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M-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 M.A. History program at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya focuses on a comprehensive understanding of historical processes, from ancient civilizations to contemporary global events, with a strong emphasis on Indian history. The curriculum is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills and a deep knowledge of historiography. This specialization is highly relevant in India for careers in academia, civil services, archival management, and cultural preservation, reflecting a growing appreciation for heritage and historical insights.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic qualifications, aspiring civil servants requiring a strong foundation in humanities, and individuals passionate about historical research and cultural heritage. It also suits working professionals in related fields like journalism, museology, or education who aim to deepen their expertise or transition into research-oriented roles. Prerequisite backgrounds typically include a Bachelor''''s degree with History as a primary subject.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including university lecturers, historians, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, researchers, and content developers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, potentially increasing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience in research institutions or academic roles. Growth trajectories often lead to senior academic positions, leadership roles in cultural organizations, or successful careers in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts & Chronology- (Semester 1-2)
Systematically review and create detailed timelines and concept maps for Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, along with key global historical movements. Focus on understanding the cause-and-effect relationships and key figures. Regularly use historical atlases and online encyclopedias like Wikipedia for initial contextual understanding.
Tools & Resources
Historical Atlases, NCERT History Textbooks (Class XI-XII), Online history resources (e.g., Indian Culture Portal, Wikipedia for basic facts), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong chronological and conceptual foundation is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs), academic research, and effective teaching in the future.
Develop Critical Reading and Source Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary historical sources as introduced in Historiography and other papers. Practice identifying bias, evaluating evidence, and understanding different interpretations. Join university-level reading clubs or history discussion forums to debate and analyze historical texts.
Tools & Resources
Research papers on Jstor (if access is provided by university library), Reputable historical journals, University library''''s collection of primary source documents, Online archives like Archive.org
Career Connection
These skills are fundamental for research, writing, and any analytical role in academia, journalism, or policy-making.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on structuring essays, presenting arguments logically, and properly citing sources. Seek regular feedback from professors on assignments and presentations. Practice summarizing complex historical arguments concisely. Participate in departmental essay competitions.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly for proofreading, University writing centers (if available), Academic style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style)
Career Connection
Clear and coherent writing is essential for dissertations, academic publications, and professional communications in any career path.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects & Field Visits- (Semester 3)
Proactively identify a small historical topic of interest and conduct preliminary research, even if not formally assigned. Plan and execute visits to local historical sites, museums, or archives (like the State Archives, Lucknow or District Archives, Basti) to gain practical exposure to historical evidence and conservation practices.
Tools & Resources
Local museums and archives, District gazetteers, Departmental faculty for guidance, Online portals of historical sites (e.g., ASI website)
Career Connection
Practical exposure to historical sites and research processes is invaluable for roles in museology, archaeology, heritage management, and research.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3)
Explore connections between History and other disciplines like Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and Literature. Attend seminars or workshops on interdisciplinary approaches to social sciences. This broadens perspective and enhances analytical depth, particularly useful for understanding contemporary India.
Tools & Resources
Open-access journals in social sciences, MOOCs on related subjects (e.g., Coursera, edX), Guest lectures by interdisciplinary scholars
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge is highly valued in civil services, think tanks, policy analysis, and diverse research fields.
Participate in Seminars and Conferences- (Semester 3)
Actively attend departmental seminars, university-level conferences, and workshops related to history. Consider presenting a paper based on your mini-research or an elaborated assignment. This builds presentation skills and networking opportunities with fellow scholars.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards for event announcements, History department faculty for paper submission guidance, Professional history associations (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Networking and presenting at conferences are critical for academic careers, gaining recognition, and refining research communication abilities.
Advanced Stage
Initiate Dissertation Research Early and Systematically- (Semester 4)
Begin conceptualizing your dissertation topic in Semester 3 itself. Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question, conduct a thorough literature review, and plan fieldwork or archival visits well in advance. Maintain meticulous records of your research process and sources.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), University library''''s digital resources, Guidance from dissertation supervisor, Access to national archives (e.g., National Archives of India, Delhi)
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a cornerstone for Ph.D. admissions, demonstrating advanced research capability crucial for academic and research roles.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations or Further Studies- (Semester 4)
If aspiring for UPSC Civil Services or NET/JRF, integrate preparation into your M.A. studies. Focus on deepening conceptual understanding, practicing answer writing, and solving previous year''''s papers. Attend coaching classes or join study circles specifically for these exams, leveraging your strong history background.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET previous year question papers, Standard reference books for competitive exams, Online test series platforms, Mentorship from senior students/alumni
Career Connection
Strategic preparation during M.A. significantly enhances chances of qualifying for prestigious government jobs or securing fellowships for doctoral research.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 4)
Compile your best essays, research papers, and project reports into a professional portfolio. Create a LinkedIn profile, connecting with professors, alumni, and professionals in history-related fields. Seek out opportunities for paid or unpaid internships in museums, archives, or NGOs working on heritage projects.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Professional networking events, Online platforms for internship searches (e.g., Internshala), University career guidance cell
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and network are essential for job placements, collaborations, and career advancement in a competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, preferably with History as a subject.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 66 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIST-CC-101 | History of Ancient India: From Earliest Times to 1200 A.D. | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Cultures, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms and Gupta Age, Harsha''''s Empire and Early Medieval Dynasties |
| HIST-CC-102 | History of Medieval India: From 1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D. | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khilji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Vijayanagar and Bahmani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Socio-Religious Movements (Bhakti, Sufi), Administrative and Economic Structure of Sultanate and Mughals |
| HIST-CC-103 | History of Modern India: From 1707 A.D. to 1964 A.D. | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Establishment of British Rule, Colonial Administration and Policies, Resistance Movements (1857 Revolt), National Movement and Gandhi''''s Role, Partition and Post-Independence Consolidation |
| HIST-CC-104 | Historiography and Historical Methods | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of History, Historical Causation and Objectivity, Sources and Critical Analysis, Historical Schools (Marxist, Subaltern, Annales), Role of Theory in History, Research Ethics and Presentation of History |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIST-CC-201 | World History: From 15th Century to 19th Century (Major Events and Processes) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and European Expansion, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions, Industrial Revolution and its Impact, Rise of Nationalism and Imperialism |
| HIST-CC-202 | Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development (1885-1947) | Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian Nationalism, Moderate and Extremist Phases, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Revolutionary Terrorism, Communalism and Partition, Constitutional Reforms and Road to Independence |
| HIST-CC-203 | History of Uttar Pradesh (Ancient to Modern) | Core | 4 | Ancient Kingdoms and Cities in UP, Buddhist and Jain Influence, Medieval Period and Mughal Rule in UP, Awadh and other Regional Powers, UP under British Rule, Role of UP in National Movement and Post-Independence |
| HIST-CC-204 | Social and Cultural History of India (Ancient to Modern) | Core | 4 | Social Structures and Institutions, Family, Marriage and Status of Women, Religious Developments and Bhakti Movement, Art, Architecture and Literature, Education and Intellectual Traditions, Social Reforms and Modernization |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIST-CC-301 | History of Europe (1789-1945) | Core (Elective choice in some structures, treated as core for comprehensive coverage) | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Industrialization and Rise of Socialism, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Scramble for Africa, First and Second World Wars |
| HIST-EC-302 | Economic History of India (1757-1947) | Elective | 4 | Colonial Exploitation and De-industrialization, Land Revenue Settlements, Commercialization of Agriculture, Rise of Modern Industry, Famines and Poverty, Impact of World Wars on Indian Economy |
| HIST-CC-303 | History of Art & Architecture in India (Ancient to Modern) | Core | 4 | Indus Valley Art, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Art, Gupta and Post-Gupta Art, Temple Architecture (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara), Sultanate and Mughal Architecture, Colonial and Modern Indian Art |
| HIST-CC-304 | Archives and Museum Studies | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Archival Science, Types of Archival Records, Preservation and Conservation, Museums: History and Types, Exhibition Planning and Management, Role of Archives and Museums in Society |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIST-EC-401 | History of Subaltern Studies in India | Elective | 4 | Concept of Subalternity, Origins and Development of Subaltern Studies, Critiques of Nationalist and Colonial Historiography, Subaltern Voices and Agency, Case Studies from Indian History, Impact on Historical Research |
| HIST-EC-402 | Contemporary India: Issues and Challenges (Post-1947) | Elective | 4 | Partition and Integration of Princely States, Nehruvian Era and Nation Building, Economic Planning and Reforms, Social Movements and Identities, Foreign Policy and International Relations, Contemporary Political and Social Issues |
| HIST-CC-403 | History of Indian Ocean Rim (from ancient times to present) | Core | 4 | Geographical Significance of Indian Ocean, Ancient Maritime Trade Routes, Cultural Exchange and Migration, Colonialism in Indian Ocean Region, Strategic Importance and Geopolitics, Contemporary Challenges and Cooperation |
| HIST-PR-404 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 6 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation of Findings, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Viva Voce |
