

M-A in History at Government College, Baktara


Sehore, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Government College, Baktara Sehore?
This M.A. History program at Government College, Baktara, Sehore focuses on a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World history, emphasizing historiography, research methods, and diverse historical periods. It is highly relevant in India for careers in academics, research, cultural preservation, and civil services. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding societal evolution and contemporary issues.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic knowledge and research skills. It caters to aspiring educators, archivists, museum curators, and civil service aspirants. Professionals in fields like journalism, policy analysis, and heritage management looking to deepen their historical understanding will also benefit, providing them with a robust foundation in historical inquiry and interpretation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue careers as historians, university lecturers (after NET/SET), archivists, museologists, researchers, and content developers in India. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialization. Many graduates also excel in competitive examinations like UPSC and State PCS, leveraging their strong humanities background and analytical abilities for public service roles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding different schools of historical thought (e.g., Subaltern, Marxist, Nationalist) and research methodologies from diverse perspectives. Utilize online resources like JSTOR and SAGE Journals, often accessible via university library portals, to read seminal works by prominent historians. This strengthens analytical skills crucial for all subsequent studies and advanced research endeavors.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, SAGE Journals, University Library Portal
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical rigor, essential for academic research, civil services, and any role requiring deep contextual understanding.
Develop Strong Research & Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critically reading primary and secondary sources, identifying biases, and evaluating evidence. Regularly visit the college library for physical books and utilize e-resources like N-LIST (consortium accessible through INFLIBNET) for academic journals and e-books. Early proficiency in research will significantly aid dissertation writing and future academic pursuits in India.
Tools & Resources
College Library, N-LIST (INFLIBNET), Academic Journals
Career Connection
Fosters independent research capability, vital for research roles, journalism, and effective problem-solving in policy analysis.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex historical events, differing interpretations, and current affairs. Participate actively in classroom debates and departmental seminars, presenting your views and engaging with others. Collaborative learning helps in understanding diverse perspectives and refining arguments, essential for academic writing, group projects, and civil services interviews.
Tools & Resources
Study Groups, Departmental Seminars, Classroom Discussions
Career Connection
Enhances communication, argumentation, and teamwork skills, valuable in academic roles, policy-making, and public relations.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects & Fieldwork- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities for minor research projects or fieldwork, perhaps in collaboration with local historical societies, cultural organizations, or NGOs working on heritage. Utilize historical sites within Madhya Pradesh and neighboring regions for practical experience in archaeological or archival research. This directly contributes to building a strong portfolio for higher studies or jobs in archaeology, heritage management, or museums.
Tools & Resources
Local Historical Societies, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regional offices, Museums
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience, crucial for roles in heritage conservation, archaeology, and historical documentation.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 3-4)
Begin focused preparation for competitive examinations such as UPSC Civil Services, State PCS, and UGC NET/SET for lectureship. Integrate your MA History syllabus topics with general studies and current affairs. Leverage online platforms like Unacademy or Byju''''s (for competitive exams) and meticulously solve previous year question papers to build exam readiness for academic and administrative careers.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PCS Previous Year Papers, UGC NET/SET Study Material, Online Coaching Platforms
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for highly sought-after government jobs and academic positions in India, offering stable and impactful careers.
Refine Dissertation & Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant time to your dissertation/project work in the final year, focusing on robust research methodology, clear argumentation, and precise academic writing. Seek regular feedback from your faculty advisor and refine your drafts. This culminates in a publishable-quality work, a cornerstone for research careers, PhD admissions, and showcasing your expertise to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Advisor, Academic Writing Guides, Plagiarism Checkers
Career Connection
Develops advanced research and writing skills, essential for PhD programs, academic publishing, and high-level research positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with History as one subject from a recognized university or equivalent.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 (approx. 4 credits per paper) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 101 | Historiography and Historical Methods | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope and Value of History, Objectivity and Bias in History, Historical Method, Sources and Criticism, Schools of Historiography (Positivist, Annales, Subaltern), Oral History and New History Trends |
| MAHIS 102 | History of Ancient India (up to 1200 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources for Ancient Indian History, Prehistory, Protohistory and Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early State Formation, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, Post-Gupta Period and Early Medieval Kingdoms |
| MAHIS 103 | History of Medieval India (1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Establishment and Administration of Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Polity, Administration, Society, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
| MAHIS 104 | History of Modern India (1707 A.D. to 1964 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of Europeans and British Expansion, Colonial Administration and Economic Impact, Revolt of 1857 and Rise of Nationalism, Gandhian Era, Partition and Independence |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 201 | India in the Vedic Age and Mahajanapada Period | Core | 4 | Vedic Literature and Culture, Political and Social Organization in Vedic Period, Economic and Religious Life of Vedic Aryans, Emergence of Mahajanapadas and Magadha Imperialism, Rise of Buddhism and Jainism |
| MAHIS 202 | Ancient Civilizations | Core | 4 | Egyptian Civilization: Society, Economy, Culture, Mesopotamian Civilization: Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Greek Civilization: Polis, Democracy, Philosophy, Roman Civilization: Republic, Empire, Law, Chinese Civilization: Dynasties, Philosophy, Innovations |
| MAHIS 203 | State in India | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Polity: Monarchy, Republic, Governance, Mauryan and Gupta Administration, Delhi Sultanate and Mughal State Structure, Indigenous States: Maratha, Rajput Polity, Colonial State Formation and Administration |
| MAHIS 204 | Historical Geography and Culture of Madhya Pradesh | Core | 4 | Sources and Archaeological Sites of MP (Bhimbetka, Sanchi), Ancient Kingdoms of MP: Malwa, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Medieval Dynasties: Paramaras, Chandellas, Gonds, Princely States and Integration into India, Art, Architecture, Folk Traditions of Madhya Pradesh |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 301 | World History (1871-1945) | Core | 4 | Rise of Imperialism and Colonial Expansion, Causes, Course, and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolution and Rise of Soviet Union, Fascism and Nazism in Europe, Causes, Course, and Consequences of World War II |
| MAHIS 302 | Contemporary India (1964-2000) | Core | 4 | Political Leadership and Policies (Nehru to Vajpayee), Economic Reforms and Liberalization, Emergency and its Aftermath, Social Movements and Identity Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy and Regional Relations |
| MAHIS 303 | History of Science & Technology in India | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Contributions to Science (Mathematics, Medicine), Medieval Period: Metallurgy, Irrigation, Architecture, Impact of Colonialism on Indian Science, Growth of Modern Science & Technology Institutions, Post-Independence Scientific Development (Nuclear, Space) |
| MAHIS 304 | Elective Paper (e.g., History of Social Movements in India) | Elective | 4 | Peasant and Tribal Movements, Women''''s Movements and Gender Issues, Dalit Movements and Social Justice, Environmental Movements (Chipko, Narmada Bachao), Socio-Religious Reform Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 401 | History of Ideas in India | Core | 4 | Ancient Philosophical Systems (Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga), Medieval Period: Bhakti and Sufi Thought, Modern Reformist and Nationalist Ideas, Gandhian and Ambedkarite Thought, Secularism, Rationalism, and Liberalism in India |
| MAHIS 402 | Environmental History of India | Core | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction in Ancient and Medieval India, Colonial Forest, Water, and Land Policies, Post-Independence Environmental Degradation and Conservation, Major Environmental Movements in India, Climate Change and India''''s Environmental Challenges |
| MAHIS 403 | History of Indian Diasporas | Core | 4 | Historical Context and Causes of Indian Migration, Indentured Labour Migration (Caribbean, Fiji, Africa), Post-Independence Migration to Western Countries, Cultural Retention and Identity Formation in Diaspora, Contributions of Diaspora and India''''s Foreign Policy |
| MAHIS 404 | Dissertation / Project Work | Core | 4 | Research Methodology and Ethics, Topic Selection and Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |




