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M-A in History at Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is History at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This M.A. History program at Guru Nanak Dev University focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian and world history, from ancient to contemporary periods. It delves into historiography, regional histories like Punjab, and specific socio-economic and political transformations. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking and research skills, preparing students for diverse roles in academia, research, and cultural heritage management, a field seeing growing demand in India due to increasing focus on preserving national heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline seeking a deeper understanding of historical processes. It also caters to aspiring researchers, civil service aspirants who require a strong foundation in history, and those looking to enter teaching or heritage management sectors in India. A keen interest in analytical thinking and textual interpretation is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators, and journalists. In India, opportunities exist in academic institutions, UPSC/State PSC roles, archaeological surveys, and NGOs working in heritage preservation. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, especially in public sector research or academia. The program provides a strong base for M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Historiographical Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding different schools of historical thought (nationalist, Marxist, subaltern, postmodern, etc.) taught in Historiography papers. Actively participate in class discussions and write critical essays to apply these approaches to historical events.
Tools & Resources
University Library (classic historical texts, academic journals), Online platforms (JSTOR for research papers), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for advanced research, critical analysis, and developing an academic voice, crucial for careers in research, academia, and policy analysis.
Master Chronological and Thematic Understanding of Indian History- (Semester 1-2)
Create detailed timelines and thematic mind maps for Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History. Focus on understanding cause-effect relationships, societal changes, and administrative structures across different eras. Regularly revise and test your knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Historical atlases, Standard textbooks (NCERT, Upinder Singh, Satish Chandra, Bipan Chandra), Online quizzes and historical documentaries
Career Connection
Forms the bedrock for civil services examinations, teaching roles, and any research focused on Indian historical periods.
Engage with Primary and Secondary Sources- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with examples of primary sources (inscriptions, coins, literary works, government records) and various types of secondary sources. Practice identifying biases and evaluating reliability. Attend workshops on source criticism if available.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s special collections, Digital archives (National Archives of India, British Library online), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Fundamental for any historical research, archival work, curatorial roles, and developing critical thinking skills valued across many professions.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Regional and Specialized Histories- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize the elective papers (e.g., History of Punjab, South East Asia, Europe) to specialize and gain in-depth knowledge in areas of personal interest. Conduct small research projects or extended essays on specific topics within your chosen electives.
Tools & Resources
Specialized monographs, Regional history journals, Expert faculty mentorship, Online academic databases
Career Connection
Helps in developing expertise for advanced research (M.Phil/Ph.D), specialized journalism, or roles in regional museums and cultural institutions.
Hone Research and Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to write research papers beyond assignments. Focus on structuring arguments, using evidence effectively, and adhering to academic citation styles. Consider presenting a paper at a student history conference or submitting to an undergraduate journal.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley for bibliography management, University writing center, Feedback from professors
Career Connection
Directly prepares for M.Phil./Ph.D. dissertation writing, academic publications, and any career requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
Participate in History-focused Extracurriculars- (Semester 3-4)
Join the History Association or club, participate in debates, quizzes, and historical field trips organized by the department or other institutions. Attend public lectures and seminars by visiting scholars to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Department notice boards, University event calendars, Social media groups for history enthusiasts
Career Connection
Enhances networking opportunities, develops leadership and teamwork skills, and provides practical exposure to historical sites and discussions, beneficial for cultural tourism or heritage roles.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Civil Services or Academic Entrance Exams- (Semester 3-4)
If aspiring for Civil Services, dedicate time to study the History optional syllabus in parallel, leveraging your MA knowledge. For academia, focus on NET/SLET preparation by solving previous year papers and revising core historical concepts and historiography.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC previous year papers, NET/SLET study guides and mock tests, Coaching institute materials (if opted), Peer study groups for collaborative learning
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into coveted government positions or an academic career as an Assistant Professor, significantly impacting career trajectory.
Develop Digital History Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Explore tools and methods for digital history, such as data visualization of historical trends, archival research using digital databases, or creating digital narratives. Consider a short online course or workshop to enhance these modern research skills.
Tools & Resources
Online digital humanities courses (e.g., Coursera, edX), Data visualization tools (Tableau Public, TimelineJS), Digital archival platforms (National Digital Library of India)
Career Connection
Opens doors to roles in digital archiving, data journalism, academic research with digital methodologies, and tech-driven heritage projects.
Seek Mentorship for Career Guidance- (Semester 3-4)
Identify professors or alumni in your desired career path (e.g., museum, research, civil services) and seek their guidance on further studies, internship opportunities, or job applications. Attend career workshops organized by the university.
Tools & Resources
University alumni network, Department faculty for one-on-one sessions, LinkedIn for professional networking, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Provides valuable insights, networking opportunities, and tailored advice for navigating the job market or academic progression, increasing chances of successful placement/admission.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (10+2+3 system) with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) or equivalent examination.
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHL-101 | Historiography - I (Concepts, Approaches and Theories) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Causation and Objectivity in History, Philosophy of History, Nationalist Approach to Indian History, Marxist and Subaltern Historiography, Gender and Oral History |
| MHL-102 | History of Ancient India upto C. 700 A.D. | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan and Vedic Civilizations, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Jainism/Buddhism, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Period, Gupta Empire and its Administration, Post-Gupta Developments (Harsha) |
| MHL-103 | History of Medieval India (C. 700 - C. 1550 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Emergence of Rajputs and Arab Conquest of Sindh, Ghaznavid and Ghorid Invasions, Foundation and Expansion of Delhi Sultanate, Administration and Decline of Delhi Sultanate, Rise of Provincial Kingdoms (Vijaynagar, Bahmani) |
| MHL-104 | History of Modern India (C. 1750 - C. 1850 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Coming of European Trading Companies, Anglo-French Rivalry and British Expansion in Bengal, Conquest of Mysore, Marathas, and Punjab, Early British Administration and Policies, Economic and Social Impact of British Rule |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHL-201 | Historiography - II (Recent Trends and Indian Historiography) | Core | 4 | Post-Modernism and Environmental History, Digital History and Cultural History, Regional and Subaltern Historiography, Communal and Economic Nationalist Historiography, Imperialist Historiography and its Critiques, New Social History and Gender Perspectives |
| MHL-202 | History of Ancient India (C. 700 A.D. to C. 1200 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Emergence of Regional States (Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas), Chola Empire and its Administration, Rajput States and Political System, Indian Feudalism Debate, Social and Economic Conditions, Religious Developments, Art and Architecture |
| MHL-203 | History of Medieval India (C. 1550 - C. 1750 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Consolidation of Mughal Empire (Akbar''''s Policies), Mughal Administration and Nobility, Mughal Society, Economy, and Culture, Architecture and Painting under Mughals, Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Marathas and Sikh Misls |
| MHL-204 | History of Modern India (C. 1850 - C. 1964 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Revolt of 1857: Causes and Impact, British Colonial Policies (Administration, Economy, Education), Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era and Independence Movement, Partition of India and its Aftermath, Post-Independence Challenges and Nation-Building |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHL-301 A | History of Punjab (From Earliest Times to C. 1000 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Sources for Ancient Punjab History, Pre-Harappan and Harappan Cultures in Punjab, Rig Vedic and Later Vedic Period, Mahajanapadas, Mauryans, Kushanas, Guptas and Post-Gupta Era, Ancient Dynasties and Social Life |
| MHL-302 A | History of Punjab (C. 1000 A.D. to C. 1708 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Turkish Invasions and their Impact, Delhi Sultanate in Punjab, Bhakti Movement and Sufism, Sikh Gurus: Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Arjan Dev, Sikh Gurus: Guru Hargobind to Guru Gobind Singh, Mughal Rule and Socio-Economic Conditions |
| MHL-303 A | History of South East Asia (C. 1800 - C. 1950 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | European Imperialism in Southeast Asia, Colonial Administrations and Policies, Nationalism and Independence Movements in Indonesia, Nationalism in Vietnam and the Philippines, Nationalism in Myanmar, Malaya, and Thailand, Second World War and its Impact on Decolonization |
| MHL-304 A | History of Europe (C. 1789 - C. 1919 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | French Revolution and its Impact, Napoleonic Era and Congress of Vienna, Revolutions of 1830 and 1848, Unification of Italy and Germany, Industrial Revolution and its Consequences, Rise of Imperialism and First World War |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHL-401 A | History of Punjab (C. 1708 A.D. to C. 1849 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Post-Guru Gobind Singh Period and Sikh Struggle, Rise of Sikh Misls and their Consolidation, Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Rise to Power, Ranjit Singh''''s Administration and Reforms, Anglo-Sikh Relations and Treaties, First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars and Annexation |
| MHL-402 A | History of Punjab (C. 1849 A.D. to C. 1966 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | British Administration in Punjab after Annexation, Land Revenue and Canal Colonies, Social and Religious Reform Movements (Singh Sabha, Arya Samaj), Nationalist Movement in Punjab, Partition of Punjab: Causes and Consequences, Reorganization of Punjab State |
| MHL-403 A | History of East Asia (C. 1800 - C. 1949 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | China: Opium Wars and Unequal Treaties, Taiping Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion, Fall of Qing Dynasty and Rise of Republic, Chinese Nationalism and Communist Party, Japan: Meiji Restoration and Modernization, Japanese Imperialism and Rise as a Power |
| MHL-404 A | History of Europe (C. 1919 - C. 1991 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations, Rise of Totalitarian Regimes (Fascism, Nazism), Second World War: Causes and Consequences, Cold War: Origins and Development, Decolonization and New World Order, Collapse of Soviet Union and End of Cold War |
