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MA in History at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is History at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This MA History program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College offers a comprehensive study of Indian and World History, with a significant emphasis on regional history, particularly Odisha. It provides a deep dive into historical methodologies, spanning ancient to contemporary eras, and specialized areas like archaeology and museology. The program is crucial for understanding India''''s societal evolution and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic rigor and strong research skills. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for roles in academia, civil services, or heritage management. It also benefits working professionals, such as museum curators or archivists, looking to enhance their historical expertise and contribute meaningfully to India''''s dynamic cultural sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archaeologists, archivists, museum professionals, educators, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential based on experience. The program fosters critical thinking and advanced research skills, preparing students for M.Phil/PhD programs or competitive examinations for government positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with theories and methods of history from Core Course-1. Participate actively in departmental seminars and discussions to critically evaluate different historical interpretations. Focus on understanding the nuances of objectivity, subjectivity, and causation in historical writing.
Tools & Resources
Key historiography texts (e.g., E.H. Carr, R.G. Collingwood), Academic journals, College library resources
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills vital for research, teaching, and civil services examinations, where a strong conceptual foundation in history is crucial for success.
Building Strong Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understanding the sources of ancient and modern Indian history as covered in Core Courses. Practice identifying, authenticating, and interpreting various primary and secondary sources. Regularly utilize the college library and explore online academic databases for deeper insights.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (if accessible via institutional subscription), National Archives of India website, Digital libraries, Reference books on research methodology
Career Connection
Develops foundational research skills necessary for academic pursuits, archival work, historical journalism, and content creation roles within India''''s cultural sector.
Engaging with Regional History and Archaeology- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the specific focus on Odisha History and Archaeology. Participate in local heritage walks, visit nearby archaeological sites and museums, and engage with local historians or experts. Document observations and relate them to classroom learning to gain practical insights.
Tools & Resources
Odisha State Museum, Local archaeological departments, Regional history books, Cultural heritage organizations
Career Connection
Provides a unique advantage for securing roles in state heritage boards, cultural tourism, and regional archival management within India, focusing on local expertise.
Intermediate Stage
Specializing in Epigraphy and Numismatics- (Semester 3)
For Discipline Specific Elective-2, go beyond classroom theory. Attempt to read and analyze actual inscriptions (facsimile images) and coins available in textbooks or online repositories. Consider attending specialized workshops on epigraphy or numismatics if offered by universities or cultural organizations in Odisha.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic books on Indian epigraphy and numismatics, Online databases of ancient Indian scripts and coins, Relevant research papers
Career Connection
Cultivates niche expertise highly valued in archaeological surveys, museum curation, and academic research focused on ancient and medieval Indian history.
Practical Application in Museology and Archives- (Semester 3 (during or after))
Actively seek internship opportunities at local museums (e.g., Odisha State Museum, district museums) or archives during semester breaks. Focus on understanding collection management, preservation techniques, and exhibition planning, directly applying knowledge from Discipline Specific Elective-3.
Tools & Resources
Museum websites, Archival guides, Networking with museum professionals, Institutional career services
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for roles in museum management, archival science, and heritage conservation, offering practical experience crucial for securing employment in these fields.
Comprehensive Preparation for Project/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin early identification of research interests and potential supervisors for the Semester IV Project. Conduct thorough literature reviews, refine research questions, and master academic writing conventions. Regularly consult with faculty mentors to ensure project quality.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Academic writing handbooks, Institutional library resources, Citation management software
Career Connection
Strengthens independent research capabilities, which are a cornerstone for higher academic pursuits (M.Phil/PhD), and complex analytical roles in research organizations or government agencies.
Advanced Stage
Focused Research and Academic Writing for Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to the dissertation in Semester IV. Develop a rigorous research plan, execute primary and secondary data collection, and focus on structured academic writing and argumentation. Present preliminary findings in departmental colloquia for constructive feedback.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero), Academic writing centers, Peer review groups
Career Connection
The dissertation is a capstone project demonstrating advanced research and analytical skills, crucial for academic careers, policy analysis, and any role requiring detailed investigative work.
Civil Services and Competitive Exam Preparation- (Throughout the program, intensifying in Semester 4)
Utilize the comprehensive coverage of Indian and World History in the curriculum for preparing for civil services (UPSC, OPSC) and other competitive examinations. Integrate daily newspaper reading, current affairs, and practice essay writing with historical perspectives to excel.
Tools & Resources
Standard UPSC history textbooks, Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly aligns with aspirations for government service, offering a strong historical foundation for both the general studies and optional history papers in competitive exams.
Building a Professional Network- (Semester 3-4)
Attend history conferences, seminars, and workshops in Odisha and beyond to broaden your academic exposure. Network with faculty, visiting scholars, and professionals in heritage and education sectors. Leverage college alumni networks for mentorship and career guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional academic associations (e.g., Indian History Congress), University career services, Departmental alumni events
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, collaborative projects, and mentorship, which are crucial for career progression in academia, museums, and research institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-1 | Historiography, Concepts, Methods and Tools of History | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope and Relevance of History, History, Science and Philosophy, Objectivity and Subjectivity in History, Causation in History, Tools and Techniques of Research |
| CC-2 | Ancient Indian History (Upto C. 650 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Vedic Civilization, Rise of Magadhan Imperialism, Gupta Empire |
| CC-3 | Modern Indian History (C. 1757 – 1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, British Paramountcy, Economic Impact of British Rule, Socio-Religious Reform Movements |
| CC-4 | History of Odisha (Upto C. 1568 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Odisha History, Pre-Historic and Proto-Historic Odisha, Odisha under Imperial Guptas and Post-Gupta Rulers, Ganga Rule and Gajapati Rule, Socio-Economic and Cultural Life |
| DSE-1 | Principles of Archaeology | Elective | 4 | Definition, Aims and Scope of Archaeology, Techniques of Exploration, Dating Methods, Pre-Historic Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Preservation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-5 | History of the World (C. 15th to Mid-18th Century) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Emergence of Nation States, Commercial Revolution, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment |
| CC-6 | Ancient Indian History (C. 650 A.D. – 1206 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Post-Gupta Period, Rajput Polities, South Indian Kingdoms, Socio-Economic Conditions, Cultural Developments |
| CC-7 | Modern Indian History (C. 1858 – 1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Uprising of 1857, Rise of Nationalism, Gandhian Era, Constitutional Developments, Partition of India |
| CC-8 | History of Odisha (C. 1568 – 1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Gajapati Rule and Afghan Occupation, Mughal Rule in Odisha, Maratha Rule, British Rule in Odisha, Growth of Odia Nationalism |
| DSE-2 | Epigraphy and Numismatics | Elective | 4 | Definition and Scope of Epigraphy, Dating of Inscriptions, Significant Inscriptions, Definition and Scope of Numismatics, Coins as Source Material |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-9 | History of the World (C. Mid-18th Century – 1919 A.D.) | Core | 4 | American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism |
| CC-10 | History of Medieval India (C. 1206 – 1526 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval India, Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khaljis and Tughlaqs, Vijayanagar and Bahamani Kingdoms, Socio-Religious Movements |
| CC-11 | Contemporary Indian History (C. 1947 – 2000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Challenges of Nation Building, Economic Planning and Development, Political Developments, Foreign Policy, Social and Cultural Changes |
| CC-12 | History of Tribal Odisha | Core | 4 | Tribal Life in Odisha, Major Tribes of Odisha, Tribal Movements, Socio-Cultural Life of Tribes, Tribal Development Policies |
| DSE-3 | Museology and Archival Studies | Elective | 4 | Concept and Scope of Museology, Types of Museums, Museum Administration, Archival System, Preservation of Records |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-13 | History of the World (C. 1919 A.D. – 2000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | World War I and its aftermath, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II, Cold War Era, Globalization and Contemporary World |
| CC-14 | History of Medieval India (C. 1526 – 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Mughal History, Establishment of Mughal Rule, Akbar and his Policies, Mughal Administration, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| CC-15 | Socio-Cultural History of India (C. 1206 – 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Society in Medieval India, Religious Developments, Education and Literature, Art and Architecture, Science and Technology |
| DSE-4 | Human Rights in India | Elective | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Evolution of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Context, Constitutional Provisions, Human Rights Commissions |
| Project | Project/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Documentation, Literature Review and Methodology, Viva Voce Examination |
