

BA in History at G.V.V.'s Shri Shantaveer Arts College


Vijayapura, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at G.V.V.'s Shri Shantaveer Arts College Vijayapura?
This History program at Gramantar Vidya Vardhak Sangh''''s Shri Shantaveer Arts and Commerce College focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian and world history, from ancient civilizations to contemporary developments. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of past events and their impact on present societies. The program prepares students for diverse roles in academia, research, cultural heritage, and public service, meeting the growing demand for informed historical perspectives in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in humanities, social sciences, and a passion for exploring the past. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, archival science, museum curation, civil services, journalism, or policy analysis. Students from arts, commerce, or science streams with strong analytical and reading comprehension skills, eager to delve into societal evolution and cultural heritage, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in historical research, archaeology, museology, teaching (school and college level), government services (UPSC, KPSC), content writing, and heritage tourism in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The analytical and research skills developed are highly valued, offering strong growth trajectories in various public and private sectors in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Comprehension Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with historical texts, primary and secondary sources. Focus on understanding context, author''''s perspective, and underlying arguments. Regular practice of summarizing complex readings and identifying key themes.
Tools & Resources
University library, National Digital Library of India (NDLI), Shodhganga for dissertations, Open-access historical journals
Career Connection
Essential for research, journalism, civil services, and any role requiring critical analysis of extensive information and effective knowledge synthesis.
Master Note-Taking and Essay Writing Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Learn effective note-taking during lectures and from readings, using methods like Cornell or outlining. Practice structuring historical essays with clear arguments, evidence-based reasoning, and proper citation methods. Seek regular feedback from professors.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Academic writing guides, Peer review groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Crucial for academic success, writing research papers, excelling in competitive exams, and drafting professional reports or policy documents.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss historical concepts, debate interpretations, and prepare for examinations. Actively participate in classroom discussions to articulate your understanding and refine arguments and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
College common rooms, Online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs), Department seminars and student forums
Career Connection
Enhances communication, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities, which are vital for collaborative research and diverse professional environments.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Local History and Field Visits- (Semester 3-4)
Undertake visits to local historical sites, museums, and archives in Karnataka, especially around Vijayapura. Participate in guided tours and document your observations, connecting them to classroom learning and theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Karnataka State Archaeology Department, Local museums, Historical societies, Tourism department resources
Career Connection
Develops a practical understanding of heritage management and conservation, useful for archaeology, museology, and heritage tourism sectors.
Develop Basic Research and Archival Skills- (Semester 4-5)
Learn how to identify, locate, and use primary sources effectively. Practice archival etiquette, basic conservation principles for historical documents, and introductory methods for conducting small research projects on specific historical topics.
Tools & Resources
University archives, Karnataka State Archives, Online archival portals, Institutional libraries
Career Connection
Fundamental for advanced research, M.A. and Ph.D. studies, and roles in archives, libraries, and content development.
Participate in Academic Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend history department seminars, guest lectures by renowned historians, and inter-collegiate workshops focused on historical methodology or specific periods. Consider presenting a paper at a student conference to build confidence.
Tools & Resources
College event calendars, University notices, Professional history associations in India, Online webinar platforms
Career Connection
Boosts academic profile, facilitates networking with scholars, and enhances presentation skills crucial for academic and public speaking roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Internship in a Related Field- (Semester 6-7 (during breaks or project duration))
Seek internships at museums, archaeological survey departments, heritage foundations, or NGOs working on cultural preservation. Gain practical experience in documentation, conservation, exhibition design, or historical research.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Direct outreach to organizations like ASI, INTACH
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience, builds a professional network, and often leads to job opportunities in heritage, culture, research, or non-profit sectors.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Higher Studies- (Semester 7-8)
Systematically prepare for civil services examinations (UPSC, KPSC), NET/SET for lectureship, or entrance exams for postgraduate history programs. Focus on general studies and the history optional papers.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes, Online test series, Previous year question papers, Reference books for Indian history and general knowledge
Career Connection
Direct pathway to prestigious government jobs in India (e.g., IAS, KAS), academic careers as professors, and advanced research opportunities.
Develop a Research Dissertation or Project- (Semester 7-8)
For Honours with Research, dedicate significant effort to your dissertation. Choose a focused topic, conduct in-depth research using primary and secondary sources, write a structured thesis, and prepare for its defense and viva voce.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors for guidance, University research databases, Academic software for citation management (e.g., Zotero), Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, a key skill for advanced research roles, Ph.D. admissions, and analytical positions in think tanks or policy units.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in PUC/10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board, with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates).
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 1.1 | History of India - I (Earliest Times to 300 CE) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Cultures of India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early States, Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 2.1 | History of India - II (c. 300 CE to 1206 CE) | Core | 4 | Gupta Empire and its Administration, Post-Gupta Dynasties (Harsha), Pallavas and Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas and Kalyana Chalukyas, Emergence of Rajputs, Early Medieval Socio-Economic Conditions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 3.1 | History of India - III (c. 1206 CE to 1707 CE) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara and Bahamani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Administration and Culture, Rise of Maratha Power, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Art and Architecture of Medieval India |
| SEC 3.1 | Heritage Management | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Concept and Types of Heritage, Legal Framework for Heritage, Principles of Heritage Conservation, Heritage Tourism and Marketing, Role of ASI and UNESCO, Challenges in Heritage Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 4.1 | History of India - IV (c. 1707 CE to 1947 CE) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, British Conquest and Consolidation, Colonial Economy and Administration, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Indian Nationalist Movement and Partition |
| SEC 4.1 | Fundamentals of Tourism | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Concept and Scope of Tourism, Types of Tourism (Cultural, Eco), Tourist Destinations in India, Impact of Tourism (Economic, Social), Tourism Policies and Promotion, Role of Government and Private Sectors |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 5.1 | History of Karnataka - I (Earliest Times to 1799 CE) | Core | 4 | Sources of Karnataka History, Early Dynasties (Kadambas, Gangas), Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas, Vijayanagara and Bahamani Kingdoms, Mysore Wodeyars, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan |
| DSE 5.2 | History of Europe (1789-1945 CE) | Elective | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Rise of Nationalism and Liberalism, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, World Wars I and II |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 6.1 | History of Karnataka - II (1800 CE to Present) | Core | 4 | British Rule in Karnataka, Mysore Administration, Integration of Princely States, Karnataka Unification Movement, Post-Independence Karnataka Politics, Socio-Economic Developments in Modern Karnataka |
| DSE 6.2 | World Civilizations | Elective | 4 | Mesopotamian Civilization, Egyptian Civilization, Greek Civilization, Roman Civilization, Ancient Chinese Civilization, Feudalism and Rise of Islam |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDSC 7.1 | Historiography | Major Discipline Specific Course | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Subjectivity in History, Historical Causation and Interpretation, Major Schools of History (Annales, Subaltern), Great Historians (Herodotus, Thucydides, Ranke), Debates in Contemporary Historiography |
| MDSC 7.2 | Research Methodology in History | Major Discipline Specific Course | 4 | Concept of Research and Research Design, Types of Historical Sources (Primary, Secondary), Data Collection Methods (Oral History, Archival), Critical Analysis of Historical Evidence, Report Writing and Citation Styles, Ethics in Historical Research |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDSC 8.1 | Select Themes in Indian History | Major Discipline Specific Course | 4 | Agrarian Structures and Land Relations, Urbanization and Trade Networks, Social Stratification and Caste System, Religious Movements and Cultural Developments, Impact of Colonialism on Indian Society, Regional Autonomies and Subaltern Narratives |
| MDSC 8.2 | Dissertation / Project | Project | 6 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Structure and Writing of Dissertation, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Examination |




