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B-A-HONS 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 B.A. (Hons) History program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Mayurbhanj, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World History from ancient to contemporary times. It delves into social, economic, political, and cultural transformations, fostering critical thinking and research skills. In the Indian context, historical analysis is vital for understanding societal evolution and policy-making, contributing to diverse fields like public administration, journalism, and cultural heritage management.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in human civilization, societal development, and historical research. It attracts students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, archival work, museum curation, or journalism. Individuals passionate about understanding the roots of modern India and global events, and those seeking to develop strong analytical and communication skills, will find this course highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum professionals, journalists, content creators, and educators. Many also pursue civil services (UPSC/OSPC) or higher education. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 8-15 LPA in specialized roles. Growth trajectories often lead to leadership positions in cultural institutions or policy advisory roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Primary and Secondary Source Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Develop strong analytical skills by actively engaging with both primary documents and diverse secondary interpretations for each historical period. Focus on identifying biases, understanding different perspectives, and constructing coherent arguments. Utilize college library resources and online academic databases for varied sources.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR (if accessible), E-PG Pathshala, Open access historical journals
Career Connection
This builds foundational research and critical thinking skills, essential for any career path, especially in civil services, research, and content creation, where evaluating information is paramount.
Develop Effective Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice structuring historical essays, research papers, and presentations with clear theses, evidence-based arguments, and proper citations. Participate in departmental seminars and college-level essay competitions to refine public speaking and articulation. Seek feedback from professors regularly.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides
Career Connection
Strong communication is crucial for academia, journalism, policy advocacy, and public relations. Articulating complex historical narratives clearly enhances employability.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
While specializing in History, explore related disciplines like Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and Literature through Generic Elective courses or independent reading. Understanding these linkages provides a holistic view of historical events and their broader societal impact.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, SWAYAM platform, Wikipedia (for initial overview), Cross-departmental seminars
Career Connection
A multi-faceted perspective makes graduates adaptable and valuable in fields requiring holistic problem-solving, such as urban planning, development studies, or social work.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively seek opportunities for short-term research projects under faculty guidance or internships with local museums, archives, or heritage organizations. This provides practical experience in historical preservation, documentation, and public history, often available in government or private cultural bodies in Odisha.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Research Cells, State Archives of Odisha, Odisha State Museum, Local NGOs
Career Connection
Direct exposure to real-world historical work builds a strong resume, demonstrates practical skills, and can lead to networking opportunities for future employment or advanced studies.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations (Civil Services/UGC NET)- (Semester 3-5)
Begin early preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, OPSC, or UGC NET (for higher education/research). Incorporate daily reading of newspapers, current affairs, and dedicated study hours for general knowledge and history-specific papers. Join study groups if available.
Tools & Resources
Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Government publications (Yojana, Kurukshetra), Online coaching portals (e.g., Unacademy, Byju''''s for basics), Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Many history graduates aim for these prestigious exams. Early, consistent preparation significantly increases chances of securing coveted government jobs or pursuing an academic career as an Assistant Professor.
Participate in Historical Debates and Discussions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in classroom discussions, departmental debates, and inter-college history quizzes. This sharpens critical thinking, argument formulation, and quick recall of historical facts, fostering intellectual curiosity and confidence.
Tools & Resources
Departmental History Club, Online forums (e.g., Reddit History subreddits for global debates), Historical documentaries and podcasts
Career Connection
Develops persuasive communication and analytical agility, highly valued in roles like legal research, journalism, public policy analysis, and teaching.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Work and Portfolio Building- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to the final year dissertation or project, choosing a topic of personal interest and potential career relevance. Develop a portfolio of best academic papers, research findings, and any project reports for interviews or higher studies applications. Seek faculty mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), Research methodology books
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases specialized knowledge and research capability, acting as a powerful credential for postgraduate studies, research positions, or specialized roles in heritage/archives.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Leverage the college''''s alumni network, attend seminars by guest speakers, and connect with professionals working in history-related fields (e.g., museum directors, civil servants, journalists). Seek informational interviews to understand career paths and gain insights into the job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Departmental guest lectures
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and potential job leads, making the transition from academia to professional life smoother in the competitive Indian job market.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 6)
Explore basic digital tools for historical research and presentation, such as data visualization, digital mapping (GIS for historical sites), or basic web development for online exhibitions. These skills are increasingly valuable in modern historical scholarship and public outreach.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (Open-source GIS), Timeline.js, Knight Lab Storytelling Tools, Google Arts & Culture
Career Connection
These contemporary skills enhance employability in evolving fields like digital archiving, educational technology, and interactive media, offering a unique edge in the job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-1 | History of India-I | Core | 6 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Pre-history: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas |
| CC-2 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World | Core | 6 | Evolution of Humankind, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Cultures, Neolithic Revolution, Bronze Age Civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia), Early Iron Age |
| GE-1 | History of Odisha (1803-1956) | Elective | 6 | British Conquest of Odisha, Resistance Movements (e.g., Paika Rebellion), Socio-Religious Reforms, Famine of 1866 and its Impact, Oriya Movement and Formation of Odisha Province |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Compulsory | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-3 | History of India-II | Core | 6 | Rise of Magadha and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms, Gupta Empire, Post-Gupta Period (Harsha), Early Medieval India (c. 600-1200 CE) |
| CC-4 | Economic History of India (1757-1947) | Core | 6 | Colonial Intervention and De-industrialization, Land Revenue Settlements (Permanent, Ryotwari, Mahalwari), Commercialization of Agriculture, Development of Modern Industry and Infrastructure, Famines and Poverty |
| GE-2 | Indian National Movement (1857-1947) | Elective | 6 | Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Moderate and Extremist Phases, Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi, Quit India Movement and Partition |
| AECC-2 | English Communication / MIL (Oriya) | Compulsory | 2 | Theories of Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (e.g., Paragraph, Letter, Report), Public Speaking |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-5 | History of India-III | Core | 6 | Sources for Medieval Indian History, Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties, Regional Powers (e.g., Vijayanagara, Bahmani) |
| CC-6 | Rise of Modern West-I | Core | 6 | Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism, The Renaissance, The Reformation and Counter-Reformation, Rise of Nation States, Age of Explorations and Mercantilism |
| CC-7 | History of India-IV | Core | 6 | Mughal Empire: Foundations (Babur, Humayun), Akbar: Administration and Policies, Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Art and Architecture, Aurangzeb: Religious Policies and Expansion, Decline of the Mughal Empire |
| SEC-1 | Archives and Museum Keeping | Skill Enhancement | 4 | Definition and Types of Archives, Archival Preservation and Conservation, Digitization of Records, History and Types of Museums, Museum Collection Management |
| GE-3 | Environmental History of India (up to 1947) | Elective | 6 | Forests and Ecology in Pre-Colonial India, Water Management Systems, Famines and Environmental Crises, Colonial Impact on Environment, Early Environmental Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-8 | History of India-V | Core | 6 | Eighteenth Century India: Regional Polities, British Expansion and Consolidation, Company''''s Administration and Policies, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Resistance to Colonial Rule (early phases) |
| CC-9 | Rise of Modern West-II | Core | 6 | The Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, American Revolution, French Revolution and its Aftermath, Industrial Revolution |
| CC-10 | History of India-VI | Core | 6 | Popular Resistance to Colonialism (Tribal, Peasant), Growth of Print Culture, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Cultural Awakening in Colonial India, Emergence of Political Associations |
| SEC-2 | Art Appreciation | Skill Enhancement | 4 | Nature and Purpose of Art, Elements of Art (Line, Shape, Color, Texture), Principles of Design (Balance, Rhythm, Unity), Indian Art Forms and Traditions, Western Art Movements |
| GE-4 | Gender in Indian History (up to 1947) | Elective | 6 | Gender Roles in Ancient Indian Society, Women in Medieval India, Colonialism and Gender, Women''''s Education and Social Reforms, Women''''s Participation in National Movement |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-11 | History of Modern Europe (1789-1919) | Core | 6 | French Revolution and Napoleon, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Revolutions of 1848, Unification of Italy and Germany, Imperialism and World War I |
| CC-12 | History of India-VII | Core | 6 | Gandhian Movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India), Communalism and Partition, Indian Independence Act, 1947, Making of the Indian Constitution, Integration of Princely States |
| DSE-1 | History of Indian National Movement (1857-1947) | Elective | 6 | Revolt of 1857 and its Impact, Emergence of Indian Nationalism, Rise of Mass Movements (Gandhian Era), Role of Different Ideologies, Towards Partition and Independence |
| DSE-2 | History of USA (c.1776-1877) | Elective | 6 | American Revolution and its Causes, Formation of the US Constitution, Early Republic and Jeffersonian Democracy, Expansion and Sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-13 | History of Modern Europe (1919-1991) | Core | 6 | The Inter-War Period, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II, The Cold War and Decolonization, Collapse of Soviet Union and European Integration |
| CC-14 | History of India-VIII | Core | 6 | Challenges of Nation-Building Post-Independence, Nehruvian Era: Economic Planning and Foreign Policy, Political Developments (Emergency, Coalition Era), Social and Cultural Transformations, Economic Liberalization and Globalisation |
| DSE-3 | History of Environment | Elective | 6 | Human-Environment Interaction through Ages, Ecological Imperialism, History of Resource Use and Misuse, Pollution and Environmental Degradation, Environmental Conservation Movements |
| DSE-4 | History of Modern East Asia (c. 1840-1949): China | Elective | 6 | Opium Wars and Unequal Treaties, Taiping Rebellion and Self-Strengthening Movement, Boxer Rebellion and Collapse of Qing Dynasty, Revolution of 1911 and Rise of Republic, Rise of Communism and Sino-Japanese War |
