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MA in History at Banshi Chand Degree College
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Banshi Chand Degree College Gorakhpur?
This MA History program at Banshi Chand Degree College, affiliated with Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian and World History. It covers political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, alongside advanced historiographical concepts and research methodologies. The curriculum, aligned with the New Education Policy, aims to foster critical thinking, deep analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical processes, which are highly relevant for addressing societal challenges and preserving cultural heritage in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideally suited for history graduates aspiring to deepen their scholarly engagement with the past. It attracts individuals interested in careers as academics, researchers, archivists, museum curators, or cultural heritage managers in India. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent foundation for those preparing for competitive civil services examinations, where a strong grasp of historical context and analytical ability is paramount. Enthusiastic learners with a passion for inquiry and strong communication skills will excel here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this MA History program can pursue diverse and impactful career trajectories within India. Potential roles include university lecturers, research associates in historical organizations, content developers for educational platforms, or experts in government departments like archaeology and archives. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15+ LPA for experienced professionals in academic or specialized public sector roles. The program also equips students with critical thinking and research skills, highly valued in journalism, policy analysis, and UPSC preparation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts and Chronology- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a robust understanding of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, alongside foundational world history. Create detailed timelines, conceptual maps, and utilize historical atlases to internalize factual knowledge and contextual understanding. Regular review of key events, personalities, and movements is crucial for success.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU Library, NCERT History Textbooks, Standard reference books (e.g., Upinder Singh, Satish Chandra), Online historical databases like Shodhganga
Career Connection
A solid historical foundation is indispensable for all subsequent advanced studies, competitive examinations (UPSC/PCS), and any research or academic career in history.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary historical sources. Practice identifying an author''''s perspective, inherent biases, and the broader historical context. Actively participate in classroom discussions, present your interpretations, and seek feedback on analytical essays to refine your critical thinking abilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Historical Review), Peer-reviewed articles, Critical analysis guides, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
These skills are vital for research, academic writing, and any role requiring sophisticated analysis and interpretation of complex information, including policy-making and journalism in India.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Practice structuring compelling historical essays, crafting clear arguments, and rigorously supporting them with evidence. Pay meticulous attention to standard citation styles (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style). Regularly submit assignments on time and proactively seek guidance from professors to enhance clarity, coherence, and originality in your writing.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), University writing center (if available), Mentor feedback
Career Connection
Strong academic writing is essential for dissertations, potential publications, research grant applications, and all forms of professional communication in academia, publishing, or government roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elective Specialization- (Semester 3)
Explore elective papers that align with specific interests, such as economic history, cultural history, or regional history. Actively look for connections between history and allied disciplines like sociology, political science, and economics. This broadens your perspective and enhances your research potential.
Tools & Resources
Elective course offerings, Interdepartmental lectures/workshops, Relevant books and articles from allied fields
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge significantly enhances your profile for diverse roles, from heritage management to think tanks, providing a unique and valuable edge in competitive job markets and academic pursuits.
Participate in Seminars, Workshops, and Field Trips- (Semester 3)
Attend departmental and university-level seminars, workshops on advanced research methodology, and historical conferences. Actively participate in discussions. Seek opportunities for educational field trips to historical sites, museums, and archives in and around Gorakhpur to gain invaluable practical exposure to historical evidence.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, DDUGU event calendar, Local historical societies, State archives in Lucknow
Career Connection
Networking with scholars and direct engagement with historical sources enhance practical understanding, build professional contacts, and inform specific career choices in archaeology, archives, or museum curation.
Begin Research Project Planning and Literature Review- (Semester 3)
Start brainstorming potential dissertation topics, identify a focused research area of interest, and commence conducting a thorough literature review. Consult with faculty mentors early in the process to refine your research question and gather relevant primary and secondary sources for your Semester 4 project/dissertation.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU Library''''s research databases, UGC-NET/JRF past papers for topic ideas, Guidance from faculty advisors
Career Connection
Early and meticulous preparation for your dissertation lays the groundwork for a successful project, a strong academic portfolio, and can significantly open doors for further research or PhD applications.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate substantial time and effort to your dissertation, ensuring rigorous research, clear argumentation, and meticulous citation. Practice presenting your research findings concisely and confidently to prepare effectively for viva voce examinations and future academic conferences, demonstrating scholarly rigor.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty mentor, Statistical software (if applicable), Presentation tools like PowerPoint, University guidelines for dissertation submission
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a cornerstone of an MA degree, powerfully demonstrating advanced research capability crucial for PhD admissions, research positions, and academic roles.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Career Applications- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously prepare for UGC NET/JRF to qualify for academia, or UPSC/State PCS examinations for prestigious civil services. Tailor your resume and cover letter to precisely highlight your research, analytical, and writing skills for specific job applications in museums, archives, or educational institutions across India.
Tools & Resources
Previous years'''' question papers for competitive exams, Coaching institutes (if desired), Career counseling services (if available), Online job portals (e.g., Naukri, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic preparation for these examinations or targeted job applications directly leads to securing positions in academia, government, or cultural sectors, thereby maximizing career opportunities post-graduation.
Network Professionally and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively maintain connections with professors, senior researchers, and alumni of the program. Attend academic events and engage with professionals in your field of interest. A strong professional network provides invaluable insights, potential collaborations, and job opportunities post-graduation, especially within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences, Professional associations (e.g., Indian History Congress), LinkedIn profiles of alumni, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for career advancement, securing strong recommendations, finding research collaborators, and staying updated with job market trends and emerging opportunities in India''''s academic and cultural sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) from a recognized university, preferably with History as a subject, or an equivalent qualification as per DDUGU norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-101 | Historiography: Concepts, Theories and Methods | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Historical Objectivity and Bias, Major Schools of Historiography, History and Allied Disciplines, Research Methodology in History |
| MAH-102 | Ancient Indian History: From Earliest Times to 1200 A.D. (Political History and Administration) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Mahajanapada Period, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Empires, Gupta and Post-Gupta Dynasties |
| MAH-103 | Medieval Indian History: From 1200 A.D. to 1757 A.D. (Political History and Administration) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Mughal Empire: Foundation and Expansion, Mughal Administration and Decline, Regional Powers and Marathas |
| MAH-104 | Modern Indian History: From 1757 A.D. to 1964 A.D. (Political History and Administration) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of British Power, British Colonial Administration, Revolt of 1857, Indian National Movement (1885-1947), Post-Independence India (up to 1964) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-201 | World History: From 1453 A.D. to 1945 A.D. | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Rise of Nation-States and Absolutism, Industrial Revolutions and Imperialism, World War I and its aftermath, Rise of Fascism and World War II |
| MAH-202 | Social and Economic History of Ancient India | Core | 4 | Social Structures in Ancient India, Caste System and Varna Dharma, Economic Activities: Agriculture and Trade, Urbanization and Craft Production, Religious and Philosophical Traditions |
| MAH-203 | Social and Economic History of Medieval India | Core | 4 | Feudalism and Agrarian Relations, Social Stratification in Medieval India, Growth of Trade and Commerce, Urban Centres and Industries, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
| MAH-204 | Social and Economic History of Modern India | Core | 4 | Impact of British Rule on Indian Economy, Land Revenue Settlements, De-industrialization and Commercialization of Agriculture, Social Reform Movements, Caste and Gender in Colonial India |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-301 | Culture and Civilisation of Ancient India | Core | 4 | Art and Architecture of Harappan Period, Vedic Literature and Epics, Buddhist and Jain Art, Mauryan and Gupta Art and Architecture, Science and Education in Ancient India |
| MAH-302 | Culture and Civilisation of Medieval India | Core | 4 | Development of Indo-Islamic Architecture, Sultanate and Mughal Art Forms, Growth of Regional Literatures, Music and Performing Arts, Education and Scientific Progress |
| MAH-303 (A) | History of Indian National Movement (1857-1947) | Elective | 4 | Revolt of 1857: Causes and Consequences, Rise of Early Nationalism and Moderates, Extremism and Revolutionary Terrorism, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Partition of India and Independence |
| MAH-304 (A) | Contemporary World (1945 A.D. to Present) | Elective | 4 | Cold War and Bipolar World, Decolonization and Rise of New Nations, Formation of UNO and International Relations, Globalization and its Impact, Major Conflicts and Peace Efforts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-401 | Historical Research Methodology and Dissertation/Project Work | Core/Project | 4 | Nature of Historical Research, Sources and Evidence in History, Research Design and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Dissertation Submission |
| MAH-402 | History of Historiography (Advanced) | Core | 4 | Post-Modernist and Subaltern Historiography, Environmental and Gender History, Oral History and Public History, Digital Humanities in History, Debates in Contemporary Historiography |
| MAH-403 (B) | Economic History of India (Modern Period) | Elective | 4 | Colonial Economic Policies, Agriculture and Peasant Movements, Industrial Development and Labour, Trade and Finance in British India, Economic Development in Post-Independence India |
| MAH-404 (A) | History of Women in India | Elective | 4 | Women in Ancient Indian Society, Women''''s Status in Medieval India, Colonialism and Women''''s Question, Women''''s Participation in National Movement, Gender Issues in Contemporary India |
