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M-A in History at K.D. BARAD ARTS & COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLEGE
Gir Somnath, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is History at K.D. BARAD ARTS & COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLEGE Gir Somnath?
This M.A. History program at K.D. Barad Arts & Computer Science College, affiliated with Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian, regional (Gujarat), and world history, alongside specialized areas like research methodology, archaeology, and heritage management. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding societal evolution and current affairs in India, providing a rich academic foundation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic knowledge, aspiring researchers, competitive exam candidates (UPSC, GPSC), and individuals passionate about preserving and interpreting cultural heritage. It also caters to those looking to enter teaching, museum management, or archival professions within India, offering a robust intellectual environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academic roles as professors or lecturers, positions in state and national archives, museums, archaeological surveys, and heritage conservation. They are also well-prepared for civil services examinations, journalism, and research roles, with potential entry-level salaries ranging from INR 3-5 LPA and significant growth with experience.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Knowledge & Critical Inquiry- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on comprehensively understanding core historical periods (Indian, Gujarat, World History) and developing critical thinking. Engage in regular reading of diverse historical interpretations and actively participate in discussions to form reasoned arguments.
Tools & Resources
University library, recommended history textbooks, online academic resources (JSTOR, Shodhganga), peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds a robust knowledge base essential for competitive examinations (UPSC, GPSC) and strong analytical skills required in all professional fields.
Early Introduction to Research & Historiography- (Semester 1-2)
Systematically grasp the principles of historical research methodology and different schools of historiography. Practice identifying reliable sources, evaluating evidence, and understanding historical bias through short assignments and faculty consultations.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, examples of historical monographs, discussions with professors, basic online archival searches
Career Connection
Prepares students for advanced academic research, dissertation writing, and critical assessment of information in any career path.
Enhance Academic Writing & Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Develop clarity and precision in academic writing, focusing on structuring essays and research papers effectively. Practice presenting historical topics orally, improving communication skills crucial for teaching, research, and public speaking.
Tools & Resources
Writing workshops, peer review of assignments, departmental seminars, online resources for academic writing
Career Connection
Essential for publishing research, delivering lectures, excelling in interviews, and professional communication.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Deepen Specialization & Practical Application- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically select elective subjects (e.g., Archaeology & Museology, Tourism & Heritage Management) that align with career aspirations. Actively seek out opportunities for field visits to local heritage sites, museums, or volunteer for cultural events to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Guest lectures from heritage professionals, museum visits (e.g., Watson Museum Rajkot, local Gir Somnath sites), networking with local historians/curators
Career Connection
Provides direct experience and networking for roles in heritage conservation, museum curation, and the growing tourism sector in India.
Undertake Independent Research & Scholarly Contribution- (Semester 3-4)
Embark on a comprehensive dissertation or research project under faculty mentorship. This involves formulating a unique research question, conducting in-depth analysis, and presenting original findings, contributing to historical scholarship.
Tools & Resources
Access to university archives, inter-library loan facilities, academic databases, regular feedback sessions with thesis advisor
Career Connection
A strong research project is paramount for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D., securing research grants, or demonstrating advanced analytical skills to employers.
Prepare for Professional Pathways & Continuous Learning- (Semester 3-4)
Actively prepare for specific career goals (e.g., civil services, teaching, archival work) by focusing on relevant subject areas and interview preparation. Stay updated with historical developments and explore opportunities for further academic or professional training.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, mock interviews, competitive exam study materials, professional associations (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Maximizes employability and facilitates a smooth transition into desired professional roles or advanced academic pursuits after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree from Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University or any other recognized university, with History as a principal or subsidiary subject.
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-101 | History of Gujarat (C. 1000 to 1818 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Political history of Gujarat Sultanate, Social and economic life in medieval Gujarat, Administrative system and reforms, Cultural developments: art, architecture, literature, Rise and impact of Maratha rule in Gujarat |
| MH-102 | History of India (C. 1000 to 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment and expansion of Delhi Sultanate, Key dynasties: Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodis, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Socio-economic structure and administration, Religious movements: Sufism and Bhakti |
| MH-103 | History of World (C. 1453 to 1815 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation in Europe, Age of Exploration and colonialism, Rise of nation states and absolutism, American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era |
| MH-104 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian political thought (Kautilya), Medieval Islamic political thought, Social and political ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Gandhian political philosophy, Ambedkar''''s ideas on social justice |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-201 | History of Gujarat (C. 1818 A.D. to 1960 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment of British paramountcy in Gujarat, Socio-economic changes under British rule, Prajamandal movements and nationalist awakening, Integration of princely states into Indian Union, Formation of Gujarat State |
| MH-202 | History of India (C. 1707 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and rise of regional powers, Expansion and consolidation of British power, Revolt of 1857 and its aftermath, Phases of Indian National Movement, Partition of India and attainment of Independence |
| MH-203 | History of World (C. 1815 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Industrial Revolution and its impact, Rise of Nationalism and Imperialism, First and Second World Wars, Emergence of Cold War and Decolonization |
| MH-204 | Research Methodology and Historiography | Core | 4 | Nature, scope and significance of History, Historical method: sources, criticism, causation, Objectivity and bias in historical writing, Different schools of historiography, Writing a research paper and dissertation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-301(A) | Archaeology and Museology | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Archaeology and its branches, Excavation techniques and methods of dating, Introduction to Museology and museum types, Museum administration and exhibition design, Conservation of museum objects |
| MH-301(B) | History of Indian Philosophy | Elective | 4 | Vedic and Upanishadic philosophy, Jainism and Buddhism, Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools, Sankhya and Yoga systems, Mimamsa and Vedanta philosophy |
| MH-301(C) | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Evolution and concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in the Indian Constitution, Challenges to Human Rights in India, Role of NGOs and international bodies |
| MH-302 | History of India (1950 to 2000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Nehruvian era: policies and challenges, Indira Gandhi era: political and economic changes, Emergence of coalition politics, Economic reforms of 1991, Social movements and identity politics |
| MH-303 | Local History and Oral History | Core | 4 | Significance and methods of local history, Sources for local historical research, Oral history: theory and practice, Interview techniques and ethical considerations, Preservation and interpretation of oral traditions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-401(A) | History of Women in India | Elective | 4 | Status of women in ancient and medieval India, Social reform movements and women''''s issues, Women''''s participation in the freedom struggle, Post-independence women''''s movements, Gender, patriarchy and feminism in Indian context |
| MH-401(B) | Gandhian Thought | Elective | 4 | Concept of Satyagraha and Non-Violence, Gandhian idea of Swaraj and Sarvodaya, Economic and social philosophy of Gandhi, Trusteeship and rural reconstruction, Relevance of Gandhian thought today |
| MH-401(C) | Environmental History | Elective | 4 | Human-environment interaction through history, Forests, water resources, and agriculture, Urbanization and pollution, Environmental movements in India, Sustainable development and historical perspectives |
| MH-402 | Recent Trends in Indian History | Core | 4 | Subaltern Studies and Dalit History, Gender History and Women''''s Studies, Environmental History and resource management, Cultural History and popular culture, Postcolonial approaches to Indian history |
| MH-403 | Tourism and Heritage Management | Core | 4 | Concept and types of tourism, Cultural heritage of India and its significance, Principles of heritage conservation, Marketing and promotion of heritage tourism, Sustainable tourism development and challenges |
