

M-A in History at L.K. Khot Arts College


Belagavi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at L.K. Khot Arts College Belagavi?
This M.A. History program at L.K. Khot Arts Degree College, Belagavi, under the affiliation of Rani Channamma University, focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian, Karnataka, and World History. It delves into historiography, ancient, medieval, and modern periods, offering a nuanced understanding of historical events and their socio-political impacts. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking and research skills crucial for interpreting complex historical narratives and contributes to the growing demand for skilled historians and researchers in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking entry into academic research, teaching roles, or preparing for competitive examinations like UPSC and KPSC. It also caters to working professionals in heritage, tourism, or public administration looking to enhance their historical knowledge and analytical abilities. Candidates with a strong interest in cultural preservation, historical documentation, and societal evolution will find this program deeply rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, and academic researchers. Many find opportunities in government sectors for heritage management or in education as college lecturers and school teachers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 LPA in academic and research institutions. The program provides a solid foundation for further doctoral studies and contributes to growth trajectories in various cultural and educational organizations across India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding different schools of historical thought, methods, and the philosophical underpinnings of history. Engage in discussions on primary and secondary sources, critically evaluating historical narratives. Join study groups to debate historical interpretations and improve analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Key texts on Historiography, Academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and research acumen essential for any historical profession or competitive exam preparation.
Build Strong Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing robust research skills, including proper citation, bibliography management, and ethical research practices. Practice writing concise and evidence-based essays. Utilize library resources, both physical and digital, to explore diverse historical perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for citation, JSTOR/Shodhganga for academic articles, College library databases
Career Connection
Prepares for dissertation writing, academic research, and report generation required in government and private research roles.
Engage with Indian Historical Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in local historical society events, workshops, and lectures. Attend guest speaker sessions organized by the department or other institutions. This exposure helps in understanding ongoing debates and networking with established historians and researchers in India.
Tools & Resources
Indian History Congress, State historical associations, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Facilitates networking for future research, internships, and potential mentorship, crucial for academic and heritage careers.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, identify a specific historical topic of interest and conduct a small-scale research project under faculty guidance. This involves data collection, analysis, and presenting findings, simulating the demands of higher-level research.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Archival resources (if accessible), Statistical tools for historical data
Career Connection
Enhances practical research experience, portfolio building, and provides a taste of academic inquiry for Ph.D. aspirations.
Seek Field Experience and Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities at local museums, archives, or heritage sites in Belagavi or nearby cities like Mysuru or Bengaluru. Gaining practical experience in conservation, documentation, or curatorial work is invaluable.
Tools & Resources
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) local offices, State Archives, Local museums
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience, makes resumes competitive for heritage management, museum studies, and public history roles.
Prepare for Competitive Exams- (Semester 3)
Start dedicated preparation for competitive examinations relevant to humanities graduates, such as UPSC Civil Services, KPSC, or UGC-NET/JRF for lectureship. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and in-depth history knowledge.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC coaching materials, Previous year question papers, Online current affairs platforms
Career Connection
Opens up opportunities in prestigious government services and ensures eligibility for teaching positions in higher education.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
For the Semester 4 project/dissertation, choose a unique topic and conduct thorough, original research. Engage frequently with your supervisor, refine your arguments, and ensure your work adheres to academic standards. This is a capstone of your research skills.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Access to specialized libraries/archives, Research software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for Ph.D. admissions, research fellowships, and high-level analytical roles.
Present at Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 4)
Seek opportunities to present your research findings at college-level seminars, inter-collegiate history fests, or even regional academic conferences. Public speaking and academic presentation skills are vital for an academic career.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Calls for papers from local universities/institutions
Career Connection
Builds academic profile, enhances communication skills, and provides exposure to the wider academic community.
Network with Alumni and Mentors- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni who have successfully navigated careers in history, academia, civil services, or related fields. Seek their guidance on career paths, job search strategies, and further educational opportunities. Mentorship can provide invaluable insights and support.
Tools & Resources
College alumni network platforms, LinkedIn, Faculty recommendations
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, informs career decisions, and provides a supportive professional network for long-term career growth in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 40% marks in aggregate. A relaxation of 5% in marks for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates is allowed as per Government of Karnataka rules. No candidate shall be eligible for admission to the M.A. History unless he/she has studied History as one of the subjects at the undergraduate level OR has secured 45% of marks in the cognate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC 1.1 | Historiography, Concepts, Methods and Tools of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Bias in History, Historical Causation and Interpretation, Major Schools of History, Research Methodology and Techniques, Sources and Tools of Historical Research |
| HC 1.2 | Ancient India: From Pre-History to 6th Century A.D. | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Cultures and Harappan Civilization, Vedic Age and Early States, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Period and Regional Kingdoms, Gupta Age: Administration, Society, Culture |
| HC 1.3 | Karnataka: A Cultural History (From Earliest Times to 1336 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Karnataka History, Early Dynasties of Karnataka, Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani, Rashtrakutas and their Contributions, Hoysalas: Polity, Society, Art, Religious Movements and Temple Architecture |
| HC 1.4 | India and the World (From Ancient Times to 1526 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Ancient Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China), Greek and Roman Civilizations, Rise of Christianity and Islam, Feudalism in Europe and the Crusades, Trade Routes and Cultural Exchange, Early European Encounters with Asia |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC 2.1 | Modern India: 1757 A.D. to 1857 A.D. | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, European Trading Companies and Anglo-French Rivalry, British Expansion and Consolidation of Power, Economic Policies and their Impact, Social and Religious Reform Movements, The Revolt of 1857 and its Consequences |
| HC 2.2 | Medieval India: From 1206 A.D. to 1707 A.D. | Core | 4 | Establishment and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Sayyids and Lodis: Decline of Sultanate, Establishment and Expansion of Mughal Empire, Mughal Administration, Society and Economy, Art, Architecture and Culture under Mughals |
| HC 2.3 | Karnataka: A Cultural History (1336 A.D. to 1799 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Vijayanagara Empire: Polity, Society, Economy, Bahmani and Adil Shahi Kingdoms, Wodeyars of Mysore: Early Period, Maratha Influence and Expansion, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Art, Literature and Religious Traditions |
| HC 2.4 | India and the World (1526 A.D. to 1914 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Age of Exploration and European Expansion, Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment, Scientific Revolution and Industrial Revolution, American and French Revolutions, Rise of Nationalism and Imperialism, Causes and Prelude to World War I |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC 3.1 | Modern India: 1857 A.D. to 1947 A.D. | Core | 4 | Post-1857 British Administrative Changes, Rise of Indian Nationalism: Moderates and Extremists, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments (1909-1935), Growth of Communalism and Demand for Pakistan, Partition and Independence |
| HC 3.2 | Medieval India: From 7th Century to 1206 A.D. | Core | 4 | Emergence of Regional Kingdoms (Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas), Chola Empire: Administration, Art, Culture, Rajput States and their Confederacy, Society, Economy and Religion in Early Medieval India, Arab Invasion of Sindh, Turkish Invasions and Establishment of Delhi Sultanate |
| HC 3.3 | Karnataka: A Cultural History (1799 A.D. to 1956 A.D.) | Core | 4 | British Rule in Karnataka and Subsidiary Alliance, Integration of Princely States, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Nationalist Movement in Karnataka, Unification of Karnataka, Economic and Educational Developments |
| OE 3.1 | Gender Studies | Open Elective | 4 | Concept of Gender and Patriarchy, Gender Roles in Ancient and Medieval Societies, Women''''s Movement in India, Gender and Colonialism, Issues of Gender Inequality and Empowerment, Historical Perspectives on Sexuality |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC 4.1 | Contemporary India: Post-1947 Challenges and Developments | Core | 4 | Nation Building and Partition, Integration of Princely States, Economic Planning and Development, India''''s Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment, Social Movements and Reforms (Dalits, Women), Challenges of Regionalism, Communalism and Globalisation |
| HC 4.2 | History of Freedom Movement in India | Core | 4 | Early Nationalist Organizations and Moderates, Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement, Revolutionary Nationalism, Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement, Role of Various Leaders and Political Organizations |
| HE 4.1 | History of Science and Technology in India | Hard Core Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian Science and Mathematics, Medieval Innovations in India, Impact of Colonial Rule on Indian Science, Post-Independence Scientific Development, Space Program and Nuclear Energy in India, Challenges and Future of Indian Science |
| OE 4.2 | Project Work / Dissertation | Open Elective (Project) | 4 | Research Design and Methodology, Literature Review and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation of Historical Data, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation Skills and Viva-Voce, Ethics in Research and Original Contribution |




