MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021)

Class 10 · Syllabus · History

The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) on this page gives you the complete chapter list, topic-wise details, and the exam pattern you need before you start studying. History becomes easy to score when you know exactly what to read and what to skip.

Here you will find a chapter-wise breakdown of the History 2021 syllabus, marks weightage, any reduced topics, a practical study plan, and a quick revision guide for the night before the exam. Read the overview first, then use the chapter list as your checklist while preparing with your textbook.

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Understanding the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) Overview

This guide gives you the official MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) for the SSC examination, chapter by chapter, so you know exactly what to study and what to skip. History is part of the Social Science paper, taught along with Political Science from the same textbook series. The syllabus tells you which chapters from your textbook are included, what kind of questions can be asked from each, and how the paper is structured. Without checking the syllabus first, students often waste time on extra material or miss chapters that carry good marks.

Why the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History 2021 is Important

The syllabus defines the scope of your exam. Every question in the board paper comes from the chapters listed in it, so reading the syllabus once is like getting a map before a journey. It helps you plan revision, decide which chapters need more practice, and match your notes to what the exam actually demands. For example, if a chapter on applied history or heritage management is listed, you know questions on it will be direct and scoring, so you should not skip it.

ParticularDetails
SubjectHistory and Political Science (Social Science)
Total marks for the subject100 [verify]
External (written board exam)80 marks [verify]
Internal assessment20 marks [verify]
Exam duration2 hours [verify]

Keep this split in mind while planning: the 80-mark written paper tests your textbook knowledge, while internal assessment covers school-level work such as projects and class tests [verify]. To start practising early, pair this syllabus with the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers so you can see how syllabus topics are actually asked in the exam.

MSBSHSE Class 10 History Syllabus 2021-22: Detailed Chapter-wise Breakdown

The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) is built around nine chapters from the History textbook. Unlike earlier classes, this syllabus does not follow a chronological story of kings and battles. Instead, it introduces you to how history itself is written, and how historical knowledge is applied in fields like tourism, sports, entertainment and heritage management. Below is the complete chapter list with a short summary and the core topics you must master from each chapter.

List of Chapters in the Class 10 History Textbook

Chapter 1: Historiography: Development in India - Key Concepts

This chapter explains how historical writing developed in India, from ancient traditions to modern methods. It shows that history is not just a list of events but a discipline with its own methods of research and writing.

  • Meaning of historiography and the difference between history and historiography
  • Ancient Indian traditions of historical writing, including Puranas, Itihasa and inscriptions
  • Contributions of modern Indian historians to research methods
  • Role of sources such as coins, manuscripts and archaeological remains
Chapter 2: Historiography of Various Regions and Nations - Learning Outcomes

Here you study how different countries developed their own styles of writing history. After studying this chapter, you should be able to compare how historians in different nations approached the past.

  • Greek, Roman and modern European traditions of historiography
  • Historical writing in China, Japan and the Arab world
  • Famous historians and their works mentioned in the textbook
  • Comparison of Indian historiography with foreign traditions
Chapter 3: Applied History - Key Concepts

Applied history shows how historical knowledge is used in practical fields such as museums, archives, journalism and policy making. This is a scoring chapter because questions are usually direct.

  • Meaning and importance of applied history
  • Careers connected to history, such as archivists, curators and researchers
  • Use of history in film, media and public awareness
Chapter 4: History of Indian Arts - Learning Outcomes

This chapter traces the development of Indian art forms, including sculpture, painting, architecture and performing arts. You should be able to identify major art styles and their periods.

  • Classical and folk traditions of Indian art
  • Mughal, Rajput and colonial influences on painting and architecture
  • Modern Indian artists and art movements
Chapter 5: Technology Developments of Ancient, Medieval and Modern India - Key Concepts

The chapter covers scientific and technological achievements across three broad periods of Indian history. It links inventions to the society that produced them.

  • Ancient achievements in metallurgy, medicine and mathematics
  • Medieval developments in architecture and craft technology
  • Modern scientific institutions and industrial progress in India
Chapter 6: Entertainment and History - Learning Outcomes

This chapter studies how entertainment forms like cinema, theatre and folk performance reflect their times. You should be able to connect entertainment trends to historical changes.

  • Growth of Indian cinema and its historical background
  • Folk arts and street entertainment traditions
  • How entertainment records social change
Chapter 7: Sports and History - Key Concepts

Sports and History explains how games evolved and how they connect nations and cultures. Expect simple, definition-based questions from this chapter.

  • History of major world sports such as cricket and football
  • Development of sports in India and traditional Indian games
  • Role of sports in national and international relations
Chapter 8: Tourism and History - Learning Outcomes

This chapter shows how historical sites become tourism centres and how tourism helps preserve history. You should be able to give examples of heritage sites and explain their importance.

  • Meaning of historical tourism and its types
  • Major historical tourist places in India and Maharashtra
  • Benefits of tourism for conservation and the economy
Chapter 9: Heritage Management - Key Concepts

The final chapter deals with protecting and managing our historical heritage, including monuments, manuscripts and traditions. It explains who is responsible for conservation and how it is done.

  • Types of heritage: natural, cultural, tangible and intangible
  • Role of organisations such as UNESCO and ASI in conservation [verify]
  • Challenges in heritage preservation and community participation

Study each chapter against this checklist of core topics, because questions in the paper map directly onto them. For worked answers on the first chapter, see the Class 10 History Chapter 1 Solutions, and once you finish a chapter, test yourself with the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers to check whether your notes cover what the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) actually asks.

Deep Dive into MSBSHSE History 2021 Syllabus: Core Topics and Learning Objectives

The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) is organised around four broad themes rather than a timeline of events: how history is written, how it is applied in real life, how Indian culture and technology developed, and how heritage is preserved today. If you understand these themes, every chapter becomes easier to connect and revise, because the exam questions are drawn from them.

Analyzing Key Themes in the History 2021 Curriculum

The first theme, historiography, simply means the study of how history is written. The syllabus asks you to know that a Purana, a copper plate inscription and a modern research paper are all different ways of recording the past. The second theme, applied history, asks how historical knowledge is used in careers such as archivists (people who preserve old documents), curators (people who manage museums) and heritage officers. The third theme covers Indian achievements in art, technology, entertainment and sports across ancient, medieval and modern periods. The final theme is heritage management, which deals with protecting monuments, manuscripts and living traditions.

Understanding Historical Context and Sources

For every chapter, the syllabus expects specific learning outcomes, not just reading. After finishing a unit you should be able to:

  • Identify the type of source (written, oral, material) behind a historical statement.
  • Compare traditions, for example Indian historiography with Greek or Chinese historiography.
  • Explain the practical use of history, such as how a fort becomes a tourist site.
  • Evaluate why conservation of a monument matters economically and culturally.

A common exam mistake is writing only a definition when the question says "explain with examples". For instance, if asked to explain applied history (2 marks), a full answer names the field and gives one example, such as using historical research to design a museum gallery. A one-line definition usually earns only half the marks.

Analyzing Social and Political Movements

Although the Class 10 History paper focuses on applied themes, it still expects you to connect cultural developments to their social background. For example, you should link the growth of Indian cinema to urbanisation and new technology, and the rise of tourism to better transport and growing interest in national heritage. When you study the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021), always ask: what social change produced this development?

AspectHistoriography (Chapters 1-2)Applied History (Chapters 3, 8, 9)
Main focusHow history is researched and writtenHow history is used in the real world
Key examplesPuranas, inscriptions, foreign historiansMuseums, tourism, heritage conservation
Typical questionCompare two traditions of historical writingExplain the role of an archivist or curator
Skill testedAnalysis and comparisonApplication and evaluation

Use this theme map while making notes, and check your understanding against the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes. Practising the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers will show you that questions from the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) are mostly direct, definition-based or example-based, which makes thorough theme-wise preparation very effective.

Marks Distribution and Weightage Analysis of MSBSHSE History 2021 Syllabus

Knowing what to study is only half the job; knowing how much each chapter is worth tells you where to spend your hours. The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) carries 40 marks in the written Social Science paper, with the remaining marks coming from Political Science and internal assessment [verify]. Questions are drawn from all nine chapters, but some chapters regularly produce more questions than others.

Identifying High-Weightage Chapters for History 2021 Exams

Predictive Weightage Table [verify]

The table below is an estimate based on recent board papers, not an official board announcement. Use it as a planning guide, not a guarantee [verify].

Chapter / ThemeApproximate WeightageCommon Question Types
Historiography (Chapters 1 and 2)6 to 8 marks [verify]MCQs, short answers comparing traditions of history writing
Applied History (Chapters 3, 8, 9)8 to 10 marks [verify]Short and long answers on museums, tourism, heritage
Indian Art and Cultural Heritage (Chapters 4, 5, 6)8 to 10 marks [verify]MCQs on artists, films, sports personalities; short notes
History of Technology and Science (Chapter 7)4 to 6 marks [verify]Short answers on communication, transport, computing
Focus Areas for Maximum Score

Applied History chapters deserve the most revision time because they combine definitions, examples and evaluation questions, giving you the widest range of marks. Chapters 1 and 2 are definition-heavy, so they are quick wins if you memorise terms like historiography, source and archive. The cultural chapters need name-and-achievement recall, which flashcards handle well.

A practical time split while working through the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) is roughly 40 percent of your study hours on Applied History and heritage chapters, 25 percent on historiography, and the rest on art, culture and technology. Practise the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers chapter-wise so you can see this weightage in actual papers.

Question types follow a pattern: MCQs usually test names, dates and definitions; short answers (2 marks) need a definition plus one example; long answers (4 marks) need a definition, two or three examples and a concluding line. A common mistake is writing three paragraphs for a 2-mark question and running out of time for a 4-mark one. Match answer length to marks, and revise doubtful chapters using the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes.

Deleted or Reduced Topics in the Class 10 History Syllabus 2021-22

Official Changes to the MSBSHSE History 2021 Curriculum

Before you build your study plan, you need to know whether anything was cut from the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021). For the 2021-22 academic year, the state board did not announce a chapter-wise reduction for Class 10 History comparable to the cuts made in some other subjects [verify]. All nine chapters of the History textbook remained in scope, and questions were expected from every chapter [verify]. Always cross-check the latest circular on the official board website before finalising your revision list, because syllabus decisions can change from year to year.

Topics to Skip for Time Management [verify]

Since no chapters were officially deleted, the only "skipping" you should do is of material that sits outside the textbook. Do not waste time on these:

  • Detailed biographies or extra facts about personalities that are not named in your textbook chapters.
  • Deep dates and timelines beyond the few the textbook highlights, such as broad period markers for movements and developments.
  • State board History content from earlier standards, which some guides mix into Class 10 material unnecessarily.

A common mistake is studying from an old guide printed for a previous syllabus and learning topics that no longer appear in papers. The fix is simple: study only what your current textbook lists, and confirm each topic against the chapter breakdown in this guide.

Confirmation of Syllabus Reduction

To confirm whether the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) was reduced in any given year, look for the academic circular the board issues at the start of the session on its official portal [verify]. If a circular lists removed topics, treat them as out of scope and shift that time to high-weightage chapters like Applied History. If no circular lists cuts, assume the full textbook is examinable.

Use the saved time for structured practice with the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers, and revise doubtful definitions through the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes.

Exam Pattern and Assessment Strategy Based on History 2021 Syllabus

Knowing the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) is only half the job; the other half is understanding how the exam tests that syllabus. The SSC Social Science paper combines History and Political Science, and the History portion carries 40 marks, with a further split between the written exam and internal assessment [verify]. The paper is typically designed for a total of 2 hours as part of the combined Social Science examination [verify].

How the MSBSHSE History 2021 Exam is Structured

ComponentDetailsMarks [verify]
External written exam (History portion)Objective, short answer and long answer questions36
Internal assessmentProjects, oral tests, classwork4
Total for HistoryExternal + internal40

The paper is divided into sections by question type rather than by chapter, so questions from any of the nine chapters can appear in any section. Read the whole paper once before answering and attempt the questions you know best first.

Internal vs. External Assessment Details [verify]

The internal assessment marks come from school-level work such as a project on a historical topic, an oral test, or practical/assignment work. These marks are added to your final total, so treat the project seriously: a well-organised project on a textbook theme, for example an applied history topic or a social reform movement, can secure these marks with little extra effort. The external exam is where the remaining marks lie, and it follows the question format set out in the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021).

Mastering Question Types for the History Paper

The paper mixes two broad question types. Objective questions, such as multiple choice questions and one-line answers, test recall of facts like names, dates and terms, for example "Who wrote the book 'Indian Unrest'?" [verify]. Subjective questions require written explanations, such as "Explain the role of the Satyashodhak Samaj in social reform," where marks are given for the point, the explanation and an example.

For long-form answers, follow a simple method: write the main point as a heading-like sentence, then explain it in two to three lines, and add a date, name or example from the textbook. A four-mark answer usually needs two or three such points [verify]. A common mistake is writing long stories without clear points; examiners look for specific facts, so structure beats length.

The best preparation is solving the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers under timed conditions, and clarifying weak concepts using the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes.

How to Download the MSBSHSE History 2021 Syllabus PDF for Free

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Official History 2021 Syllabus

Before starting your preparation, keep a copy of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) on your phone or computer. The PDF is free, and once downloaded you can study offline, print it and tick off chapters as you complete them. You can also download it directly from this page: Download the Class 10 History 2021 Syllabus PDF [verify].

Follow these steps to get the official syllabus from the board's website:

  1. Open the official state board website (mahahsscboard.in) in any browser [verify].
  2. Look for the "Subjects and Syllabi" or "Syllabus" section on the homepage menu.
  3. Select "Secondary" (Class 9 and 10) and then choose the relevant academic year.
  4. Click on the Social Science syllabus link, which covers both History and Political Science.
  5. The PDF opens in your browser. Tap the download icon and save it to your device.
Prerequisites for Downloading

You need only three things: a smartphone or computer, an internet connection, and a PDF reader app. Most phones already have one installed. If the file is in Marathi or English, download the language version that matches your medium of instruction.

Troubleshooting Common Download Issues

If the site loads slowly, try during off-peak hours or switch to another browser. If the PDF will not open, install a free PDF reader from your app store. If the link on the board site is broken, use the copy hosted on this page instead. A common mistake students make is studying from an outdated syllabus copy shared on messaging apps; always confirm the year printed on the PDF matches 2021.

Once downloaded, use the syllabus as a checklist while working through the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes, so no chapter or sub-topic is left out.

Effective Study Plan for Class 10 History Syllabus Completion 2021

A three-month plan is enough to finish the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) comfortably if you study consistently. History is memory-heavy, so short daily sessions work better than long weekend marathons. Split the twelve chapters into three phases: modern history and political movements in month one, applied history topics in month two, and full revision with past papers in month three.

Creating a Timeline Based on the History 2021 Syllabus

Use the chapter-wise breakdown given earlier in this guide as your planning template. Tick each chapter in the syllabus PDF once you have read it, made notes, and solved at least one past question from it. This turns the syllabus into a live progress tracker instead of a document you read once and forget.

Weekly Study Schedule Suggestion
ActivityTime per weekPurpose
Reading chapters from the textbook4 hoursFirst exposure to content
Note-making (timelines, keywords, dates)2 hoursCondensing chapters for revision
Solving questions and past papers2 hoursLearning how marks are awarded
Quick recall (flashcards, mind maps)1 hourRetaining dates and names

A common mistake is spending all the time on reading and none on writing answers. History marks depend on how you present facts, so practise writing a short answer (2-3 marks) in four lines and a long answer (5-6 marks) with an introduction, three to four points, and a conclusion [verify].

Revision Cycles and Practice Tests

Plan three revision cycles. The first comes at the end of month one, the second at the end of month two, and the final one in the last two weeks before the exam. In each cycle, revise from your own notes, not the textbook, so the material stays condensed. In the final cycle, attempt one full paper every alternate day under exam timing. You can use the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers for this practice, and the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes for quick chapter summaries.

If you fall behind, do not skip revision to catch up on reading; instead, reduce note-making time. The MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) rewards steady, repeated revision far more than last-week cramming, because exam questions often combine two chapters in a single answer.

Quick Revision Guide for MSBSHSE History 2021: Essential Concepts

This rapid review covers the concepts most often tested from the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021). Use it in the last two weeks before the exam, alongside your condensed notes, to refresh facts without reopening the full textbook.

Mind Maps and Quick Recall Techniques

History rewards students who can recall names, dates and terms instantly. Make one mind map per chapter with the central event in the middle and causes, results and key personalities branching out. Prepare small flashcards with a date or term on one side and its meaning on the other, and test yourself for ten minutes daily. Drawing a timeline of 1850 to 1990 across one page helps you place every chapter of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) in the correct sequence.

Must-Know Definitions and Dates

Be ready to define in one or two lines: colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, dictatorship, the United Nations, the Cold War, and the role of the League of Nations. These short definitions usually carry 2 marks each, so precision matters more than length [verify].

Comparing Key Historical Events

Expect questions that ask you to compare two movements, two wars or two leaders. Practise answers on the First and Second World War, and on the causes and effects of the American Civil War [verify]. For high-impact personalities, keep one-line notes on Abraham Lincoln, and the leaders associated with the World Wars. A typical 4-mark question might ask, "Explain the causes of the First World War," and marks are given per valid point, so write four crisp points rather than one long paragraph.

Revise these essentials using the Class 10 Social Science (History + Political Science) Study Notes, then test yourself with the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers.

Mastering the Content: Important Definitions and Concepts in History 2021

Glossary of Terms from the Class 10 History Syllabus

Every chapter of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) rests on a handful of terms that appear again and again in questions. Learn these definitions in your own words, because examiners award marks for clear meaning, not for memorised textbook sentences.

  • Colonialism: when one country takes control of another region, exploits its resources and rules its people, as European powers did in Asia and Africa.
  • Nationalism: the feeling of unity among people who share a language, culture or land, and their desire to govern themselves.
  • Imperialism: the policy of building an empire by dominating weaker nations economically and politically.
  • Social reform: organised efforts to remove harmful customs, such as campaigns against untouchability and child marriage.
  • Cold War: the period of tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR after 1945, fought without direct war between them.
Conceptual Clarity for Board Exams

A common mistake is confusing imperialism with colonialism. Remember: imperialism is the policy, colonialism is the practice of actually ruling the territory. If a 2-mark question asks, "Define nationalism with an example," write the definition plus one example such as the independence movement in India. Practise applying these terms through the Class 10 History Chapter 1 Solutions, and check how they are used in questions from the Class 10 History Previous Year Question Papers. Clear grasp of these concepts, as demanded by the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021), turns short answers into full-mark answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chapters are there in Class 10 History for the Maharashtra Board?

The Class 10 History syllabus for the state board is structured around a specific set of chapters in the History textbook. Students should note that the curriculum typically includes around nine chapters. Understanding the scope of these chapters is vital for effective preparation, as the board paper tests knowledge from all these prescribed units. This clear structure helps you focus your study time precisely.

What is the total marks distribution for Class 10 History and Political Science?

The combined subject of History and Political Science carries a total of 100 marks for the state board examination. Of these, the external written board exam accounts for 80 marks, while internal assessment covers the remaining 20 marks. Remember to allocate your study time according to this distribution, focusing heavily on mastering the concepts required for the 80-mark written paper.

Were any topics removed from the Class 10 History syllabus for 2021-22?

When studying the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021), it is essential to check for any modifications made to the curriculum. Sometimes, certain topics may be removed or replaced due to board policy changes. Always refer to the latest official notification from the state board to ensure you are studying the accurate and current version of the syllabus.

Where can I download the Maharashtra Board Class 10 History syllabus PDF for free?

To get the most reliable version of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021), it is best to visit the official website of the state board. You can usually find the PDF version of the syllabus under the 'Academics' or 'Syllabus' section. Downloading the official document ensures that your study material matches the prescribed content exactly.

What is the exam pattern for Class 10 History in the SSC exam?

The exam pattern for Class 10 History is designed to test both your conceptual clarity and your ability to answer based on the textbook content. The board paper consists of various question types, including objective and descriptive questions. A thorough understanding of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) helps you predict the types of questions asked and prepare accordingly.

How should I plan my study to complete the Class 10 History syllabus on time?

To plan your studies effectively, first break down the entire syllabus into weekly manageable chunks. Allocate more time to chapters that carry higher marks or are considered more complex. Review your notes regularly and practice answering previous year questions to ensure you cover every aspect of the MSBSHSE Syllabus for Class 10 History (History 2021) comprehensively.