishnavism) Shankaracharya (Advaita), Ramanuja(Vishista Advaitavada) The Saints of the Medieval Period (North and South) – their impact on Socio- Political and Religious Life – Women Saints of Medieval India–The Sikh Movement – Guru Nanak Devand His Teachings and Practices, Adi Granth, the Khalsa-Social Classification: The Ruling Classes: The Nobles and Zamindars – the Rural Gentry–Middle Strata–Major Religious Groups: the Ulemas, the Mercantile and Professional Classes – Trade and Commerce: Dutch and English Traders–Hundis – Foreign Trade and the European Traders –Rajput Society: Position of Women – Zanana System – Devadasi System. Development of Education–Madarasa Education–Fine Arts: Major Schools of Painting – Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari and Garhwali–Development of Music–Art and Architecture:Indo-Islamic Architecture, Mughal Architecture, Regional Styles–Indo-Arabic Architecture–Mughal Gardens–Maratha Forts, Shrines and Temples.
Unit-9: Modern Indian History
Sources of Modern Indian History: Archieval Materials, Biographies and Memoirs, Newspapers, Oral Evidence, Creative Literature and Painting, Monuments, Coins–Rise of British Power: The Early European Settlements and Anglo-French Conflicts–European Traders in India in the 16th to 18th Centuries–The Portuguese: Francisco De Almeida–Naval Battle -Maritime Trade and Supremacy over the Indian Ocean–End of Portuguese Power in India–The Dutch: Dutch Settlements in India–Birth and Decline of Coromandel Government–The Dutch in Bengal and Malabar–The English: Establishment and Expansion of British Dominion in India–The French: The Impact of the European Trade–British Relations with Principal Indian States–Bengal, Oudh, Hyderabad, Mysore, Carnatic and Punjab–Revolt of 1857: Causes, Nature and Impact–Administration of the Company and the Crown–Evolution of Central and Provincial Structure under East India Company. Paramountcy, Civil Service, Judiciary, Police and the Army under the Company–British Policy and Paramountcy in the Princely States under the Crown: Local Self- Government–Constitutional Changes, 1909 – 1935–Colonial Economy: Changing Composition, Volume and Direction of Trade–Transformation of Indian Economy into Colonial Economy–Expansion and Commercialization of Agriculture: Land Rights, Land Settlements, Rural Indebtedness, Landless Labour, Irrigation and Canal System–Decline of Industries. Changing Socio-Economic Conditions of Artisans – De-urbanisation–Economic Drain–World Wars and Economy–British Industrial Policy–Major Modern Industries–Nature of Factory Legislation–Labour and Trade Union Movements–Monetary Policy: Banking, Currency and Exchange–Railways and Road Transport–Communications – Post & Telegraph–Growth of New Urban Centres: New Features of Town Planning and Architecture, Urban Society and Urban Problems–Famines, Epidemics and the Government Policy–Tribal and Peasant Movements.
Unit-10:
Indian Society in Transition: Contact with Christianity – the Missions and Missionaries; Critique of Indian Social and Economic Practices and Religious Beliefs; Educational and Other Activities–The New Education: Government Policy- Levels and Contents–English Language–Development of Science, and Technology, Public Health and Medicine – Towards Modernism. Indian Renaissance – Socio–Religious Reforms–Emergence of Middle Class–Caste Associations and Caste Mobility. Women’s Question – Nationalist Discourse–Women’s Organisations–British Legislation concerning Women–Gender Identity and Constitutional Position–The Printing Press – Journalistic Activity and the Public opinion- Modernisation of Indian Languages and Literary Forms – Re-orientation in Painting, Music and Performing Arts.
Rise of Indian Nationalism
Rise of Nationalism: Social and Economic basis of Nationalism – Birth of Indian National Congress–Ideologies and Programmes of the Indian National Congress 1885 -1920: Early Nationalists, Assertive Nationalists and Revolutionaries–Trends in Swadeshi and Swaraj Movement–Indian Revolutionary Movement in India and Abroad–Gandhian Mass Movements–Subas Chandra Bose and INA–Role of Middle Class in National Movement–Women Participation in National Movement–Left Wing Politics–Depressed Class Movement–Ideologies and Programmes of the Justice Party–Towards Independence and Partition (1930-1947)–Communal Politics; Muslim League and Genesis of Pakistan–Towards Independence and Partition–Indian Independence Act, 1947–India Wins Freedom -India after Independence: Challenges of Partition–Integration of the Indian Princely States; Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagarh–B.R.Ambedkar – The Making of the Indian Constitution and its Features–The Structure of Bureaucracy–New Education Policy–Economic Policies and the Planning process: Development, Displacement and Tribal Issues–Linguistic Re-organisation of States–Centre-State Relations–Foreign Policy Initiatives–Panchsheel– Dynamics of Indian Politics–Emergency–Liberalisation–Privatisation and Globalisation of Indian Economy
Download our TN TRB Assistant Professor Syllabus -HISTORY : https://professoracademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HISTORY-SYLLABUS-1.pdf
Join Our TN TRB Assistant Professor HISTORY Course: https://professoracademy.com/courses/tn-trb-assistant-professor-history/
Join our College TRB Tamil Eligibility & Descriptive Paper Coaching: https://professoracademy.com/courses/tn-trb-assistant-professor-tamil-eligibility-paper-2-only/
Join Our College TRB Coaching: https://professoracademy.com/product-category/college-trb
Conclusion
The History syllabus for the TN TRB Assistant Professor exam serves as a valuable roadmap for candidates aspiring to become educators in the field of history and social sciences. It enables aspirants to strengthen their analytical and interpretative skills while gaining in-depth knowledge of India’s past and global developments. By following this syllabus with consistent preparation, candidates can approach the exam confidently and contribute to nurturing historical awareness and critical thinking among students.
For more information
Contact Us : +91 7070701005 / +91 7070701009 / +91 8124408794 / +91 7550100920
