

M-A in History at Kalinga University


Raipur, Chhattisgarh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Kalinga University Raipur?
This M.A. History program at Kalinga University focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of historical developments across ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods, with a significant emphasis on Indian and regional history. It equips students with critical thinking and research methodologies essential for academic and professional pursuits in India''''s diverse cultural and historical landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced knowledge and research skills, preparing them for careers in academics, archival management, or cultural heritage. It also suits individuals passionate about historical inquiry, including those aiming for competitive civil services examinations or roles in museums and tourism within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths such as historians, archivists, museum curators, tour guides, journalists, or educators in India. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 6-10+ LPA in relevant fields like heritage management or research. The program lays a strong foundation for doctoral studies or government roles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Historiography & Indian History- (Semester 1-2)
Focus deeply on understanding different schools of historiography and chronologies of ancient and medieval India. Utilize library resources for primary and secondary sources and participate in group discussions to develop analytical perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Kalinga University Library (physical & digital), Online academic journals (JSTOR, Indian Culture Portal), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and for building a coherent historical narrative, essential for research and teaching roles.
Engage with Regional History of Chhattisgarh- (Semester 1-2)
Actively research and explore the history of Chhattisgarh, utilizing local archives, heritage sites, and oral histories. Attend workshops or seminars organized by local cultural bodies to gain specific regional insights.
Tools & Resources
Chhattisgarh State Archives, Local museums (e.g., Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum), Relevant faculty guidance, Field trips
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge relevant for local government roles, regional tourism, and cultural heritage management within Chhattisgarh and surrounding areas.
Cultivate Critical Source Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice evaluating historical sources for bias, authenticity, and reliability. Engage in debates on historical interpretations and read widely from diverse historians with differing viewpoints to sharpen critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Scholarly articles, Historical documents (digitized archives), Critical reading techniques, Faculty feedback
Career Connection
Essential for research, journalism, and academic writing, enabling graduates to contribute original and well-founded historical arguments and analyses.
Intermediate Stage
Specialization through Elective Choices & Deep Diving- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully select electives like Environmental History or History of Tourism based on career interests. Deep dive into the chosen area through extensive reading and mini-research projects to build expertise.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic texts, Research databases (e.g., ProQuest, Shodhganga for Indian theses), Expert faculty consultation
Career Connection
Helps in carving a niche, making students more competitive for specialized roles in heritage management, environmental policy, or cultural tourism.
Participate in History Seminars & Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Attend and ideally present papers at departmental seminars, inter-university conferences, or national history congresses (e.g., Indian History Congress). Network with scholars and peers to expand professional connections.
Tools & Resources
University announcements, Calls for papers, Academic conference websites, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Builds academic reputation, hones presentation skills, and creates valuable professional networks crucial for academic and research careers in India.
Develop Advanced Research & Writing for Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Start formulating a strong research question and methodology for the Semester IV dissertation. Regularly consult with advisors, structure arguments, and refine academic writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Academic writing workshops, Kalinga University''''s research ethics guidelines, Citation management tools (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Directly prepares for the capstone project, a critical component for M.A. completion, demonstrating independent research capability vital for higher studies and research-oriented jobs.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation Excellence & Viva Voce Preparation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to crafting a high-quality dissertation. Prepare thoroughly for the Viva Voce by practicing defending your research and answering critical questions from examiners.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation supervisor, Mock viva sessions, Presentation tools (PowerPoint), Feedback from peers
Career Connection
A strong dissertation enhances academic credentials, showcases deep expertise, and is often a prerequisite for Ph.D. admissions or research positions.
Explore Internship Opportunities in Heritage/Archives- (Semester 4 (or during breaks))
Actively seek internships at museums, archives (national/state), archaeological survey offices (ASI), or heritage organizations in India. Apply theoretical knowledge to practical conservation or documentation work.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online job portals (LinkedIn, Internshala), Direct outreach to institutions
Career Connection
Gains practical experience, builds a professional network, and makes students job-ready for roles in the cultural and heritage sectors immediately after graduation.
Prepare for NET/SET and Civil Services Exams- (Throughout Semesters 3 & 4)
Alongside academic studies, begin strategic preparation for the UGC NET/JRF for lectureship/research, or for UPSC/State PSC civil services exams, which heavily feature history as a subject.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if opting), Online study materials, Dedicated study groups
Career Connection
Directly opens doors to academic careers (Assistant Professor, JRF) and prestigious government jobs in India, aligning with the aspirations of many M.A. History graduates.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with History from a recognized University with minimum 50% Marks or any Graduate with 50% marks in aggregate.
Duration: 4 semesters / 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS101 | Historiography, Concepts, Methods & Tools of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Causation and Objectivity, Ancient Indian Historiography, Medieval Indian Historiography, Modern Indian Historiography, Concepts and Methods in History, Tools and Techniques |
| MAHIS102 | History of Ancient India (From Earliest Times to 1206 AD) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Age, Post-Gupta Period |
| MAHIS103 | History of Medieval India (1206 AD - 1707 AD) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Delhi Sultanate, Khaljis and Tughlaqs, Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire, Administration and Society under Mughals, Religious Movements |
| MAHIS104 | History of Modern India (1707 AD - 1947 AD) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Independent States, Advent of Europeans, British Expansion, Revolt of 1857, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Indian National Movement |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS201 | History of Modern World (1453 AD - 1945 AD) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Enlightenment, American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Unification of Germany and Italy, World Wars |
| MAHIS202 | History of Chhattisgarh (From Ancient Times to 1947 AD) | Core | 4 | Sources of Chhattisgarh History, Ancient Period, Medieval Period, Maratha Rule, British Rule, Freedom Movement in Chhattisgarh |
| MAHIS203 | History of India from 1857 to 1964 AD | Core | 4 | Aftermath of 1857, Rise of Nationalism, Gandhian Era, Constitutional Developments, Partition of India, Post-Independence Challenges, Nehruvian Era |
| MAHIS204 | History of Economic Ideas | Core | 4 | Ancient Economic Thought, Mercantilism, Physiocrats, Classical School, Marxian Economics, Neoclassical Economics, Keynesian Economics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS301 | History of Contemporary World (Since 1945 AD) | Core | 4 | Cold War, Decolonization, UNO, Non-Aligned Movement, Rise of New Powers, Global Economic Order, Post-Cold War World |
| MAHIS302 | History of South East Asia (19th and 20th Century) | Core | 4 | Colonialism in SEA, Rise of Nationalism, Japanese Occupation, Post-WWII Independence Movements, Cold War in SEA, Regional Cooperation (ASEAN), Modern Developments |
| MAHIS303 | History of India (Social & Culture) | Core | 4 | Social Structure, Family and Kinship, Caste System, Religious Traditions, Art and Architecture, Literature and Science, Education and Modernity |
| MAHIS304 | Environmental History of India | Elective | 4 | Concept of Environmental History, Ancient Indian Environmental Ethos, Colonial Impact on Environment, Post-Independence Environmental Challenges, Forest and Water Management, Environmental Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS401 | Research Methodology in History | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Types of Research, Historical Method, Data Collection, Archival Sources, Critical Analysis of Sources, Thesis Writing |
| MAHIS402 | History of Tourism in India | Elective | 4 | Evolution of Tourism, Pilgrim Tourism, Colonial Tourism, Post-Independence Tourism Development, Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Challenges and Prospects |
| MAHIS406 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Chapter Writing, Viva Voce, Research Ethics, Presentation Skills |




