We have great pleasure in bringing out the book Themes in World History for the students of Class XI of Higher Secondary, State Open School, VHSE and CBSE. This book is prepared strictly according to the NCERT syllabus and textbook and the guidelines of SCERT. Instead of narrating the developments in history, a thematic approach is followed in preparing this book. All the major developments from the beginning of time to the present period are presented in eleven themes. We have made an earnest effort to incorporate all relevant materials to cover the entire syllabus. Care has been taken to present the subject in a simple and lucid style. A good number of questions based on the grading and non grading pattern have been given at the end of each chapter. Additional information and maps to supplement the text has been included in all chapters,