

MASTER-OF-ARTS-MA in History at DAV Mahila College, Katras


Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is History at DAV Mahila College, Katras Dhanbad?
This MA History program at D.A.V. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad, affiliated with Vinoba Bhave University, focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian and World History from ancient to contemporary times. It emphasizes critical analysis of historical events, historiography, and socio-cultural developments. The program aims to cultivate research skills and a deep understanding of India''''s rich heritage and its place in global history, aligning with the growing demand for historical expertise in Indian academia and cultural institutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic qualifications, individuals passionate about research and teaching, and those aspiring to careers in cultural heritage management, archives, or civil services in India. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers, looking to enhance their subject knowledge and career prospects in the evolving Indian education landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths as educators, researchers, archivists, museologists, or content developers in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 LPA for academic roles, potentially increasing significantly with experience and advanced research. The program provides a strong foundation for NET/JRF examinations, paving the way for esteemed positions in Indian universities and research institutions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with primary and secondary sources from the outset. Focus on understanding historical methodologies, different schools of historiography, and the socio-economic context of each period. Regularly attend lectures and participate in classroom discussions to clarify complex concepts.
Tools & Resources
University Library historical texts, Online academic journals (JSTOR, Project MUSE), NCERT history books for foundational understanding
Career Connection
A robust foundation is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and for advanced research, directly impacting success in academic and administrative careers.
Develop Critical Analysis and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice essay writing and critical evaluation of historical arguments. Seek feedback on assignments to refine analytical skills. Participate in departmental seminars or workshops on research paper writing and citation styles.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL for academic writing, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Peer review groups
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for any research-oriented career, academic publications, and effective communication in professional settings, improving employability in research and content creation.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Explore related fields like sociology, political science, and economics to gain a broader perspective on historical events. Attend guest lectures and workshops on interdisciplinary approaches to history, as this enriches understanding and research potential.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on platforms like NPTEL/Coursera for related disciplines, Discussions with faculty from other departments
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge broadens career options, making graduates suitable for roles in policy analysis, social research, and journalism, fields that value comprehensive understanding of societal issues.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Initiate small research projects under faculty guidance on topics of personal interest. This hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing historical data, even at a smaller scale, is invaluable for developing research aptitude.
Tools & Resources
Access to local archives/libraries, Interview techniques for oral history (if applicable), Statistical tools for historical data if needed
Career Connection
These projects demonstrate practical research capability, making students more competitive for doctoral programs, research assistant positions, and roles in government archives or cultural departments.
Participate in History Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 3)
Attend regional or national history conferences and seminars, even if just as an audience member. This exposure to current historical debates, new research, and networking with scholars is vital for academic growth.
Tools & Resources
Indian History Congress notices, University circulars for events, Professional associations like the Indian Council of Historical Research
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, collaborative research, and awareness of job opportunities within the academic community, enhancing career progression.
Explore Local and Regional History- (Semester 3)
Given Dhanbad''''s rich historical context, focus on local and regional history electives or projects. This specialization can lead to unique opportunities in local governance, heritage tourism, or historical preservation specific to Jharkhand.
Tools & Resources
Jharkhand State Archives, Local museums and historical societies, Oral traditions and community elders
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge in regional history creates niche expertise, highly valued for roles in state cultural departments, heritage conservation, and educational institutions within Jharkhand.
Advanced Stage
Master Dissertation Writing and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the dissertation in the final semester. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously plan your research, conduct thorough literature reviews, and ensure high-quality analysis and presentation. Practice defending your research.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Plagiarism check software, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a direct testament to advanced research capabilities, crucial for PhD admissions, academic appointments, and senior research roles.
Prepare for NET/JRF and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 4)
Integrate preparation for national-level exams like UGC NET/JRF for lectureship and civil services exams (UPSC/JPSC) into your final year. Focus on general studies, essay writing, and history optional papers. Join study groups and solve previous year''''s papers.
Tools & Resources
NTA UGC NET previous year papers, Online coaching platforms, Government publication for current affairs
Career Connection
Success in these exams directly leads to highly sought-after positions in Indian academia (Assistant Professor) and prestigious government administrative roles, offering stable and impactful careers.
Seek Mentorship and Career Guidance- (Semester 4)
Proactively seek advice from professors, alumni, and career counselors regarding post-MA options. Discuss potential career paths, higher education opportunities, and skill development needed for specific roles. Build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network platforms, University career services, LinkedIn for professional connections
Career Connection
Mentorship and informed guidance are vital for making strategic career decisions, identifying suitable job opportunities, and navigating the competitive landscape of academia and related fields in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (Hons/Major or equivalent) in History or a related subject from a recognized university, with minimum marks as per university norms.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 30% (Internal Assessment, Mid-Sem, Assignments), External: 70% (End-Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISC 101 | Ancient Indian History (Earliest Time to 6th Century A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Vedic Age and Early State Formation, Rise of Magadha and Mauryan Empire, Gupta Age: Administration, Society and Culture |
| HISC 102 | Medieval Indian History (600 A.D. to 1200 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Rise of Regional States: Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas: Administration and Culture, Rajput Polities and Society, Arab Invasion of Sindh and Turkish Invasions |
| HISC 103 | Indian Historiography | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of History, Ancient Indian Historiography: Vedas, Puranas, Biographies, Medieval Indian Historiography: Al-Biruni, Barani, Abul Fazl, Colonial Historiography: James Mill, Vincent Smith, Nationalist, Marxist and Subaltern Approaches |
| HISC 104 | Modern World History (1453 A.D. to 1871 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Geographical Discoveries and Mercantilism, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and Capitalism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISC 201 | Ancient Indian History (7th Century A.D. to 1200 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Post-Gupta Polities: Harshavardhana, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Society, Economy and Religion in Post-Gupta Period, Cultural Developments: Art, Architecture, Literature, Feudalism Debate in Indian History, Trade and Urbanization in Early Medieval India |
| HISC 202 | Medieval Indian History (1200 A.D. to 1526 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Administration and Agrarian System of Sultanate, Sufism and Bhakti Movement, Art and Architecture under Sultanate, Decline of Sultanate and Rise of Regional Kingdoms |
| HISC 203 | Socio-Cultural History of India (1200-1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Social Structure and Stratification, Caste System and Women''''s Position, Education, Art and Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Evolution of Composite Culture |
| HISC 204 | Modern World History (1871 A.D. to 1945 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I: Causes and Consequences, Russian Revolution (1917), World War II: Causes and Impact |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISC 301 | Medieval Indian History (1526 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment and Consolidation of Mughal Empire, Mughal Administration, Land Revenue and Mansabdari System, Art, Architecture and Literature under Mughals, Religious Policies of Akbar and Aurangzeb, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| HISC 302 | Modern Indian History (1707 A.D. to 1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Arrival of Europeans and Establishment of British Rule, Economic Policies of British India, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857: Causes and Consequences |
| HISC 303 (DSE-1) | History of Jharkhand | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Pre-History and Ancient Period of Jharkhand, Medieval Period: Various Dynasties and Kingdoms, Colonial Impact and Tribal Uprisings, Christian Missionaries and Social Changes, Jharkhand Movement and Formation of State |
| HISC 304 (DSE-2) | Intellectual History of India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian Philosophical Schools, Medieval Islamic and Bhakti Intellectual Traditions, Colonial Encounter and Indian Renaissance, Gandhian Thought and Nationalism, Post-Independence Intellectual Debates |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISC 401 | Modern Indian History (1858 A.D. to 1964 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Rise of Indian Nationalism and Early Congress, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments and Partition of India, Post-Independence Consolidation, Nehruvian Era: Policies and Challenges |
| HISC 402 | History of Contemporary India (1964 A.D. to Present) | Core | 4 | Post-Nehruvian Era: Indira Gandhi to Liberalization, Coalition Politics and Regional Assertions, Economic Reforms and Globalization, Social Movements and Identity Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy and International Relations |
| HISC 403 (DSE-3) | History of Russia | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Tsarist Russia: Reform and Reaction, Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917, Lenin and Stalin: Formation of USSR, Soviet Union in World War II and Cold War, Collapse of USSR and Post-Soviet Russia |
| HISC 404 | Project / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review and Problem Identification, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva Voce |




