.png&w=1920&q=75)
MA in History at Gyanpeeth Degree College
Baksa, Assam
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is History at Gyanpeeth Degree College Baksa?
This MA History program at Gyanpeeth Degree College, affiliated with Bodoland University, offers a comprehensive exploration of India''''s past, alongside significant global and regional historical narratives. It delves into political, social, economic, and cultural transformations, fostering critical analytical skills. The program''''s focus on diverse historiographical traditions is particularly relevant in the Indian academic landscape, preparing students for research and teaching.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates seeking deeper knowledge and entry into academia or research roles. It also suits individuals aspiring for competitive civil services exams in India, where a strong foundation in history is crucial. Furthermore, working professionals in education or cultural heritage sectors looking to enhance their credentials and understanding of historical research methods will find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, and educators in schools and colleges. They are well-prepared for research positions in think tanks or governmental bodies, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The analytical and research skills acquired are also valuable for journalism and public policy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Research & Critical Reading Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on extensively reading primary and secondary sources, understanding different historiographical approaches, and critically evaluating historical arguments. Engage in regular discussions on complex historical debates to sharpen analytical thinking.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, JSTOR, Google Scholar, reputable history journals, departmental seminars
Career Connection
Essential for academic research, civil services essay writing, and developing a nuanced perspective crucial for any history-related profession.
Master Regional and National History Context- (Semester 1-2)
Pay special attention to the interconnectedness of Assam''''s history with the broader Indian narrative. Create detailed timelines and thematic notes to understand causal relationships and long-term historical processes. Participate in local history walks or heritage site visits.
Tools & Resources
Regional historical societies, Assam State Museum, online resources on North-East Indian history
Career Connection
Provides a unique regional specialization highly valued in state-level competitive exams, local heritage management, and regional studies research.
Engage in Peer Learning and Academic Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss challenging texts and prepare for internal assessments and end-semester exams. Actively participate in classroom debates and departmental discussions to articulate historical perspectives clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, online collaborative tools, department notice boards
Career Connection
Enhances communication and presentation skills vital for teaching, public speaking, and collaborative research projects.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Elective Choices & In-depth Study- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective papers that align with long-term career goals or research interests (e.g., North-East Indian History for regional roles, Economic Thought for policy roles). Go beyond syllabus requirements in selected areas.
Tools & Resources
Consult faculty advisors, explore advanced readings, attend specialized workshops
Career Connection
Builds a niche expertise, making graduates more competitive for specific research grants, PhD programs, or specialized roles in heritage and public history.
Undertake Historical Project Work/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4 (Dissertation typically spans across the final year))
If the dissertation option is chosen, identify a research topic early, conduct thorough primary and secondary research, develop a robust methodology, and present findings in a structured thesis. For non-dissertation, focus on extensive term papers.
Tools & Resources
University archives, digital humanities tools, reference management software, guidance from supervisor
Career Connection
Develops independent research capability, thesis writing skills, and project management, which are critical for MPhil/PhD admissions, research positions, and even competitive exam essay writing.
Network with Historians & Attend Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to interact with visiting scholars, attend webinars, and participate in history conferences (even virtual ones). Build connections with faculty members and alumni for mentorship and guidance on career paths.
Tools & Resources
Departmental events, university lecture series, online academic communities, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Opens doors to research collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and insights into academic and non-academic career trajectories in history.
Advanced Stage
Refine Research and Academic Writing for Publication/Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
For those considering MPhil/PhD or academic careers, refine dissertation chapters or term papers into publishable articles. Focus on clarity, academic rigor, and adherence to journal guidelines. Seek feedback from professors.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, peer review with faculty, relevant journal submission portals
Career Connection
Enhances CV for academic positions, improves chances of securing PhD admissions with scholarships, and demonstrates intellectual maturity.
Prepare Strategically for Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Integrate MA studies with preparation for UPSC Civil Services, UGC NET, SLET, or state-level PSC exams. Focus on general studies papers, history optional, and current affairs. Practice answer writing and mock tests regularly.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, previous year question papers, current affairs magazines, dedicated study groups
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing prestigious government jobs, teaching positions (Assistant Professor), and research fellowships across India.
Explore Career Diversification & Skill Enhancement- (Semester 4)
Look beyond traditional academic roles. Explore opportunities in heritage tourism, documentary filmmaking, archival management, or public policy analysis. Develop related soft skills like digital literacy, public speaking, and project management.
Tools & Resources
Online certification courses (NPTEL, Coursera), career counseling services, informational interviews
Career Connection
Broadens employability, makes graduates adaptable to evolving job markets, and helps in identifying non-conventional but fulfilling career paths in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor Degree (10+2+3 pattern) in History or equivalent examination from Bodoland University or other recognized Universities with a minimum of 45% marks in Major/Honours or in aggregate for General category and 40% for SC/ST/OBC/MOBC categories.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C 101 | Ancient Indian History (From Earliest Times to 650 AD) | Core | 5 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early States, Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Period and Gupta Age, South Indian Dynasties |
| HIS C 102 | History of Assam (Early to 1826 AD) | Core | 5 | Sources of History of Assam, Pre-Ahom Assam, Ahom Rule: Polity and Society, Economy and Culture of Assam, Decline of Ahom Kingdom, Burmese Invasion of Assam |
| HIS C 103 | History of Europe (1453-1789 AD) | Core | 5 | Renaissance and Reformation, Rise of Nation States and Absolutism, Commercial Revolution, Thirty Years'''' War and Peace of Westphalia, Enlightened Despotism, Background to French Revolution |
| HIS C 104 | Major Trends in Indian Historiography | Core | 5 | Early Indian Historiographical Traditions, Colonial Historiography, Nationalist Historiography, Marxist Historiography, Subaltern Studies, Post-Modernism and New Trends |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C 201 | Indian History (650-1550 AD) | Core | 5 | Early Medieval India: Dynasties and Polity, Delhi Sultanate: Foundation and Expansion, Society, Economy and Culture under Sultanate, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Regional Kingdoms and Art |
| HIS C 202 | History of Modern Assam (1826-1947 AD) | Core | 5 | Annexation of Assam by British, British Administration and Revenue System, Socio-Economic Changes, Growth of Nationalism in Assam, Peasant Uprisings and Language Movement, Assam and Indian Independence |
| HIS C 203 | History of Europe (1789-1914 AD) | Core | 5 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Revolutions of 1830 and 1848, Unification of Italy and Germany, Industrial Revolution and Social Changes, Imperialism and Colonialism |
| HIS C 204 | History of India (1550-1757 AD) | Core | 5 | Mughal Empire: Akbar to Aurangzeb, Mughal Administration and Economy, Mughal Society and Culture, Rise of Marathas, Decline of Mughal Empire, Emergence of Regional Powers |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C 301 | Modern Indian History (1757-1947 AD) | Core | 5 | British Expansion and Consolidation, Colonial Economy and Administration, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Rise and Growth of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Partition of India |
| HIS C 302 | History of Modern World (1914-1991 AD) | Core | 5 | First World War and Russian Revolution, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Second World War, Cold War: Origins and Phases, Decolonization and New World Order, United Nations and International Relations |
| HIS E 303 (I) | History of North-East India (From earliest times to 1826 AD) | Elective (Group I Option) | 5 | Pre-historic North-East India, Early Kingdoms: Kamrupa, Kachari, Tripura, Ahom-Koch Relations and Conflicts, Tribal Polities and Migrations, Society, Economy and Culture in Early NE, Impact of External Relations |
| HIS E 303 (II) | History of USA (1776-1945 AD) | Elective (Group II Option) | 5 | American Revolution and Constitution, Expansion, Sectionalism and Civil War, Reconstruction Era, Industrialization and Progressive Era, World War I and Great Depression, World War II and US Role |
| HIS E 304 (I) | History of China and Japan (1839-1949 AD) | Elective (Group I Option) | 5 | Opium Wars and Unequal Treaties, Taiping Rebellion and Reform Movements in China, Rise of Nationalism: Sun Yat-sen, Meiji Restoration in Japan, Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, Rise of Militarism and Communism |
| HIS E 304 (II) | History of Economic Thought in India | Elective (Group II Option) | 5 | Ancient Indian Economic Ideas (Kautilya), Economic Impact of Colonial Rule, Drain of Wealth Theory, Gandhian Economic Thought, Nehruvian Economic Model, Economic Liberalization and its Impact |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C 401 | Social & Cultural History of India (c. 18th to 20th Century) | Core | 5 | Changing Social Structure and New Classes, Religious Reform Movements and Revivalism, Education, Print Culture and Public Sphere, Women''''s Question and Caste System, Art, Architecture and Literature, Regional Cultural Identities |
| HIS C 402 | Environmental History of India | Core | 5 | Human-Environment Interaction in Ancient India, Colonial Forest Policies and Exploitation, Water Management and Agriculture, Environmental Degradation and Movements, Sustainable Development Initiatives, Environmental Policies Post-Independence |
| HIS E 403 (I) | History of North-East India (1826-1947 AD) | Elective (Group I Option) | 5 | British Annexation and Administration in NE, Economic Exploitation: Tea Industry, Oil, Emergence of Nationalism and Regional Movements, Tribal Policies and Administration, Reforms and Constitutional Development, North-East India and the Partition |
| HIS E 403 (II) | History of USA (1945-2001 AD) | Elective (Group II Option) | 5 | Post-War America and Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War and Counterculture, Economic Transformation and Globalization, Rise of Conservatism, End of Cold War and 9/11 |
| HIS P 404 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 5 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Citation, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| HIS E 404 (I) | History of Contemporary East Asia (Since 1949) | Elective (Group I Option, Alternative to Dissertation) | 5 | Cold War in East Asia, Chinese Revolution and PRC, Economic Development in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Regional Conflicts and Geopolitics, Rise of China as a Global Power, Societal Changes in East Asia |
| HIS E 404 (II) | Archaeology and Museology in India | Elective (Group II Option, Alternative to Dissertation) | 5 | Principles and Methods of Archaeology, Excavation Techniques and Dating Methods, Introduction to Museology, Museum Management and Conservation, Heritage Management in India, Public Archaeology and Education |
