

B-A-HONOURS in Urdu at Mahabodhi College, Gaya


Gaya, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Urdu at Mahabodhi College, Gaya Gaya?
This B.A. (Honours) Urdu program at Mahabodhi College, affiliated with Magadh University, focuses on a comprehensive study of Urdu language and literature, encompassing its historical development, classical and modern poetry, prose, and literary criticism. It delves into the rich cultural heritage and aesthetic values embedded in Urdu, equipping students with deep linguistic and analytical skills crucial for understanding South Asian literary traditions. The program differentiates itself by its rigorous academic approach and emphasis on both classical and contemporary Urdu literary forms, addressing a persistent demand for Urdu scholars and professionals in various Indian sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 with a keen interest in Urdu language and literature, seeking entry into academic, media, or cultural fields. It also caters to individuals looking to deepen their understanding of a historically significant language and its cultural impact in India. Students with a background in arts, humanities, or those simply passionate about Urdu poetry and prose will find this specialization particularly rewarding, fostering critical thinking and research abilities.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Urdu teachers, content writers, journalists, translators, proofreaders, and researchers in government and private cultural institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, especially in media and academia. The growth trajectory includes becoming senior journalists, professors, literary critics, or cultural ambassadors, aligning with professional certifications for language proficiency and teaching.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Classical Urdu Texts and Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to reading original classical Urdu ghazals and nazms, focusing on understanding the language, poetic devices, and historical context. Simultaneously, develop a strong foundation in Urdu grammar and syntax by practicing sentence construction and translation. Join study groups to discuss complex texts and grammatical nuances.
Tools & Resources
Key classical Urdu poetry and prose anthologies, Urdu grammar textbooks, Online dictionaries like Rekhta.org, Peer study circles
Career Connection
A strong grasp of classical texts and grammar is fundamental for all future studies and careers in academia, translation, and literary criticism.
Engage with Urdu Calligraphy and Script- (Semester 1-2)
Practice Nasta''''liq and Naskh calligraphy regularly to improve handwriting and familiarity with the script. Attend workshops or use online tutorials to refine script-writing skills. This helps in better comprehension and appreciation of Urdu literature and is valuable for cultural preservation and publishing.
Tools & Resources
Calligraphy pens and paper, InPage software for digital calligraphy, Online Nasta''''liq tutorials, Local calligraphy workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in Urdu script is essential for proofreading, editing, and publishing roles, enhancing employability in Urdu media and publishing houses.
Build a Strong Reading Habit- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, read widely from Urdu short stories, novels, and non-fiction. Explore different genres and authors to broaden your literary perspective and vocabulary. Maintain a reading journal to note down new words, literary devices, and personal reflections on texts.
Tools & Resources
Local libraries, Online Urdu literary platforms like Rekhta, E-books and digital archives, Personal reading journal
Career Connection
Extensive reading builds critical analysis skills, broadens cultural knowledge, and prepares students for roles in content creation, journalism, and research by enhancing expression and contextual understanding.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Literary Debates and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in college literary societies, debates, and seminars focused on Urdu literature. Prepare and present papers on topics of interest, engaging in discussions and receiving feedback. This hones public speaking, critical thinking, and analytical skills, crucial for academic and professional growth.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Society, Departmental seminars, Research papers and journals, Public speaking guides
Career Connection
These activities build confidence and presentation skills, valuable for teaching, media interviews, and academic conferences, making graduates more articulate and persuasive.
Undertake Mini-Translation Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly translate short passages, poems, or news articles from Urdu to English and vice-versa. Focus on maintaining the original meaning, tone, and cultural nuances. Seek feedback from professors or native speakers. This practical application solidifies linguistic skills and offers a tangible portfolio component.
Tools & Resources
Bilingual dictionaries, Online translation tools (for reference, not reliance), News articles in both languages, Guidance from faculty
Career Connection
Translation skills are highly sought after in publishing, media, and government sectors, opening doors to careers as professional translators and interpreters.
Explore Urdu Journalism and Media- (Semester 3-5)
Gain practical exposure by contributing articles to the college magazine in Urdu, volunteering for local Urdu newspapers/portals, or attending workshops on Urdu journalism. Understand the structure of news reporting, editorial writing, and feature writing specific to Urdu media. Learn basic InPage or other Urdu DTP software.
Tools & Resources
College magazine, Local Urdu newspapers/online portals, InPage DTP software, Workshops on journalism
Career Connection
Direct exposure to media practices builds practical skills for a career in Urdu journalism, content writing, or public relations, aligning with current industry needs.
Advanced Stage
Conduct Independent Literary Research- (Semester 6)
Identify an area of interest within Urdu literature and conduct a small-scale research project under faculty guidance. This involves extensive reading, critical analysis, and structured writing, culminating in a well-researched paper. This strengthens academic rigor and prepares for higher studies or research roles.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s research databases, Literary journals, Faculty mentors, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Research experience is invaluable for pursuing M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, securing academic positions, or working as a research associate in cultural organizations.
Prepare for NET/JRF and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin focused preparation for the UGC NET/JRF examination in Urdu, which is essential for teaching and research positions. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, previous year''''s papers, and relevant study material. Also, explore general competitive exams that require strong language and general awareness skills.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF syllabus and past papers, Standard reference books for Urdu literature, Online coaching platforms (optional), General knowledge books
Career Connection
Cracking NET/JRF opens doors to lectureships in universities and research fellowships, while general competitive exams can lead to various government jobs in India.
Network with Urdu Scholars and Professionals- (Semester 6)
Attend national/international Urdu conferences, literary festivals, and book fairs. Interact with established scholars, writers, and professionals in Urdu media and academia. Build a professional network that can provide mentorship, internship opportunities, and career guidance, connecting you to the broader Urdu literary ecosystem.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements, Social media groups for Urdu literature, Professional organizations, Alumni network
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for career advancement, identifying job opportunities, and gaining insights into industry trends, leading to better placements and collaborations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination in any stream from a recognized board, preferably with Urdu as a subject or proven proficiency.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (Internal Assessment, Mid-Semester Exams, Assignments), External: 70% (End Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-101 | Origin and Development of Urdu Language | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Origin theories of Urdu language, Dakhani Urdu and its features, Development in Delhi and Lucknow, Different schools of thought, Key linguistic shifts |
| URDU-C-102 | Urdu Ghazal (Early & Classical Period) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Evolution of Ghazal, Meer Taqi Meer''''s contribution, Mirza Ghalib''''s poetic style, Momin Khan Momin''''s art, Daagh Dehlvi''''s influence |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Natural Resources & Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues & the Environment, Human Population & Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-203 | Urdu Nazm (Classical & Modern Period) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Origin and development of Nazm, Altaf Hussain Hali''''s contribution, Allama Iqbal''''s philosophy in Nazm, Josh Malihabadi''''s style, Faiz Ahmed Faiz''''s revolutionary poetry |
| URDU-C-204 | Urdu Prose (Dastan & Novel) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Art of Dastan writing, Fasana-e-Ajaib and Bagh-o-Bahar, Evolution of Urdu Novel, Premchand''''s literary works, Ruswa''''s ''''Umrao Jaan Ada'''' |
| AECC-2 | MIL Communication (Hindi/English/Urdu) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Fundamentals of communication, Reading comprehension, Basic grammar and vocabulary, Essay and letter writing, Formal and informal communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-305 | Urdu Afsana (Short Story) & Drama | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Evolution of Urdu Afsana, Premchand, Manto, Krishan Chander, Origin of Urdu Drama, Imtiaz Ali Taj''''s plays, Habeeb Tanvir''''s theatre |
| URDU-C-306 | Literary Criticism & Research Methodology | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Principles of literary criticism, Hali''''s critical theories, Ehtesham Hussain''''s approach, Fundamentals of research, Thesis writing and documentation |
| URDU-C-307 | Urdu Prose (Inshaiya, Khaka, Safarnama) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Art of Inshaiya writing, Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqui, Khaka (Pen Sketch) writing, Safarnama (Travelogue) as a genre, Prominent writers in these genres |
| SEC-1 | Urdu Journalism | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | History of Urdu Journalism, Principles of reporting, Editorial writing, Interview techniques, Media ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-408 | Qasida & Marsia | Core Course (CC) | 6 | History and structure of Qasida, Qaseeda by Sauda, Evolution of Marsia, Mir Anees''''s Marsia writing, Mirza Dabir''''s contribution |
| URDU-C-409 | Tazkira & Sawaneh | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Concept of Tazkira, Mohammad Hussain Azad''''s ''''Aab-e-Hayat'''', Art of Sawaneh نگاری (biography writing), Hali''''s ''''Hayat-e-Javed'''', Prominent biographical works |
| URDU-C-410 | Classical Urdu Prose & Poetry | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Masnavi ''''Sihr-ul-Bayaan'''', Musaddas-e-Hali, Selected classical letters, Development of Urdu prose, Poetic forms of classical era |
| SEC-2 | Translation Practice | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Types of translation, Principles of translation, Translation from English to Urdu, Translation from Urdu to English, Practical exercises in translation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-511 | Western Literary Theories | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Classical Greek criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romanticism and Realism, New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist literary criticism |
| URDU-C-512 | Urdu Literary Movements | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Aligarh Movement, Progressive Writers'''' Movement, Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq, Modernism in Urdu Literature, Post-Modernism trends |
| URDU-DSE-1 | Special Study of Iqbal | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Iqbal''''s early poetry, Philosophical concepts (Khudi, Shaheen), Iqbal''''s Persian works, His impact on Urdu thought, Selected poems for detailed study |
| URDU-DSE-2 | Urdu Prosody and Rhetoric | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Fundamentals of Aruuz (prosody), Different poetic meters, Figures of speech (san''''aten), Rhetorical devices (badai''''), Application in classical poetry |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URDU-C-613 | Comparative Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Definition & scope of comparative literature, Influence of other languages on Urdu, Urdu literature''''s global reach, Translation studies and comparative approach, Interdisciplinary literary studies |
| URDU-C-614 | Modern Urdu Prose & Poetry (Post-1950) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | New trends in Urdu Ghazal, Modern Nazm poets, Contemporary Afsana writers, Post-modern criticism, Experimental forms in prose |
| URDU-DSE-3 | Urdu Theatre and Film | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Evolution of Urdu theatre, Adaptation of literary works for stage, Urdu dialogues in Indian cinema, Screenwriting basics, Impact of Urdu on film industry |
| URDU-DSE-4 | Urdu in Mass Media and Communication | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Urdu print media (newspapers, magazines), Urdu electronic media (TV, Radio), Digital Urdu platforms, Journalistic writing in Urdu, Role of Urdu in public discourse |




