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B-A in History at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya
Basti, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya Basti?
This History program at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human civilization''''s past, with a strong emphasis on Indian history. It delves into political, social, economic, and cultural developments across various eras, offering insights into the forces that shaped societies. The program aims to foster critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding contemporary issues through a historical lens, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in historical research, cultural studies, and social sciences. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in civil services, archaeology, museum curation, archival management, journalism, and teaching. It also suits those looking to pursue higher education in history or related disciplines, providing a solid academic foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills, highly valued in the Indian job market. Career paths include roles as historians, archivists, museum professionals, civil servants (IAS, PCS), content writers, journalists, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized roles or through competitive exams.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Terminology- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with ancient and medieval Indian history by focusing on key events, periods, and historical figures. Utilize prescribed textbooks, reference books, and online encyclopedias like Wikipedia for initial understanding. Connect the study with current events or regional history to make it relatable and prepare for competitive exams from the outset.
Tools & Resources
Prescribed Textbooks, College Library, Wikipedia (for quick reference), NCERT History Books
Career Connection
A strong grasp of historical facts and concepts is fundamental for success in competitive exams (e.g., UPSC, State PSCs) and for advanced historical research.
Develop Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice summarizing historical narratives, creating detailed timelines of events, and drawing concept maps to visualize complex relationships between different periods and themes. Form study groups with peers to discuss various interpretations, clarify doubts, and prepare collaboratively for internal and external assessments. Regularly attend lectures and make concise notes.
Tools & Resources
History textbooks, Reference books, Mind mapping tools (e.g., XMind), Study groups
Career Connection
Efficient study habits enhance academic performance, which is crucial for higher education and competitive examination eligibility.
Cultivate Critical Reading and Note-Taking Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to identify primary and secondary sources, critically evaluate historical arguments, and take organized, analytical notes during lectures and reading. Practice writing short essays and answers to previous year''''s university questions regularly. This builds foundational analytical abilities essential for both academic excellence and future research roles.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Academic journals (if available), Online history resources
Career Connection
Strong analytical and summarization skills are vital for success in essay-based competitive exams and research-oriented careers like journalism or archival work.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Diverse Perspectives and Debates- (Semester 3-4)
Explore various interpretations of historical events, particularly concerning medieval and early modern India, by reading works from different historians. Understand historiographical debates and varying viewpoints on key issues. Participate actively in college debates, seminars, or group discussions to articulate arguments and refine your own historical perspective.
Tools & Resources
Academic articles, Books by different historians, College debate societies
Career Connection
Exposure to diverse perspectives enhances critical thinking, crucial for civil services interviews, academic discussions, and roles requiring nuanced understanding of societal issues.
Enhance Research and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Begin identifying potential research interests within modern Indian history. Learn basic research methodology, including how to locate, evaluate, and cite sources properly. Seek opportunities to present your findings in class, department-level seminars, or college events, thereby improving public speaking and academic presentation abilities, preparing for project work.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, Online archives (e.g., National Archives of India), Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint)
Career Connection
Developed research and presentation skills are highly valued in academic positions, think tanks, content creation, and any role requiring structured communication.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Understand how history intersects with other social science disciplines like economics, sociology, political science, and anthropology. Read books or articles that adopt an interdisciplinary approach to historical studies. This broadens your intellectual horizons and makes you a more versatile candidate for competitive exams or further studies in related social science fields.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary journals, Books on social history, economic history
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach helps in understanding complex real-world problems and is beneficial for roles in policy analysis, social research, and journalism.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Research and Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
For the research project or dissertation in the final year, choose a topic of genuine interest and dedicate significant time to in-depth research. Consult faculty mentors regularly for guidance, utilize archival resources if accessible, and focus on original analysis. A well-executed project demonstrates independent research capability, highly valued for postgraduate studies or professional roles.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Archival resources (if available), Academic writing guides, Plagiarism check software
Career Connection
Excelling in the research project is a strong credential for higher education admissions and research-intensive careers, showcasing analytical and independent work skills.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused and intensive preparation for civil services (UPSC, state PSCs) or other government job examinations, where history often constitutes a significant portion of the syllabus. Attend mock tests, solve previous year''''s papers diligently, and consider joining coaching institutes if feasible. This directly aligns academic learning with career aspirations in India''''s public sector.
Tools & Resources
Competitive exam guidebooks, Online test series, Coaching institutes, Previous UPSC/PSC papers
Career Connection
Targeted preparation for competitive exams opens doors to prestigious government careers, offering stability and societal impact in India.
Network and Career Planning- (Semester 5-6)
Attend career guidance workshops, resume-building sessions, and mock interviews organized by the college or external agencies. Actively connect with alumni who have pursued diverse career paths after a history degree. Explore opportunities for short-term internships in museums, NGOs, or educational institutions to gain practical exposure and clarify career goals before graduation.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network, Career counselling services, LinkedIn, Internship portals
Career Connection
Building professional connections and clear career planning are crucial for successful transitions from academia to the professional world, securing placements or further opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 Years (6 Semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S1-MJ1 | History of Ancient India (Pre-history to 600 B.C.) | Core | 4 | Pre-historic cultures in India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period society and economy, Emergence of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Sources of ancient Indian history |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S2-MJ1 | History of Ancient India (600 B.C. to 600 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Rise of Magadhan Empire and Mauryan administration, Post-Mauryan states and society, Gupta Empire''''s political and cultural developments, Post-Gupta kingdoms and regional powers, Art, architecture and religious traditions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S3-MJ1 | History of Medieval India (600 A.D. to 1206 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Political fragmentation and regional kingdoms (Rajputs), Socio-economic structure of early medieval India, Land grants and agrarian changes, Cultural developments and religious syncretism, Arab and Turkish invasions of India |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S4-MJ1 | History of Medieval India (1206 A.D. to 1757 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment and expansion of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire: administration and policies, Socio-economic conditions under Sultanate and Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi movements, Art, architecture and literature |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S5-MJ1 | History of Modern India (1757 A.D. to 1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and rise of regional powers, Advent of European trading companies, British expansion and consolidation in India, Economic policies and their impact, Socio-religious reform movements, The Revolt of 1857 |
| BA-HIST-S5-DSE1 | History of Uttar Pradesh | Elective | 4 | Ancient and Medieval history of Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh under British rule, Role of UP in nationalist movement, Socio-cultural movements in UP, Post-independence developments in the state |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIST-S6-MJ1 | History of Modern India (1857 A.D. to 1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Administrative changes post-1857, Rise of Indian nationalism and political associations, Gandhian movements and mass nationalism, Constitutional developments and communal politics, Partition of India and independence |
| BA-HIST-S6-DSE1 | Historiography and Historical Methods | Elective | 4 | Nature and scope of history, Sources of history and their evaluation, Objectivity, causation, and interpretation in history, Major schools of historiography, Historical research methodology and writing |
| BA-HIST-S6-PROJ | Research Project / Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research topic identification and formulation, Literature review and source analysis, Data collection and fieldwork (if applicable), Analytical framework and interpretation, Report writing, documentation, and presentation |
