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B-A in Medieval History at Girls Degree College, Bilgram
Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Medieval History at Girls Degree College, Bilgram Hardoi?
This B.A. program with a focus on Medieval History at Girls Degree College, Hardoi, offers an in-depth exploration of India''''s rich past, particularly concentrating on the medieval period from the 13th to 18th centuries. The curriculum, aligned with CSJMU''''s NEP 2020 framework, emphasizes critical thinking, historical research, and understanding socio-cultural dynamics. The program is vital for appreciating India''''s diverse heritage and its relevance in contemporary discourse, meeting the growing demand for expertise in cultural preservation and historical analysis.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream with a keen interest in history, particularly those aspiring for careers in civil services (UPSC, state PCS), museum management, archival research, or teaching. It also suits individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of India''''s historical evolution. Students with a strong aptitude for reading, analysis, and a desire to explore primary sources will find this specialization rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles as historians, archaeologists, museum curators, archivists, heritage consultants, and content writers. Many pursue civil services, with initial salaries ranging from INR 4-8 Lakhs per annum. Growth trajectories involve senior positions in government cultural departments or academic institutions, contributing significantly to India''''s cultural and educational sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read prescribed texts, historical monographs, and academic journals. Focus on understanding the historiography and differing interpretations of key events. Utilize the college library and online JSTOR/EBSCO access (if available through university) to broaden your reading. This builds foundational knowledge and critical analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR/EBSCO (if access provided), IGNOU e-content for History
Career Connection
Develops a deep understanding of historical contexts crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for academic research.
Master Academic Writing and Source Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing structured essays, book reviews, and critical analyses of primary and secondary sources. Learn to identify biases, evaluate evidence, and construct coherent arguments. Participate in writing workshops or seek feedback from professors to refine your academic expression.
Tools & Resources
University writing guides, Professors'''' feedback, Online academic writing tutorials
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research roles, content creation, and crafting persuasive answers in civil services exams.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex historical concepts, share insights, and debate different perspectives. Present your findings to peers to enhance communication and critical thinking. This collaborative learning solidifies understanding and introduces diverse viewpoints.
Tools & Resources
College common rooms, Online collaborative platforms (e.g., Google Meet), History department notice boards for discussion prompts
Career Connection
Improves communication skills, fosters teamwork, and helps in preparing for group discussions often part of competitive selection processes.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Local Historical Sites and Museums- (Semester 3-5)
Organize visits to nearby historical sites, monuments, and museums. Connect classroom learning with tangible historical evidence. Document your observations through field notes, photographs, and short reports. This practical exposure deepens understanding of material culture and heritage.
Tools & Resources
Local museums (e.g., State Museum Lucknow), Historical sites in Hardoi/Kanpur regions, Field journals, Camera
Career Connection
Develops skills relevant for archaeology, museum studies, heritage management, and provides firsthand knowledge for competitive exams.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects on Medieval Topics- (Semester 3-5)
Under faculty guidance, choose specific Medieval History topics for small research projects. Practice identifying research questions, locating sources (e.g., digitised manuscripts, historical records), and presenting findings. This fosters independent research and analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
College/University Library''''s digital archives, National Archives of India (online resources), JNU e-journals for History
Career Connection
Prepares for dissertation writing, academic research positions, and enhances problem-solving skills valued in various professional fields.
Participate in History Competitions and Quizzes- (Semester 3-5)
Join inter-college history quizzes, essay writing competitions, or debate clubs focused on historical themes. These activities sharpen quick recall, factual knowledge, and public speaking skills. They also provide networking opportunities with peers from other institutions.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Online history quiz platforms, History magazines and books
Career Connection
Boosts confidence, improves general knowledge for competitive exams, and helps develop presentation and articulation abilities.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Civil Services and NET/JRF- (Semester 6)
Focus on comprehensive revision of all historical periods, with an emphasis on Medieval India, for competitive exams like UPSC, state PCS, and UGC NET/JRF. Practice previous year question papers, join mock test series, and refine answer writing strategies. Seek guidance from alumni who have cleared these exams.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PCS previous year papers, Standard reference books, Online coaching platforms, Alumni network
Career Connection
Directly targets high-demand government jobs and opens pathways for academic careers as professors or researchers.
Pursue Internships in Heritage or Archival Institutions- (Semester 6 (during breaks or alongside studies))
Seek internships at local or national museums, archives (e.g., National Archives of India), heritage sites, or cultural organizations. Gain practical experience in documentation, conservation, research, and public engagement. This provides invaluable real-world exposure and professional networking.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Direct applications to heritage organizations, Faculty recommendations
Career Connection
Builds a professional portfolio, enhances employability in cultural and heritage sectors, and provides clarity on career paths.
Develop Digital History Skills- (Semester 6)
Learn basic digital tools for historical research, such as creating timelines, mapping historical data (GIS), or curating digital exhibits. Understand how technology aids in historical preservation and dissemination. This modernizes your skill set for the evolving job market.
Tools & Resources
Google Arts & Culture, Timetoast, ArcGIS (basic level), Online tutorials for digital humanities tools
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in digital archiving, cultural content creation, historical journalism, and research projects utilizing technology.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination passed from a recognized board in any stream, as per NEP 2020 university guidelines.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 144 (for complete B.A. program as per NEP 2020, Major History subjects account for 48 credits) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO101T | Ideas of Bharat | Major Core | 4 | Concept of Bharatvarsha, Indian Knowledge Traditions, Dharma and Philosophy, State and Governance in Ancient India, Ancient Indian Art and Culture |
| BAHO102T | The Indian History: From Beginning to C. 1206 A.D. | Major Core | 4 | Pre-historic Cultures, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Mahajanapada Period, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Era, Gupta Age and Post-Gupta Period, Early Medieval Dynasties |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO201T | State in India | Major Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought, Mauryan and Gupta Administration, Mughal and Maratha State, Colonial State Structure, Modern Indian Constitution |
| BAHO202T | Indian History: C. 1206-1757 A.D. | Major Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate Administration and Society, Rise of Regional Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Foundation and Expansion, Akbar''''s Policies and Administration, Decline of the Mughal Empire |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO301T | Society & Economy in India | Major Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Social Structure, Varna and Jati System, Medieval Indian Society and Economy, Agrarian Relations and Trade, Urbanization and Craft Production, Colonial Economic Policies |
| BAHO302T | Indian History: C. 1757-1950 A.D. | Major Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of British Power, British Colonial Administration, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857, Indian Nationalism and Independence Movement, Partition and Post-Independence Challenges |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO401T | Culture in India | Major Core | 4 | Religious Movements and Bhakti-Sufi Traditions, Art and Architecture (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Education and Literature, Science and Technology in India, Cultural Synthesis and Diversity |
| BAHO402T | History of Europe: 1453-1815 A.D. | Major Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Rise of Nation States and Absolutism, Commercial Revolution and Mercantilism, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO501T | Research Methodology in History | Major Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Sources of History, Historical Method and Objectivity, Historiography: Schools of Thought, Research Design and Report Writing |
| BAHO502T | History of Europe: 1815-1945 A.D. | Major Core | 4 | Congress of Vienna and Age of Metternich, Revolutions of 1848 and Nation-State Formation, Industrial Revolution and Social Changes, Imperialism and Colonialism, World Wars and Rise of Totalitarianism |
| BAHO503T | History of USA: 1776-1945 A.D. | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - One to be chosen | 4 | American Revolution and Constitution, Expansion and Sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Gilded Age, World War I, Great Depression, World War II |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHO601T | Historical Interpretation | Major Core | 4 | Deterministic and Cyclical Interpretations, Idealist and Post-Modernist Views, Subaltern and Gender Studies, Environmental History, Oral History and Public History |
| BAHO602T | Contemporary World History (1945-2000 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Cold War and Bipolar World, Decolonization and Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations and International Organizations, Disintegration of USSR and Globalization, Regional Conflicts and New World Order |
| BAHO603T | History of USA: 1945-2000 A.D. | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - One to be chosen | 4 | Post-War America and Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War and Counterculture, Watergate and Political Crises, End of Cold War and New Challenges |
