.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in History at Lala Laxmi Narayan Degree College
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is History at Lala Laxmi Narayan Degree College Prayagraj?
This History program at Lala Laxmi Narayan Degree College focuses on a comprehensive study of past events, societies, and cultures, from ancient civilizations to modern global developments. It emphasizes critical analysis and understanding of historical processes. With India''''s rich historical heritage and growing interest in cultural studies, this specialization is highly relevant, fostering analytical and research skills vital for various career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in human civilization, socio-political dynamics, and cultural evolution. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, or museumology. Working professionals looking to delve into historical research or cultural heritage management can also benefit, as can career changers seeking roles in content creation, archival work, or policy analysis.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, archaeologists, journalists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong emphasis on research and analytical thinking also prepares students for higher studies and competitive examinations, offering robust growth trajectories in both public and private sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Systematically study ancient and medieval Indian history by creating detailed timelines, concept maps, and understanding primary historical sources. Focus on grasping the political, social, economic, and cultural developments of each era.
Tools & Resources
NCERT History textbooks (Class VI-XII), Standard reference books (e.g., R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra), Online historical archives like Archive.org
Career Connection
A solid foundation in Indian history is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and for advanced historical research, forming the bedrock for future specialization.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with historical texts, identifying author''''s perspective, biases, and the context of historical narratives. Participate in classroom discussions and present analytical summaries of readings to hone critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals on history (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Online essay collections, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for research, journalism, policy analysis, and any role requiring informed decision-making and nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Join History Clubs and Academic Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in college history clubs, organize debates, seminars, and quizzes. Collaborate with peers on small research projects to develop teamwork and presentation skills while deepening historical knowledge beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Inter-collegiate history fests, Student-led study groups
Career Connection
Networking and active participation enhance leadership skills, build confidence, and can lead to opportunities for academic collaborations or recommendations for internships.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Modern History and Global Perspectives- (Semester 3-4)
Deepen understanding of modern Indian history and world history by connecting events across different regions. Focus on the impact of global phenomena like colonialism, industrialization, and major wars on Indian society.
Tools & Resources
Specialized books on modern India (e.g., Bipan Chandra), World history atlases, Documentaries on global historical events
Career Connection
This broadens perspective for roles in international relations, foreign policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication, besides providing depth for civil services exams.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Identify specific historical themes or local histories of Prayagraj/Uttar Pradesh that interest you and conduct small-scale research. Learn to gather data from archives, libraries, and oral histories under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
University library special collections, District archives, Interviews with local historians/elders
Career Connection
Develops essential research methodology skills, critical for M.A./Ph.D. programs, archival work, content writing, and analytical positions in various organizations.
Attend Workshops on Historical Methods- (Semester 3-4)
Seek out workshops or online courses that teach specific historical methods like historiography, archaeological survey basics, or conservation principles. Engage with methodologies used in different historical sub-fields.
Tools & Resources
Online platforms like Coursera/edX (for history courses), University department workshops, Guest lectures by historians
Career Connection
These specialized skills make you a more versatile candidate for roles in heritage management, museum studies, or as a research assistant, adding a practical dimension to your theoretical knowledge.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Competitive Examinations (UPSC/State PSCs)- (Semester 5-6)
Integrate syllabus topics with the demands of civil services examinations. Practice answer writing, essay composition, and stay updated with current affairs to link them with historical contexts. Consider enrolling in test series.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers (UPSC/UPPSC), Current affairs magazines (e.g., The Hindu, Yojana), Online coaching platforms for civil services
Career Connection
Many History graduates aspire for civil services; dedicated preparation during these years directly targets high-impact government roles, offering leadership and public service opportunities.
Engage in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Choose an elective related to your core interest (e.g., Indian Culture, Historiography) and undertake a substantial research project or dissertation. This provides an opportunity for in-depth scholarly work and original contribution.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors/mentors, Advanced research databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), University ethics committee (for fieldwork)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for academic positions, think tanks, and specialized research roles. It also acts as a portfolio piece.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 5-6)
Attend university alumni events, history conferences, and lectures by prominent historians. Build connections with faculty and professionals in fields like archaeology, museum studies, or journalism to explore career opportunities and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Departmental alumni networks, National/International history conferences (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Networking often leads to internship offers, job referrals, and valuable career guidance, paving the way for smooth transitions into desired professional fields in India and beyond.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050101T | History of Ancient India (From Earliest Times to 1200 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-Historic Cultures and Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Age, Rise of Mahajanpadas and Mauryan Empire, Gupta Age and Post-Gupta Period |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050201T | History of Medieval India (1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Sources for Medieval Indian History, Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis Dynasties, Provincial Dynasties and Bhakti-Sufi Movements, Mughal Empire: Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050301T | History of Modern India (1707 A.D. to 1857 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Independent States, Advent of European Powers and British Expansion, British Economic and Administrative Policies, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857: Causes and Nature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050401T | History of Modern India (1857 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Aftermath of 1857 Revolt and Administrative Changes, Growth of Indian Nationalism: Moderates and Extremists, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments and Demand for Pakistan, Partition and Independence of India |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050501T | History of the World (1453 A.D. to 1871 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution, American Revolution and French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Capitalism, Unification of Germany and Italy |
| A050502T | History of Indian Culture (Ancient to Modern) | Major Elective (Option 1) | 4 | Philosophical Traditions of India, Evolution of Indian Art and Architecture, Literature and Languages Development, Science, Technology, and Education Systems, Cultural Synthesis and Diversity in India |
| A050503T | History of U.P. (From Ancient to Modern Period) | Major Elective (Option 2) | 4 | Ancient History of Uttar Pradesh, Medieval Period: Sultanate and Mughal Rule in U.P., Awadh during British Rule, Role of U.P. in the Freedom Movement, Socio-Cultural Developments in U.P. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050601T | History of the World (1871 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Major Core | 4 | Imperialism and Colonial Expansion, First World War: Causes and Consequences, Russian Revolution and Rise of Communism, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Second World War: Causes, Events, and Aftermath |
| A050602T | History of South East Asia (From Ancient to Modern Period) | Major Elective (Option 1) | 4 | Early Cultures and Indianization in Southeast Asia, Rise and Fall of Empires (e.g., Srivijaya, Majapahit), Colonialism in Southeast Asia, Growth of Nationalism and Independence Movements, Post-Independence Developments and Regional Cooperation |
| A050603T | Historiography and Historical Methods | Major Elective (Option 2) | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Subjectivity in History, Historical Causation and Periodization, Schools of Historical Thought, Research Methodology and Archival Studies |
