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BA in History at Dr. S.D.R.R. Dani Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Dr. S.D.R.R. Dani Mahila Mahavidyalaya Bijnor?
This History program at Dr. Sri Dhannarayan Ramnarayan Dani Mahila Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with MJPRU, offers a comprehensive exploration of India''''s past and global historical events. It delves into political, social, economic, and cultural developments, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum is designed under NEP 2020, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach relevant to understanding contemporary Indian society.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in human civilization and its evolution. It suits students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, or heritage management. Individuals seeking to build a strong foundation in humanities and develop research capabilities for further postgraduate studies will find this specialization particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, and educators. It provides an excellent base for civil services (UPSC/PCS) examinations. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, growing with experience. Graduates also find opportunities in media, research, and policy analysis, contributing to public discourse and cultural preservation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding key historical periods, major dynasties, and socio-economic structures from Ancient and Medieval India. Develop a habit of chronological mapping and identifying cause-effect relationships. Participate in classroom discussions actively.
Tools & Resources
NCERT History textbooks (Class 6-12), Standard reference books (e.g., Upinder Singh, Satish Chandra), Online historical maps and timelines
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for advanced research, providing the necessary context for complex historical analyses.
Enhance Research and Critical Reading- (Semester 1-2)
Practice reading primary and secondary historical sources critically. Learn to identify biases, evaluate arguments, and synthesize information effectively. Start writing short analytical essays on assigned topics to refine your expression.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, JSTOR (through institutional access), Open access journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly archives)
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills vital for research, journalism, policy analysis, and any role requiring informed decision-making.
Join Historical Societies and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with college history clubs or departmental societies. Participate in historical debates, quizzes, and seminars to broaden your perspective and develop public speaking skills. Discuss historical interpretations with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
College History Department events, Inter-college history fests, Online forums for history enthusiasts
Career Connection
Builds a network, improves communication, and sharpens intellectual agility, beneficial for teaching, public relations, and academic pursuits.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Modern Indian History and Contemporary Issues- (Semester 3-5)
Deepen your understanding of Modern Indian History, focusing on nationalist movements and post-independence challenges. Connect historical events to contemporary Indian socio-political and economic issues to develop a holistic perspective.
Tools & Resources
Shekhar Bandyopadhyay''''s ''''From Plassey to Partition'''', Bipan Chandra''''s ''''India Since Independence'''', Current affairs magazines and newspapers
Career Connection
Essential for civil services aspirants, journalists, policy analysts, and anyone aiming to understand and contribute to modern India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Recognize how history intersects with other disciplines like political science, economics, sociology, and literature. Choose minor subjects or general electives that complement your historical studies and offer broader insights.
Tools & Resources
Cross-listed courses in other departments, Interdisciplinary seminars, Books on historical sociology or economic history
Career Connection
Enhances versatility, opening doors to careers in varied fields beyond traditional history, such as social research and cultural studies.
Participate in Field Studies and Heritage Walks- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for field visits to historical sites, museums, and archives. Participate in heritage walks in Bijnor or nearby cities to gain practical exposure to historical artifacts and their preservation challenges. Document your observations.
Tools & Resources
College-organized excursions, Local archaeological departments, Online resources for heritage sites
Career Connection
Provides practical experience vital for careers in archaeology, museology, heritage management, and cultural tourism.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
In the final year, choose a historical topic of interest and conduct in-depth research, culminating in a dissertation or major project. This involves extensive literature review, data collection, analysis, and academic writing under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Institutional library, research databases, Mentorship from faculty, Statistical software (if applicable for quantitative history)
Career Connection
Develops advanced research skills, crucial for postgraduate studies, academic roles, and research positions in think tanks or government agencies.
Prepare for Post-Graduate Studies or Civil Services- (Semester 6)
Identify your post-graduation goals early on. If pursuing higher education, research universities and prepare for entrance exams. For civil services, begin systematic preparation, including essay writing, current affairs, and optional subject readiness.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC study materials, NET/JRF exam guides, Career counseling services, Mock tests
Career Connection
Directly impacts entry into prestigious academic programs, government services, or research careers, ensuring a clear professional trajectory.
Develop Digital History Skills- (Semester 6)
Learn to use digital tools for historical research, data visualization, and archival management. Explore creating digital timelines, interactive maps, or online exhibits. Understand the ethical considerations of digital historical representation.
Tools & Resources
Google Arts & Culture, TimelineJS, StoryMapJS, Basic data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau Public), Digital archives (e.g., National Archives of India online)
Career Connection
Prepares for modern roles in digital humanities, data archiving, content creation, and leveraging technology for historical communication and education.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Approximately 132-140 (for the entire BA program, including major, minor, co-curricular, vocational subjects 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ101 | History of Ancient India (Up to 6th Century A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic cultures and Iron Age, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early States, Rise of Magadhan Empire, Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Dynasties: Sungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ201 | History of Ancient India (6th Century A.D. to 1206 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Gupta Empire: Administration, Society, Economy, Culture, Post-Gupta Period: Harshavardhana, Regional Kingdoms, Early Medieval Dynasties: Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Palas, Pratiharas, Chola Administration and Culture, Arab Conquest of Sindh, Ghaznavid and Ghorid Invasions, Social and Cultural Life in Early Medieval India |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ301 | History of Medieval India (1206 A.D. to 1526 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate: Slave, Khalji Dynasties, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis, Administration, Society, Economy under Sultanate, Art, Architecture, and Literature during Sultanate period, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Regional Kingdoms: Vijayanagara and Bahmani |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ401 | History of Medieval India (1526 A.D. to 1757 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Mughal Empire: Babur, Humayun, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar''''s Reign: Administration, Religious Policy, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb: Policies and Challenges, Mughal Administration, Society, and Economy, Art, Architecture, and Literature under Mughals, Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ501 | History of Modern India (1757 A.D. to 1857 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Independent States, Arrival and Expansion of European Powers, British Dominance, British Colonial Administration and Economic Impact, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857: Causes, Nature, and Impact, Land Revenue Settlements and their consequences |
| HISMJ502 | History of Modern India (1857 A.D. to 1947 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Aftermath of 1857 Revolt and British Policy Changes, Rise of Indian Nationalism: Moderate and Extremist Phases, Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement, Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement, Constitutional Developments (1909, 1919, 1935), Partition of India and Attainment of Independence |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISMJ601 | History of Contemporary India (1947 A.D. to Present) | Core (Major) | 4 | Challenges of Nation Building: Integration of Princely States, Refugees, Nehruvian Era: Political Consolidation, Economic Planning, India''''s Foreign Policy: Non-Alignment, Social and Economic Changes Post-Independence, Emergence of Regional Aspirations and Coalition Politics, Recent Developments in Indian History and Polity |
| HISMJ602 | Discipline Specific Elective (Example: History of Europe 1871-1945) | Elective (Major) | 4 | Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism, Causes, Course, and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolution (1917) and its impact, Inter-war period: Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Causes, Course, and Consequences of World War II, League of Nations and the origins of Cold War |
