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M-A-HISTORY in History at Mahatma Gandhi Central University
East Champaran, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is History at Mahatma Gandhi Central University East Champaran?
This M.A. History program at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari focuses on a comprehensive study of Indian and World History from ancient to contemporary times. It delves into political, socio-economic, and cultural transformations, emphasizing critical historical analysis and research methodologies pertinent to India''''s rich past.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of historical processes. It caters to aspiring researchers, academicians, archivists, and those aiming for competitive examinations. It''''s also suited for individuals passionate about India''''s heritage and its global connections.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in teaching, museum curation, heritage management, and civil services in India. Potential roles include historians, researchers, archivists, and content developers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core historical concepts, theories, and historiographical debates introduced in Ancient, Medieval, and World History courses. Create detailed notes, timelines, and concept maps for each period.
Tools & Resources
University library, online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), open-access history journals, peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for advanced research, competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs), and effective teaching, forming the bedrock of a historian''''s knowledge.
Develop Critical Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with primary and secondary historical sources. Practice evaluating different interpretations, identifying biases, and constructing coherent arguments through essay writing and class discussions. Attend departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
Writing workshops, academic writing guides, faculty mentorship, historical document collections
Career Connection
Essential for research, academic writing, and any role requiring analytical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, including policy analysis and journalism.
Explore Diverse Historical Fields- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize open electives to explore history''''s intersections with other disciplines like sociology, political science, or literature. Attend guest lectures and workshops on various historical sub-fields beyond the core curriculum.
Tools & Resources
MGCUB''''s other departmental offerings for open electives, public lectures, history podcasts, documentaries
Career Connection
Broadens perspectives, enhances interdisciplinary understanding, and can open up niche career paths in heritage, public history, or cultural studies.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodologies- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in the project work/dissertation in Semesters 3 and 4. Learn to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, collect and interpret data, and structure a research paper effectively for submission.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology courses, statistical tools (if applicable to projects), university research ethics guidelines, faculty research groups, thesis writing software
Career Connection
Directly prepares for M.Phil./Ph.D. programs, research positions in think tanks, and roles requiring independent scholarly investigation, including advanced content creation.
Deepen Specialization and Field Exposure- (Semester 3-4)
Leverage core and elective courses in Semesters 3 and 4 (e.g., Environmental History, Gender in History) to build specialized knowledge. Seek opportunities for field visits to archives, museums, or historical sites, focusing on practical aspects of historical research and preservation.
Tools & Resources
Regional archives, local historical societies, specialized libraries, online digital archives focused on Indian history, historical documentaries, expert lectures
Career Connection
Develops expertise for roles in specialized museums, state archaeology departments, heritage organizations, and cultural tourism, or as subject matter experts.
Prepare for Academic and Professional Careers- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on refining academic writing and presentation skills through dissertation viva-voce and seminars. Actively explore opportunities for higher studies (NET/JRF, PhD) or prepare for competitive examinations (UPSC, state PSCs) by joining study groups and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
NET/JRF preparation materials, UPSC study groups, MGCUB career counseling, alumni network, professional history associations (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Crucial for securing academic positions (assistant professor), research fellowships, and high-level administrative roles in the public sector, ensuring career readiness.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHIHC-101 | Ancient Indian History: From Stone Age to the Mauryas | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Prehistoric Cultures and Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Period, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Rise of Magadha and Mauryan Empire |
| MHIHC-102 | Ancient Indian History: From Post-Mauryan to Pre-Medieval Period | Core | 4 | Post-Mauryan Period: Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Gupta Empire: Administration, Society, Economy, Post-Gupta Period: Harshavardhana, Regional Kingdoms, Dynasties of South India: Sangam Age, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Political and Cultural Developments |
| MHIHC-103 | History of the World: From Ancient Civilizations to Medieval Europe | Core | 4 | Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Ancient Greece: Polis, Democracy, Culture, Roman Empire: Republic, Empire, Decline, Rise of Christianity and Feudalism in Europe, Medieval Islamic World: Expansion and Culture |
| MHIEC-104 | Themes in Indian Historiography | Elective | 4 | Nature, Scope, and Value of History, Early Indian Historical Traditions, Colonial Historiography: Orientalism, Imperialism, Nationalist and Marxist Historiography, Subaltern Studies and Post-modernism |
| MHIOE-105 | Any Open Elective | Open Elective | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHIHC-201 | History of Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate | Core | 4 | Sources and Historiography of Sultanate Period, Establishment and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Major Dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Socio-Economic and Administrative Structures, Cultural Developments and Religious Movements |
| MHIHC-202 | History of Medieval India: Mughal Empire | Core | 4 | Sources and Historiography of Mughal Period, Establishment of Mughal Empire: Babur, Humayun, Reign of Akbar: Consolidation and Policies, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, Decline of the Mughal Empire |
| MHIHC-203 | History of Modern World: From 15th to Mid-18th Century | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and European Expansion, Rise of Nation States and Absolutism, Mercantilism and Commercial Revolutions, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment |
| MHIEC-204 | Modern Indian Historiography | Elective | 4 | Trends in Modern Indian Historiography, Orientalist and Utilitarian Interpretations, Imperialist and Nationalist Approaches, Marxist and Subaltern Perspectives, Communalist and Post-modernist Trends |
| MHIOE-205 | Any Open Elective | Open Elective | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHIHC-301 | History of Modern India: From 1757 to 1857 | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Establishment of British Rule in India, Colonial Economy and Administration, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, The Revolt of 1857: Causes and Impact |
| MHIHC-302 | History of Modern India: From 1858 to 1947 | Core | 4 | British Raj: Policies and Administration, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi and the Freedom Struggle, Constitutional Developments and Partition of India, Toward Independence and its Aftermath |
| MHIHC-303 | History of the Modern World: From Mid-18th to Mid-20th Century | Core | 4 | Industrial Revolution and its Impact, American and French Revolutions, Rise of Nationalism and Imperialism, World War I and Russian Revolution, Great Depression and World War II |
| MHIEC-304 | Contemporary History | Elective | 4 | Cold War: Origins, Phases, and End, Decolonization and Emergence of New Nations, United Nations and International Organizations, Rise of China and India in Global Arena, Globalization and Environmental Concerns |
| MHIPJ-305 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 2 | Research methodology and design, Literature review and data collection, Analysis and interpretation of historical data, Structure and writing of a research report, Presentation and defense of project |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHIHC-401 | India Since Independence | Core | 4 | Partition, Rehabilitation, and Integration of States, Making of the Indian Constitution, Nehruvian Era: Policies and Nation Building, Political and Economic Developments (1960s-2000s), Social Changes, Foreign Policy, and Challenges |
| MHIHC-402 | History of Northeast India | Core | 4 | Geographical and Historical Setting of Northeast India, Early History and Ethnic Formations, Colonial Rule and its Impact, Post-Independence Political Developments, Identity Movements and Insurgency |
| MHIHC-403 | Environmental History of India | Core | 4 | Concepts and Approaches to Environmental History, Historical Ecology of Indian Subcontinent, Forest History and Colonial Exploitation, Water Management and Agricultural Practices, Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Movements |
| MHIEC-404 | Gender in Indian History | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Gender and Patriarchy in History, Women in Ancient and Medieval India, Women in Colonial India and Nationalist Movement, Women''''s Movements and Legal Reforms, Gender, Society, and Culture in Contemporary India |
| MHIPJ-405 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 2 | Advanced research topic selection and refinement, In-depth analysis of primary and secondary sources, Thesis writing and academic argumentation, Defense of dissertation and viva-voce preparation, Contribution to historical knowledge |
