

M-A in History at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahavidyalaya, Madhoganj, Hardoi


Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahavidyalaya, Madhoganj, Hardoi Hardoi?
This M.A. History program at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with CSJMU, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of historical processes in India and the world. It emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and diverse historical perspectives, aligning with the New Education Policy 2020. The curriculum prepares students for advanced academic pursuits and diverse roles within India''''s growing cultural heritage sector and educational domain.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in History or related humanities fields seeking advanced academic knowledge and research skills. It caters to individuals passionate about exploring India''''s rich past, understanding global historical contexts, and aspiring for careers in academia, archives, museums, and competitive examinations. Professionals in education or cultural fields looking to enhance their historical expertise also find this program beneficial for career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as historians, archaeologists, archivists, museum curators, and educators in colleges and universities across India. They are well-prepared for competitive civil services examinations and roles in cultural institutions. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA. The program fosters critical analysis, research capabilities, and communication skills essential for intellectual growth and societal contribution in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core historical theories, schools of thought, and key periods of Indian and World History. Develop strong note-taking habits, actively participate in classroom discussions, and form study groups with peers for collaborative learning to build a robust knowledge base.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online academic journals (e.g., JSTOR via institutional access), Reputable history textbooks, CSJMU''''s e-resources portal
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for advanced research, competitive exams (UPSC, NET/JRF), and effective teaching, building a comprehensive understanding of the past.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with primary and secondary historical sources critically, questioning narratives and identifying biases. Practice essay writing and analytical summaries regularly to hone interpretation and argumentative skills. Seek constructive feedback on your writing from professors and peers.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Peer-review sessions, Historical source material databases, University writing center
Career Connection
Essential for research positions, academic publishing, policy analysis, and any role requiring nuanced understanding and clear communication of complex historical information.
Explore Diverse Historical Perspectives- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the syllabus, read widely on different historical methodologies and interpretations (e.g., Subaltern, Gender, Environmental History). Attend history departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden your intellectual horizons and understand the evolving nature of historical studies in India.
Tools & Resources
Reputable history podcasts, Academic blogs, Public lectures, Departmental notice boards for event announcements
Career Connection
Enhances interdisciplinary thinking, crucial for roles in cultural heritage, public history, and for shaping informed, inclusive historical narratives, particularly in the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Local History Research- (Semester 3)
Initiate small research projects focusing on the history of Hardoi or surrounding regions, utilizing local archives, oral histories, and community resources. This provides practical experience in primary source collection and analysis relevant to Indian contexts and grassroots history.
Tools & Resources
Local district archives, State archives in Lucknow, Oral history collection guides, Local libraries and historical societies
Career Connection
Builds practical skills for archival work, museology, cultural preservation, and contributes to regional historical scholarship, highly valued in Indian cultural institutions.
Participate in Academic Conferences/Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Attend regional or national history conferences (e.g., Indian History Congress, UP History Congress) to present papers or network with established historians. Participate in university-organized workshops on research methods, digital humanities, or specific historical periods.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites and call for papers, University grants for student travel, Professional history associations in India
Career Connection
Crucial for academic networking, staying updated with current research trends, and enhancing your CV for higher studies and academic positions in India and abroad.
Cultivate Language and Epigraphy Skills- (Semester 3-4)
If possible, learn or improve proficiency in a classical Indian language (Sanskrit, Pali, Persian) or a regional language important for historical sources. Explore basic epigraphy and paleography through online courses or workshops to decipher historical inscriptions and manuscripts.
Tools & Resources
Online language learning platforms, University language departments, Specialized workshops on epigraphy, Open educational resources
Career Connection
Opens up opportunities in epigraphy, numismatics, archaeology, and greatly enhances research capabilities for accessing original historical documents, a niche skill in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Substantive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation in the final semester, choosing a topic that aligns with your research interests and career goals. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously conduct research, and refine your writing for academic rigor and clarity, culminating your M.A. learning.
Tools & Resources
Research databases and archives, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley), University thesis guidelines and formatting rules, Supervisor mentorship and feedback
Career Connection
The dissertation is a cornerstone for Ph.D. applications, showcasing independent research capability vital for academic and research roles in India and globally.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
Systematically prepare for national-level examinations such as the UGC NET/JRF for lectureship and research fellowships, or the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Integrate general studies and history-specific preparation throughout your final semester, focusing on Indian contexts.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for UGC NET/JRF, UPSC, Online test series and study materials for specific exams, Dedicated coaching institutes (if opting for external support)
Career Connection
Directly leads to opportunities in academia, government services, and public sector research roles, offering stable and respected career paths in India.
Develop Public History and Communication Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice communicating complex historical narratives to a general audience through presentations, articles for college magazines or local newspapers, or digital content. Explore opportunities to contribute to educational outreach programs, making history accessible and engaging for the public.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Digital storytelling tools, College media clubs, Public speaking workshops and events
Career Connection
Valuable for careers in journalism, cultural tourism, museum education, and advocacy, bridging academic knowledge with public engagement and promoting historical awareness in society.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) in History or an equivalent degree with at least 45% marks from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIMA 401 DSE | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Nature of Historical Research, Types of Sources (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary), Data Collection Techniques, Hypothesis Formulation and Research Design, Citation, Documentation, and Thesis Writing |
| HIMA 402 DSE (Specialization Elective Group G/H/I) | Archives and Museology | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Principles of Archival Management, Preservation and Conservation of Documents, Digital Archiving, Types of Museums and their Functions, Exhibition Design and Cultural Heritage Management |
| HIMA 403 DSE (Specialization Elective Group J/K/L) | Women in Indian History | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Position of Women in Ancient and Medieval India, Women and Social Reform Movements, Women in the National Movement, Gender and Colonialism, Women in Post-Independence India |
| HIMA 404 DSE | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Selection of Research Topic, Review of Literature, Formulation of Research Questions, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |




