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B-A in Ancient History at Brahamdutt Dwivedi Prabha Dwivedi Degree College
Basti, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Ancient History at Brahamdutt Dwivedi Prabha Dwivedi Degree College Basti?
This Ancient History specialization within the B.A. History program at Brahamdutt Dwivedi Prabha Dwivedi Degree College, Basti, focuses on the rich cultural, social, and political past of India from pre-historic times up to early medieval periods. It delves into the evolution of civilizations, empires, religions, and artistic expressions. This field holds immense relevance in India, given its vast archaeological heritage and the ongoing efforts in heritage preservation and cultural tourism, offering unique insights into the nation''''s identity.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students passionate about unraveling India''''s ancient past, those aspiring for careers in archaeology, museology, archives, or heritage management, and individuals seeking to pursue higher education in historical research. Fresh graduates seeking entry into cultural conservation or education sectors, as well as those interested in public service examinations, will find this specialization particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as archaeologists, museum curators, heritage site managers, archivists, historians, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 LPA or more in government or private sectors. Growth trajectories are strong in cultural institutions, historical research, and the booming heritage tourism industry, with potential alignment to certifications in heritage studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding historical methodology, source criticism, and interpreting primary and secondary sources. Regularly read research papers and classic historical texts. Participate in campus history clubs.
Tools & Resources
University Library, JSTOR (through institutional access), History Department Seminars
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical abilities essential for any research-oriented career, civil services, or academic pursuits in history.
Engage with Archaeological & Cultural Sites- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in college-organized field trips to local archaeological sites, museums, and historical monuments. Maintain a reflective journal of observations and learnings from these visits.
Tools & Resources
Local Museums, ASI Protected Sites, Virtual Tours of Indian Heritage
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure crucial for careers in archaeology, museology, and heritage management, offering firsthand understanding of site conservation.
Enhance Academic Writing and Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Practice structured essay writing, report preparation, and oral presentations on historical topics. Seek feedback from professors to refine communication skills and clarity of thought.
Tools & Resources
Writing Centers (if available), Grammarly, Presentation software
Career Connection
Improves communication skills vital for academic excellence, professional reports, public speaking, and interviews across all career fields.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specific Ancient Civilizations- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a specific ancient Indian civilization (e.g., Indus Valley, Mauryan, Gupta) for in-depth study beyond the curriculum. Explore advanced texts and scholarly debates on selected periods.
Tools & Resources
Specialized History Journals, E-Pathshala modules, NPTEL Humanities courses
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for research roles or competitive exams requiring detailed historical understanding.
Learn Epigraphy and Numismatics Basics- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities to learn the fundamentals of reading ancient scripts (Brahmi, Kharosthi) and identifying ancient coins. Look for workshops or online modules on these ancillary sciences.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on Ancient Scripts, Books on Indian Epigraphy/Numismatics, University workshops
Career Connection
Provides valuable skills for archaeological fieldwork, museum curation, and historical research, directly linking to specific electives in later semesters.
Participate in History-related Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in quiz competitions, essay contests, or debates on historical themes. This hones quick thinking, factual recall, and argumentative skills.
Tools & Resources
Inter-college competitions, Online history quizzes
Career Connection
Boosts confidence, improves public speaking, and showcases your expertise, beneficial for interviews and academic recognition.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Collaborate with faculty on a research project or opt for a dissertation on an Ancient History topic. This involves extensive literature review, data analysis, and original interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Faculty mentors, Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Essential for postgraduate studies, research positions, and demonstrates advanced analytical and independent work capabilities to potential employers.
Pursue Internships in Heritage/Archaeology- (Semester 5-6)
Actively seek internships with organizations like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state archaeology departments, museums, or heritage foundations. Gain hands-on experience in fieldwork or archival work.
Tools & Resources
ASI recruitment portal, Museum websites, NGOs working in heritage
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, builds professional networks, and significantly enhances employability in the heritage and cultural sectors.
Prepare for Civil Services or Postgraduate Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services (History optional) or entrance exams for M.A. History/Archaeology programs, leveraging the strong foundation built during the degree.
Tools & Resources
UPSC previous year papers, Coaching institutes, University PG entrance guides
Career Connection
Directly targets high-demand career paths in government administration, education, and advanced academic research, leveraging specialized knowledge.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) in any stream from a recognized board
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 (for Major in History, as per NEP 2020 guidelines) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0101T | History of Ancient India (from beginning to 600 B.C.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic cultures and Stone Age, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early Settlements, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0102T | History of Ancient India (600 B.C. to 650 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Religious Movements (Buddhism, Jainism), Rise of Magadha and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan period (Sungas, Satavahanas), Gupta Empire: Administration and Culture, Post-Gupta Period (Harsha''''s Empire) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0201T | History of Medieval India (650 A.D. to 1200 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Early Medieval Kingdoms (Rajputs, Palas), North Indian Dynasties (Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas), South Indian Dynasties (Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas), Arab Conquest of Sindh, Ghaznavid and Ghorid Invasions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0202T | History of Medieval India (1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation of Sultanate, Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Maratha Ascendancy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0301T | History of Modern India (1707 A.D. to 1857 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of European Powers, British Expansion and Consolidation, Economic and Social Policies of British |
| HISS0303D | Archaeology and Museology | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-1) | 4 | Introduction to Archaeology, Methods of Excavation and Exploration, Dating Methods in Archaeology, Principles of Museology, Conservation and Preservation of Artefacts |
| HISS0304D | History of Indian Culture: 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-2) | 4 | Salient Features of Indian Culture, Religious Traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism), Art and Architecture (Mauryan, Gupta), Education and Literature in Ancient India, Science and Technology Developments |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISS0302T | History of Modern India (1857 A.D. to 1964 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Revolt of 1857 and its Impact, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi and Freedom Struggle, Partition and Independence, Challenges of Nation-Building |
| HISS0305D | Epigraphy and Paleography | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-3) | 4 | Introduction to Epigraphy and Paleography, Origin and Development of Indian Scripts, Brahmi and Kharosthi Scripts, Major Inscriptions (Ashokan, Gupta), Numismatics and its Significance |
| HISS0306D | Historical Tourism | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-4) | 4 | Concept and Scope of Historical Tourism, Major Ancient and Historical Sites in India, Role of ASI and Tourism Management, Impact of Tourism on Heritage, Sustainable Tourism Practices |
