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M-A in Historical Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University
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Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Historical Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This M.A. Historical Studies program at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) focuses on developing rigorous analytical and research skills in diverse historical contexts. It delves into ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, alongside world history, emphasizing critical approaches and historiographical debates. The program is renowned for its in-depth exploration of socio-economic, political, and cultural transformations, reflecting the rich and complex tapestry of India''''s past and present.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates with a strong interest in history, seeking advanced academic training and research opportunities. It suits fresh graduates aspiring to careers in academia, archives, museums, or public policy. Working professionals in education or cultural heritage sectors looking to deepen their expertise and critical thinking will also find it beneficial. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 50% marks are eligible for admission.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, researchers, journalists, and civil servants. Opportunities also exist in publishing, academic research, and think tanks focusing on policy analysis. While direct salary figures vary widely, entry-level roles can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialization. The program lays a strong foundation for M.Phil and Ph.D. studies, aligning with academic progression.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding the foundational theories and key historical periods (Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, World History). Regularly review lecture notes, engage in tutorials, and read prescribed texts thoroughly to build a strong base.
Tools & Resources
JNU library resources, Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Peer study groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced research, competitive examinations (UPSC, NET), and academic roles, ensuring a robust understanding of historical evolution and debates.
Develop Critical Reading and Source Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice dissecting primary and secondary historical sources. Learn to identify biases, evaluate evidence, and construct reasoned arguments. Engage actively in seminar discussions and challenge assumptions with evidence-based reasoning.
Tools & Resources
JNU writing centre, Academic journals, Critical thinking workshops, Mentorship from senior students
Career Connection
Essential for research, journalism, policy analysis, and any role requiring informed decision-making and evidence-based reasoning, highly valued in diverse professional fields.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and student forums. Connect with professors, senior researchers, and peers to discuss ideas and gain diverse perspectives. JNU offers a vibrant intellectual community.
Tools & Resources
Departmental events, JNU student organizations, Academic conferences (online/offline), Professional social networks like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Facilitates future research collaborations, job referrals, and mentorship opportunities, crucial for career progression in academia, research, and related cultural fields in India and abroad.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Early Research & Specialization Exploration- (Semester 3)
Begin exploring potential areas of specialization by delving deeper into optional courses. Undertake small research projects or extended essays, even before the dissertation, to refine interests and skills.
Tools & Resources
CHS faculty expertise, JNU archives, Relevant online historical repositories, Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Helps in identifying specific research interests for M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions and builds a practical portfolio for research-oriented roles in think tanks, NGOs, or cultural institutions in India.
Participate in Academic Writing and Presentation- (Semester 3)
Hone academic writing skills for essays, reviews, and research papers. Practice presenting historical arguments clearly and concisely in seminars and departmental events, seeking constructive feedback.
Tools & Resources
JNU language and writing workshops, Feedback from professors, Peer review sessions, Academic publishing guidelines
Career Connection
Vital for academic careers, grant applications, publishing scholarly articles, and public speaking roles in education, media, or policy advocacy, enhancing professional credibility.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3)
Leverage JNU''''s diverse academic environment to understand history''''s intersections with other social sciences like sociology, political science, and economics. This broadens analytical perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
Tools & Resources
Elective courses from other centres/schools (if permitted), Inter-departmental seminars, Joint research projects
Career Connection
Makes graduates more versatile for roles in policy analysis, international relations, and development studies, highly valued in India''''s complex socio-political and economic landscape.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research and Writing- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to rigorous primary and secondary research for the MA dissertation. Develop a clear research question, methodology, and narrative structure, demonstrating independent scholarly capability.
Tools & Resources
JNU library''''s vast collection, Archival visits (e.g., National Archives of India), One-on-one mentorship with dissertation supervisor, Academic software for citations
Career Connection
The dissertation is a capstone project demonstrating independent research capability, crucial for Ph.D. admissions, specialist research roles, and esteemed positions in Indian academic and research institutions.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for competitive examinations (UPSC Civil Services, UGC NET for Assistant Professorship), Ph.D. applications, or specific job interviews. Network with alumni in desired fields for insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
JNU Career Guidance and Placement Cell, Alumni association, Online test preparation platforms, Mock interviews and resume workshops
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures a smooth transition into chosen career paths, whether in academia, government, cultural sectors, or media, maximizing employment prospects post-graduation.
Engage in Public History and Outreach- (Semester 4)
Explore avenues for sharing historical knowledge with a broader audience through popular articles, museum volunteering, heritage walks, or social media initiatives, making history accessible and relevant.
Tools & Resources
History clubs and student journals, Internships with NGOs working in heritage preservation, Digital history projects, Participation in public seminars
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, increases professional visibility, and opens up careers in public outreach, heritage management, historical journalism, and educational content creation, fostering civic engagement.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 pattern of education with at least 50% marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 401 | Ancient Indian History I | Core | 4 | Approaches to Early India, Sources of Ancient Indian History, Prehistory and Indus Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods, Early State Formation in North India |
| HS 402 | Medieval Indian History I | Core | 4 | Historiography of Medieval India, Early Medieval India (7th-12th C.), The Delhi Sultanate, State, Society and Economy under Sultanate, Rise of Regional Powers |
| HS 403 | Modern Indian History I | Core | 4 | Approaches to Modern India, Colonialism and Empire, Early Colonial State and Society, Economy under Colonial Rule, Social and Religious Reform Movements |
| HS 404 | History of the World I | Core | 4 | Approaches to World History, Early Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt), Ancient Empires (Greece, Rome), Feudalism and its Transitions, Renaissance and Reformation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 405 | Ancient Indian History II | Core | 4 | The Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Developments, The Gupta Age, Urbanisation and Trade Networks, Religion, Philosophy, and Society |
| HS 406 | Medieval Indian History II | Core | 4 | The Mughal Empire, State, Society, and Economy under Mughals, Mughal Culture and Administration, Regional Powers and Decline of Mughal Empire, Marathas and Sikhs |
| HS 407 | Modern Indian History II | Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments, Partition of India, Post-Independence India |
| HS 408 | History of the World II | Core | 4 | Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, French Revolution and its Impact, Industrial Revolution, Rise of Capitalism and Imperialism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 501 | Theory and Method in History | Core | 4 | Nature of Historical Knowledge, Objectivity and Causality, Historiographical Traditions (Positivist, Marxist), Annales School, Postmodernism and Subaltern Studies |
| HS 503 | History of Ancient Indian Social Structures and Processes | Elective | 4 | Social Stratification, Varna and Caste System, Family and Kinship, Gender and Sexuality, Social Mobility and Protest, Sources for Social History |
| HS 504 | Historical Geography of Early India | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Historical Geography, Sources and Methods, Regions and Boundaries, Settlement Patterns, Trade Routes and Networks, Environmental Impact |
| HS 505 | Religions and Cultures of Ancient India | Elective | 4 | Vedic Religion, Jainism and Buddhism, Hindu Traditions (Vaishnavism, Shaivism), Art and Architecture, Literary Traditions, Popular Beliefs and Practices |
| HS 506 | Political Processes in Early India | Elective | 4 | Early State Formation, Monarchy and Republics, Mauryan and Gupta Polity, Kingship Theories, Administration and Justice, Warfare and Diplomacy |
| HS 507 | Ancient Indian Economy | Elective | 4 | Agrarian Structure, Craft Production and Technology, Trade and Commerce, Currency and Exchange, Urban Economy, Land Grants and Revenue |
| HS 508 | Prehistory and Protohistory of India | Elective | 4 | Palaeolithic Cultures, Mesolithic and Neolithic Periods, Chalcolithic Cultures, Indus Valley Civilization, Dating Methods, Archaeological Evidence |
| HS 509 | Early Historical Archaeology | Elective | 4 | Archaeological Methods, Excavation Techniques, Material Culture Studies, Urbanisation in Early India, Religious Architecture, Epigraphy and Numismatics |
| HS 510 | State in Early India | Elective | 4 | Theories of State Formation, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan State, Gupta State, Segmentary State Model, Feudalism Debates, Regional States |
| HS 511 | History of Science and Technology in Ancient India | Elective | 4 | Astronomy and Mathematics, Metallurgy and Engineering, Medicine (Ayurveda), Agricultural Technologies, Crafts and Innovations, Philosophical Traditions of Science |
| HS 512 | Indian Ocean in Antiquity | Elective | 4 | Maritime Trade Networks, Port Cities and Harbours, Cultural Exchanges, Diaspora Communities, Shipbuilding Technology, Monsoon Winds and Navigation |
| HS 513 | History of Early South India | Elective | 4 | Sangam Age, Chola Dynasty, Pallavas and Pandyas, Agrarian and Social Structures, Trade and Urbanization, Art, Architecture, and Religion |
| HS 514 | Readings in Early Indian History | Elective | 4 | Critical Analysis of Primary Sources, Historiographical Debates, Major Scholarly Works, Interpretations of Key Events, Theoretical Frameworks, Research Methods |
| HS 515 | Gender and Sexuality in Early India | Elective | 4 | Theoretical Approaches to Gender, Sources for Gender History, Women in Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods, Sexuality and Marriage Practices, Patriarchy and Resistance, Representations in Texts and Art |
| HS 516 | Environment and Society in Early India | Elective | 4 | Environmental History Approaches, Climate and Landscape, Forests, Water, and Agriculture, Human-Animal Interactions, Ecological Knowledge Systems, Impact of Urbanization |
| HS 523 | Regional Societies in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Formation of Regional Kingdoms, Local Administration and Governance, Agrarian Structures and Peasantry, Sufi and Bhakti Traditions, Caste and Community Dynamics, Trade and Urban Centers |
| HS 524 | Land, Economy and Society in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Agrarian Systems (Iqta, Jagir), Land Rights and Tenures, Trade and Commercial Networks, Urban Economy and Craft Production, Socio-Economic Stratification, Technology and Irrigation |
| HS 525 | State, Institutions and Legitimation in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Theories of Kingship, Sultanate and Mughal State Structures, Bureaucracy and Nobility, Religious Institutions and State, Law and Justice, Rituals and Symbols of Power |
| HS 526 | Sufism and Bhakti in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Sufism, Sufi Orders and Practices, Bhakti Movement: Saints and Poets, Social Impact and Reform, Syncretic Traditions, State and Religious Movements |
| HS 527 | Urbanisation in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Growth of Cities, Urban Economy and Administration, Social Life in Cities, Crafts and Industries, Architecture and Planning, Urban Culture and Patronage |
| HS 528 | Technologies and Warfare in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Military Organization, Weaponry and Fortifications, Gunpowder Revolution, Naval Warfare, Impact of Technology on Society, Agricultural Technologies |
| HS 529 | Port Cities and Maritime Trade in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Major Port Cities, Trade Routes and Commodities, Merchant Communities, Indian Ocean Trade, European Trading Companies, Cultural Exchange |
| HS 530 | Readings in Medieval Indian History | Elective | 4 | Critique of Primary Sources, Major Historiographical Debates, Classical and Modern Works, Interpretations of Key Events, Concepts of Medieval Indian Society, Research Methods and Approaches |
| HS 531 | Social and Cultural History of Delhi | Elective | 4 | Delhi as a Historical City, Sultanate and Mughal Delhi, Urban Development and Planning, Social Life and Culture, Religious Syncretism, Colonial and Post-Colonial Delhi |
| HS 532 | Gender in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Gender and Patriarchy, Women in Royal Households, Religious Movements and Gender, Female Labour and Economy, Representations in Literature and Art, Case Studies of Women Rulers |
| HS 533 | Environment and Society in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Climatic Changes and Impact, Forests and Deforestation, Water Management Systems, Agriculture and Land Use, Famines and Epidemics, Urban Ecology |
| HS 543 | Peasantry and Agrarian Economy in Colonial India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Land Revenue Systems, Commercialization of Agriculture, Rural Indebtedness and Famines, Peasant Movements and Rebellions, Forest Policies and their Impact, Transformation of Rural Society |
| HS 544 | Capital and Colonialism | Elective | 4 | Theories of Imperialism, Colonial Economic Policies, Drain of Wealth Debate, Industrialization and De-industrialization, Colonial Modernity, Impact on Indian Economy |
| HS 545 | State, Law and Society in Colonial India | Elective | 4 | Colonial State Formation, Judicial System and Legal Reforms, Personal Laws, Caste and Community under Colonialism, Modern Education System, Prisons and Policing |
| HS 546 | Ideologies and Politics in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Liberalism and Constitutionalism, Nationalism and its Varieties, Communalism and Identity Politics, Socialism and Marxism, Gandhian Thought, Post-Colonial Political Thought |
| HS 547 | Urbanisation and Labour in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Growth of Colonial Cities, Industrialization and Factory System, Emergence of Labour Class, Labour Movements and Trade Unions, Urban Social Life, Migration and Urban Poverty |
| HS 548 | Nationalism and Partition | Elective | 4 | Theories of Nationalism, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Communal Politics, Towards Partition, Violence and Displacement, Legacies of Partition |
| HS 549 | Education and Society in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Education Policy, Indigenous Education Systems, Missionary Education, Education and Social Mobility, Higher Education Development, Nationalist Education |
| HS 550 | Regional Cultures and Identities | Elective | 4 | Formation of Regional Identities, Language and Literature, Art, Music, and Performance, Religious Traditions, Caste and Regional Politics, Folklore and Oral Traditions |
| HS 551 | Readings in Modern Indian History | Elective | 4 | Engaging with Primary Sources, Major Historiographical Interpretations, Debates on Colonialism and Nationalism, Subaltern and Postcolonial Perspectives, Key Texts and Authors, Research and Writing Strategies |
| HS 552 | Gender in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonialism and Patriarchy, Women and Nationalism, Social Reform Movements, Work, Family, and Education, Feminist Historiography, Gender and State Policies |
| HS 553 | Environment and Society in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Environmental Policies, Forests, Water, and Land Use, Impact of Industrialization, Famines and Disease, Environmental Movements, Post-Independence Environmental Concerns |
| HS 563 | European History (1789-1870) | Elective | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Congress of Vienna, Industrial Revolution, Liberalism and Conservatism, Nationalism and Unifications (Italy, Germany), Revolutions of 1848 |
| HS 564 | European History (1870-1945) | Elective | 4 | Rise of Imperialism, World War I and its Aftermath, Russian Revolution, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Inter-war Crisis, World War II |
| HS 565 | History of Imperialism and Decolonization | Elective | 4 | Theories of Imperialism, Scramble for Africa and Asia, Colonial Administrations, Nationalist Movements in Colonies, Process of Decolonization, Post-Colonial Challenges |
| HS 566 | International Relations since 1945 | Elective | 4 | Cold War Origins and Dynamics, Non-Aligned Movement, Decolonization and New World Order, United Nations and International Institutions, End of Cold War, Contemporary Global Challenges |
| HS 567 | Modern Middle East | Elective | 4 | Decline of Ottoman Empire, Rise of Nationalism, Colonialism and Mandates, Formation of Nation-States, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Oil Politics and Revolutions |
| HS 568 | History of China | Elective | 4 | Imperial China (Qing Dynasty), Impact of Western Powers, Chinese Revolution (1911), Mao Zedong and Communist Revolution, Cultural Revolution, Economic Reforms since 1978 |
| HS 569 | History of Russia/Soviet Union | Elective | 4 | Imperial Russia (Romanovs), Russian Revolutions (1905, 1917), Formation of Soviet Union, Stalinism and World War II, Cold War Era, Collapse of Soviet Union |
| HS 570 | History of South East Asia | Elective | 4 | Pre-Colonial Societies, Colonial Rule and Resistance, Nationalist Movements, Japanese Occupation (WWII), Decolonization and Nation Building, Regional Conflicts and Cooperation |
| HS 571 | History of East Asia | Elective | 4 | Traditional East Asian Societies, Impact of Western Imperialism, Rise of Japan, Korean War, Economic Development Models, Regional Relations |
| HS 572 | History of Africa | Elective | 4 | Pre-Colonial Africa, Slave Trade and its Impact, Scramble for Africa, Colonial Rule and Resistance, Decolonization and Apartheid, Post-Colonial Challenges |
| HS 573 | History of Latin America | Elective | 4 | Indigenous Civilizations, Colonial Conquest and Rule, Wars of Independence, Nation-Building Challenges, US Interventionism, Social Movements and Revolutions |
| HS 574 | History of USA | Elective | 4 | Colonial Period and Revolution, Formation of the Republic, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Immigration, World Wars and Cold War, Civil Rights Movement |
| HS 575 | Science, Technology and Society in Modern World | Elective | 4 | Scientific Revolutions, Industrial Revolution''''s Impact, Technology and Warfare, Information Age, Bioethics and Genetic Engineering, Science Policy and Society |
| HS 576 | Readings in World History | Elective | 4 | Global Historical Perspectives, Comparative History, Major Works in World History, Interconnections and Exchanges, Thematic Approaches, Historiographical Debates |
| HS 583 | History and Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary Approaches, Ethnography and Historical Sources, Cultural History and Mentalities, Ritual, Myth, and Symbolism, Microhistory, Memory and Oral Traditions |
| HS 584 | History and Political Science | Elective | 4 | Historical Roots of Political Theory, State Formation and Governance, Political Movements and Revolutions, Ideologies and Hegemony, International Relations Historically, Sources for Political History |
| HS 585 | History and Sociology | Elective | 4 | Social Theory and Historical Inquiry, Social Change and Modernity, Class, Caste, and Gender, Urbanization and Industrialization, Historical Demography, Collective Memory |
| HS 586 | History and Literature | Elective | 4 | Literature as Historical Source, Historical Narratives in Literature, Literary Movements and Contexts, Representation of History in Fiction, Oral Traditions and Folk Literature, Historical Imagination |
| HS 587 | History and Philosophy | Elective | 4 | Philosophy of History, Historical Epistemology, Causality and Determinism, Historical Explanation, Ethics and History, Key Thinkers (Hegel, Marx, Collingwood) |
| HS 588 | History and Art/Architecture | Elective | 4 | Art and Architecture as Historical Sources, Iconography and Symbolism, Patronage and Power, Styles and Movements, Cultural Production, Preservation and Heritage |
| HS 589 | Oral History and Public History | Elective | 4 | Methodology of Oral History, Interview Techniques, Memory and Narration, Ethics of Oral History, Public History Approaches, Museums and Archives |
| HS 590 | History and Memory | Elective | 4 | Collective Memory vs. History, Sites of Memory, Trauma and Memory, Commemoration and Forgetting, Identity and Memory, Official vs. Popular Memory |
| HS 591 | Social History of Science and Medicine | Elective | 4 | Science as Social Practice, Indigenous Medical Systems, Colonial Medicine, Public Health and Disease, Science, Technology, and Empire, Gender and Science |
| HS 592 | History of Historiography | Elective | 4 | Classical Historiography, Medieval Chronicles, Enlightenment Historians, Rankean History, Marxist Historiography, Subaltern and Postcolonial Historiography |
| HS 593 | History and Culture | Elective | 4 | Cultural Turn in History, High Culture vs. Popular Culture, Cultural Production and Consumption, Identity and Representation, Rituals and Practices, Material Culture Studies |
| HS 594 | History and Ecology | Elective | 4 | Environmental History as a Field, Human-Environment Interactions, Climate Change through History, Resource Management, Conservation Movements, Ecological Disasters and Adaptation |
| HS 595 | History of Everyday Life | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Everyday Life, Family and Household, Food and Clothing, Festivals and Celebrations, Leisure and Entertainment, Material Culture |
| HS 596 | History of Media | Elective | 4 | Print Culture and Public Sphere, Development of Journalism, Radio and Cinema, Television and Mass Communication, Digital Media and Internet, Propaganda and Censorship |
| HS 597 | History of Sports | Elective | 4 | Ancient Games and Rituals, Modern Sports and Colonialism, Sport and Nationalism, Gender and Sports, Professionalization of Sports, Sports and Society |
| HS 598 | Introduction to Archives and Archival Research | Elective | 4 | Types of Archives, Archival Research Methods, Source Criticism, Digitization of Archives, Preservation of Records, Ethics in Archival Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 601 | Dissertation | Core | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Primary and Secondary Source Analysis, Thesis Writing and Argumentation, Methodology and Data Interpretation, Academic Ethics and Presentation |
| HS 503 | History of Ancient Indian Social Structures and Processes | Elective | 4 | Social Stratification, Varna and Caste System, Family and Kinship, Gender and Sexuality, Social Mobility and Protest, Sources for Social History |
| HS 504 | Historical Geography of Early India | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Historical Geography, Sources and Methods, Regions and Boundaries, Settlement Patterns, Trade Routes and Networks, Environmental Impact |
| HS 505 | Religions and Cultures of Ancient India | Elective | 4 | Vedic Religion, Jainism and Buddhism, Hindu Traditions (Vaishnavism, Shaivism), Art and Architecture, Literary Traditions, Popular Beliefs and Practices |
| HS 506 | Political Processes in Early India | Elective | 4 | Early State Formation, Monarchy and Republics, Mauryan and Gupta Polity, Kingship Theories, Administration and Justice, Warfare and Diplomacy |
| HS 507 | Ancient Indian Economy | Elective | 4 | Agrarian Structure, Craft Production and Technology, Trade and Commerce, Currency and Exchange, Urban Economy, Land Grants and Revenue |
| HS 508 | Prehistory and Protohistory of India | Elective | 4 | Palaeolithic Cultures, Mesolithic and Neolithic Periods, Chalcolithic Cultures, Indus Valley Civilization, Dating Methods, Archaeological Evidence |
| HS 509 | Early Historical Archaeology | Elective | 4 | Archaeological Methods, Excavation Techniques, Material Culture Studies, Urbanisation in Early India, Religious Architecture, Epigraphy and Numismatics |
| HS 510 | State in Early India | Elective | 4 | Theories of State Formation, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan State, Gupta State, Segmentary State Model, Feudalism Debates, Regional States |
| HS 511 | History of Science and Technology in Ancient India | Elective | 4 | Astronomy and Mathematics, Metallurgy and Engineering, Medicine (Ayurveda), Agricultural Technologies, Crafts and Innovations, Philosophical Traditions of Science |
| HS 512 | Indian Ocean in Antiquity | Elective | 4 | Maritime Trade Networks, Port Cities and Harbours, Cultural Exchanges, Diaspora Communities, Shipbuilding Technology, Monsoon Winds and Navigation |
| HS 513 | History of Early South India | Elective | 4 | Sangam Age, Chola Dynasty, Pallavas and Pandyas, Agrarian and Social Structures, Trade and Urbanization, Art, Architecture, and Religion |
| HS 514 | Readings in Early Indian History | Elective | 4 | Critical Analysis of Primary Sources, Historiographical Debates, Major Scholarly Works, Interpretations of Key Events, Theoretical Frameworks, Research Methods |
| HS 515 | Gender and Sexuality in Early India | Elective | 4 | Theoretical Approaches to Gender, Sources for Gender History, Women in Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods, Sexuality and Marriage Practices, Patriarchy and Resistance, Representations in Texts and Art |
| HS 516 | Environment and Society in Early India | Elective | 4 | Environmental History Approaches, Climate and Landscape, Forests, Water, and Agriculture, Human-Animal Interactions, Ecological Knowledge Systems, Impact of Urbanization |
| HS 523 | Regional Societies in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Formation of Regional Kingdoms, Local Administration and Governance, Agrarian Structures and Peasantry, Sufi and Bhakti Traditions, Caste and Community Dynamics, Trade and Urban Centers |
| HS 524 | Land, Economy and Society in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Agrarian Systems (Iqta, Jagir), Land Rights and Tenures, Trade and Commercial Networks, Urban Economy and Craft Production, Socio-Economic Stratification, Technology and Irrigation |
| HS 525 | State, Institutions and Legitimation in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Theories of Kingship, Sultanate and Mughal State Structures, Bureaucracy and Nobility, Religious Institutions and State, Law and Justice, Rituals and Symbols of Power |
| HS 526 | Sufism and Bhakti in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Sufism, Sufi Orders and Practices, Bhakti Movement: Saints and Poets, Social Impact and Reform, Syncretic Traditions, State and Religious Movements |
| HS 527 | Urbanisation in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Growth of Cities, Urban Economy and Administration, Social Life in Cities, Crafts and Industries, Architecture and Planning, Urban Culture and Patronage |
| HS 528 | Technologies and Warfare in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Military Organization, Weaponry and Fortifications, Gunpowder Revolution, Naval Warfare, Impact of Technology on Society, Agricultural Technologies |
| HS 529 | Port Cities and Maritime Trade in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Major Port Cities, Trade Routes and Commodities, Merchant Communities, Indian Ocean Trade, European Trading Companies, Cultural Exchange |
| HS 530 | Readings in Medieval Indian History | Elective | 4 | Critique of Primary Sources, Major Historiographical Debates, Classical and Modern Works, Interpretations of Key Events, Concepts of Medieval Indian Society, Research Methods and Approaches |
| HS 531 | Social and Cultural History of Delhi | Elective | 4 | Delhi as a Historical City, Sultanate and Mughal Delhi, Urban Development and Planning, Social Life and Culture, Religious Syncretism, Colonial and Post-Colonial Delhi |
| HS 532 | Gender in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Gender and Patriarchy, Women in Royal Households, Religious Movements and Gender, Female Labour and Economy, Representations in Literature and Art, Case Studies of Women Rulers |
| HS 533 | Environment and Society in Medieval India | Elective | 4 | Climatic Changes and Impact, Forests and Deforestation, Water Management Systems, Agriculture and Land Use, Famines and Epidemics, Urban Ecology |
| HS 543 | Peasantry and Agrarian Economy in Colonial India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Land Revenue Systems, Commercialization of Agriculture, Rural Indebtedness and Famines, Peasant Movements and Rebellions, Forest Policies and their Impact, Transformation of Rural Society |
| HS 544 | Capital and Colonialism | Elective | 4 | Theories of Imperialism, Colonial Economic Policies, Drain of Wealth Debate, Industrialization and De-industrialization, Colonial Modernity, Impact on Indian Economy |
| HS 545 | State, Law and Society in Colonial India | Elective | 4 | Colonial State Formation, Judicial System and Legal Reforms, Personal Laws, Caste and Community under Colonialism, Modern Education System, Prisons and Policing |
| HS 546 | Ideologies and Politics in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Liberalism and Constitutionalism, Nationalism and its Varieties, Communalism and Identity Politics, Socialism and Marxism, Gandhian Thought, Post-Colonial Political Thought |
| HS 547 | Urbanisation and Labour in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Growth of Colonial Cities, Industrialization and Factory System, Emergence of Labour Class, Labour Movements and Trade Unions, Urban Social Life, Migration and Urban Poverty |
| HS 548 | Nationalism and Partition | Elective | 4 | Theories of Nationalism, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Communal Politics, Towards Partition, Violence and Displacement, Legacies of Partition |
| HS 549 | Education and Society in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Education Policy, Indigenous Education Systems, Missionary Education, Education and Social Mobility, Higher Education Development, Nationalist Education |
| HS 550 | Regional Cultures and Identities | Elective | 4 | Formation of Regional Identities, Language and Literature, Art, Music, and Performance, Religious Traditions, Caste and Regional Politics, Folklore and Oral Traditions |
| HS 551 | Readings in Modern Indian History | Elective | 4 | Engaging with Primary Sources, Major Historiographical Interpretations, Debates on Colonialism and Nationalism, Subaltern and Postcolonial Perspectives, Key Texts and Authors, Research and Writing Strategies |
| HS 552 | Gender in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonialism and Patriarchy, Women and Nationalism, Social Reform Movements, Work, Family, and Education, Feminist Historiography, Gender and State Policies |
| HS 553 | Environment and Society in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonial Environmental Policies, Forests, Water, and Land Use, Impact of Industrialization, Famines and Disease, Environmental Movements, Post-Independence Environmental Concerns |
| HS 563 | European History (1789-1870) | Elective | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Congress of Vienna, Industrial Revolution, Liberalism and Conservatism, Nationalism and Unifications (Italy, Germany), Revolutions of 1848 |
| HS 564 | European History (1870-1945) | Elective | 4 | Rise of Imperialism, World War I and its Aftermath, Russian Revolution, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Inter-war Crisis, World War II |
| HS 565 | History of Imperialism and Decolonization | Elective | 4 | Theories of Imperialism, Scramble for Africa and Asia, Colonial Administrations, Nationalist Movements in Colonies, Process of Decolonization, Post-Colonial Challenges |
| HS 566 | International Relations since 1945 | Elective | 4 | Cold War Origins and Dynamics, Non-Aligned Movement, Decolonization and New World Order, United Nations and International Institutions, End of Cold War, Contemporary Global Challenges |
| HS 567 | Modern Middle East | Elective | 4 | Decline of Ottoman Empire, Rise of Nationalism, Colonialism and Mandates, Formation of Nation-States, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Oil Politics and Revolutions |
| HS 568 | History of China | Elective | 4 | Imperial China (Qing Dynasty), Impact of Western Powers, Chinese Revolution (1911), Mao Zedong and Communist Revolution, Cultural Revolution, Economic Reforms since 1978 |
| HS 569 | History of Russia/Soviet Union | Elective | 4 | Imperial Russia (Romanovs), Russian Revolutions (1905, 1917), Formation of Soviet Union, Stalinism and World War II, Cold War Era, Collapse of Soviet Union |
| HS 570 | History of South East Asia | Elective | 4 | Pre-Colonial Societies, Colonial Rule and Resistance, Nationalist Movements, Japanese Occupation (WWII), Decolonization and Nation Building, Regional Conflicts and Cooperation |
| HS 571 | History of East Asia | Elective | 4 | Traditional East Asian Societies, Impact of Western Imperialism, Rise of Japan, Korean War, Economic Development Models, Regional Relations |
| HS 572 | History of Africa | Elective | 4 | Pre-Colonial Africa, Slave Trade and its Impact, Scramble for Africa, Colonial Rule and Resistance, Decolonization and Apartheid, Post-Colonial Challenges |
| HS 573 | History of Latin America | Elective | 4 | Indigenous Civilizations, Colonial Conquest and Rule, Wars of Independence, Nation-Building Challenges, US Interventionism, Social Movements and Revolutions |
| HS 574 | History of USA | Elective | 4 | Colonial Period and Revolution, Formation of the Republic, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Immigration, World Wars and Cold War, Civil Rights Movement |
| HS 575 | Science, Technology and Society in Modern World | Elective | 4 | Scientific Revolutions, Industrial Revolution''''s Impact, Technology and Warfare, Information Age, Bioethics and Genetic Engineering, Science Policy and Society |
| HS 576 | Readings in World History | Elective | 4 | Global Historical Perspectives, Comparative History, Major Works in World History, Interconnections and Exchanges, Thematic Approaches, Historiographical Debates |
| HS 583 | History and Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary Approaches, Ethnography and Historical Sources, Cultural History and Mentalities, Ritual, Myth, and Symbolism, Microhistory, Memory and Oral Traditions |
| HS 584 | History and Political Science | Elective | 4 | Historical Roots of Political Theory, State Formation and Governance, Political Movements and Revolutions, Ideologies and Hegemony, International Relations Historically, Sources for Political History |
| HS 585 | History and Sociology | Elective | 4 | Social Theory and Historical Inquiry, Social Change and Modernity, Class, Caste, and Gender, Urbanization and Industrialization, Historical Demography, Collective Memory |
| HS 586 | History and Literature | Elective | 4 | Literature as Historical Source, Historical Narratives in Literature, Literary Movements and Contexts, Representation of History in Fiction, Oral Traditions and Folk Literature, Historical Imagination |
| HS 587 | History and Philosophy | Elective | 4 | Philosophy of History, Historical Epistemology, Causality and Determinism, Historical Explanation, Ethics and History, Key Thinkers (Hegel, Marx, Collingwood) |
| HS 588 | History and Art/Architecture | Elective | 4 | Art and Architecture as Historical Sources, Iconography and Symbolism, Patronage and Power, Styles and Movements, Cultural Production, Preservation and Heritage |
| HS 589 | Oral History and Public History | Elective | 4 | Methodology of Oral History, Interview Techniques, Memory and Narration, Ethics of Oral History, Public History Approaches, Museums and Archives |
| HS 590 | History and Memory | Elective | 4 | Collective Memory vs. History, Sites of Memory, Trauma and Memory, Commemoration and Forgetting, Identity and Memory, Official vs. Popular Memory |
| HS 591 | Social History of Science and Medicine | Elective | 4 | Science as Social Practice, Indigenous Medical Systems, Colonial Medicine, Public Health and Disease, Science, Technology, and Empire, Gender and Science |
| HS 592 | History of Historiography | Elective | 4 | Classical Historiography, Medieval Chronicles, Enlightenment Historians, Rankean History, Marxist Historiography, Subaltern and Postcolonial Historiography |
| HS 593 | History and Culture | Elective | 4 | Cultural Turn in History, High Culture vs. Popular Culture, Cultural Production and Consumption, Identity and Representation, Rituals and Practices, Material Culture Studies |
| HS 594 | History and Ecology | Elective | 4 | Environmental History as a Field, Human-Environment Interactions, Climate Change through History, Resource Management, Conservation Movements, Ecological Disasters and Adaptation |
| HS 595 | History of Everyday Life | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Everyday Life, Family and Household, Food and Clothing, Festivals and Celebrations, Leisure and Entertainment, Material Culture |
| HS 596 | History of Media | Elective | 4 | Print Culture and Public Sphere, Development of Journalism, Radio and Cinema, Television and Mass Communication, Digital Media and Internet, Propaganda and Censorship |
| HS 597 | History of Sports | Elective | 4 | Ancient Games and Rituals, Modern Sports and Colonialism, Sport and Nationalism, Gender and Sports, Professionalization of Sports, Sports and Society |
| HS 598 | Introduction to Archives and Archival Research | Elective | 4 | Types of Archives, Archival Research Methods, Source Criticism, Digitization of Archives, Preservation of Records, Ethics in Archival Research |
