

BA in History at Pachhunga University College


Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is History at Pachhunga University College Aizawl?
This History program at Pachhunga University College, affiliated with Mizoram University, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian and global historical developments, with a special emphasis on regional history. It equips students with critical analytical skills and a nuanced perspective on socio-political and economic changes across different eras. The program is vital for careers in research, education, civil services, and cultural heritage management, fields that consistently demand historically informed professionals in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from arts or humanities streams seeking entry into academic, research, or administrative roles. It also suits individuals with a passion for understanding past events, societal evolution, and cultural legacies, including those aspiring for civil services or museum professions. Strong reading, analytical, and critical thinking skills are beneficial prerequisites for excelling in this specialization.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including teaching, historical research, archiving, museum curation, journalism, and civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15+ LPA in specialized roles or academia. The program''''s rigorous curriculum provides a strong foundation for higher studies like MA, M.Phil, and PhD, aligning with academic and research career trajectories.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Research and Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary sources, critically analyze historical narratives, and develop effective note-taking strategies. This foundational skill is crucial for understanding complex historical events and preparing for detailed research papers and exams.
Tools & Resources
College Library archives, JSTOR/Project Muse access (if available), Academic journals, historical texts
Career Connection
Enhances analytical thinking and research skills, vital for civil services, academic research, and any role requiring data interpretation.
Participate in Departmental Seminars and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively attend and contribute to history department seminars, workshops, and study groups. Engaging in discussions helps in articulating arguments, understanding diverse perspectives, and building a strong peer network.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Google Meet/Zoom for online sessions, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, critical debate, and networking, essential for academic presentations and professional interactions.
Build a Foundational Understanding of Indian History- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on understanding the chronological order and major turning points in ancient and medieval Indian history. This provides a solid base for advanced topics and competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Tools & Resources
Standard Indian history textbooks (e.g., NCERT, Bipan Chandra), Historical atlases, Online history platforms like IndianCulture.gov.in
Career Connection
Forms the bedrock for success in civil services exams, teaching, and heritage management careers in India.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Regional History and Specialized Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Delve into specialized areas like the History of Mizoram or European History through DSE courses. This allows for deeper engagement with specific periods or geographies, fostering niche expertise and research interests.
Tools & Resources
Regional archives, Specialized historical monographs, Faculty mentorship for elective choices
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge valuable for regional administrative roles, local historical societies, or focused academic pursuits.
Engage in Historical Writing and Essay Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Practice writing historical essays and research papers, participating in college or inter-college competitions. This hones research methodology, analytical writing, and scholarly communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero), Feedback from professors
Career Connection
Crucial for success in higher education, research publication, and roles requiring strong written communication.
Undertake Mini-Projects or Field Visits- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for departmental mini-projects, oral history interviews, or organized field visits to historical sites, museums, and archives. This offers practical experience in data collection and interpretation relevant to the local context of Mizoram.
Tools & Resources
Local museums and archives in Aizawl, Departmental project guidelines, Interview recording equipment
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure to heritage management, museum studies, and field research, enhancing employability in cultural sectors.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 6)
Utilize the final year to consolidate knowledge, practice answer writing for competitive exams like UPSC, MPSC, or prepare for entrance tests for MA History programs. Focus on comprehensive revision and current affairs linkage.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/MPSC previous year papers, Online test series, Coaching institute materials (optional), NCERT and advanced history books
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for coveted civil services positions or admission to prestigious MA/PhD programs, crucial for career advancement in India.
Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 6)
Actively look for internships at local museums, archives, historical societies, or NGOs involved in heritage conservation. Practical work experience is invaluable for understanding professional applications of historical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Professional networking
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience, builds professional networks, and significantly improves employability in cultural, research, and non-profit sectors.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 6)
Familiarize yourself with basic digital tools for historical research, such as data visualization, digital archiving, or online mapping of historical data. This skill set is increasingly relevant in modern historical studies.
Tools & Resources
Free online courses (Coursera, edX on digital humanities), Basic GIS software, Spreadsheet applications for data organization
Career Connection
Opens avenues in digital archiving, data journalism, and academic research, preparing for future-ready roles in India''''s evolving digital landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 148 (for the entire BA degree as per Mizoram University CBCS structure, including Generic Electives from other disciplines) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-101 | History of India-I (From Pre-History to 6th Century BCE) | Core | 6 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Hunter Gatherers, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cultures, Harappan Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Societies, Rise of Mahajanapadas |
| AECC-E-101 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Theory of Communication, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Speaking Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-202 | History of India-II (From 6th Century BCE to 6th Century CE) | Core | 6 | Janapadas to Empire: Magadha, Rise of Heterodox Sects: Jainism & Buddhism, Mauryan Empire, Post Mauryan Period, Gupta Age, Post Gupta Period |
| AECC-EVS-202 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-303 | History of India-III (From 7th Century to 13th Century CE) | Core | 6 | Early Medieval India: Transition to Feudalism, Major Dynasties of North India, Major Dynasties of South India, Agrarian Structure and Urbanization, Trade and Commerce, Religious Movements |
| DSC-H-304 | History of India-IV (From 13th Century to 18th Century CE) | Core | 6 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, The Mughal Empire: Foundation and Consolidation, Mughal Administration and Society, Religious and Cultural Developments, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| SEC-H-301 | Historical Tourism: Theory and Practice | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Tourism Industry and its Components, Types of Tourism: Cultural, Heritage, Eco-tourism, Historical Tourism in India: Major Sites, Tourism Policy and Planning, Role of Guides and Tour Operators, Challenges and Opportunities in Tourism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-405 | History of India-V (From 1757 CE to 1857 CE) | Core | 6 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Arrival of Europeans and East India Company, Expansion of British Power, Colonial Economy and its Impact, Administrative Structure and Land Revenue Settlements, Resistance to Colonial Rule |
| DSC-H-406 | History of India-VI (From 1857 CE to 1964 CE) | Core | 6 | Uprising of 1857: Causes, Nature, Consequences, British Colonial Rule after 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism and Early Congress, Gandhian Movements and Mass Nationalism, Partition of India and its Aftermath, Post-Independence India: Nehruvian Era |
| SEC-H-402 | Art Appreciation | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Introduction to Art History and Aesthetics, Art forms in Ancient India: Indus Valley, Mauryan, Gupta, Medieval Indian Art: Temple Architecture, Mughal Miniatures, Modern Indian Art: Colonial Influences, Bengal School, Folk and Tribal Art Forms, Art Conservation and Heritage Management |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-507 | History of India-VII (From 1965 CE to Present) | Core | 6 | Political Developments in Post-Nehruvian India, Economic Reforms and Globalization, Social Movements and Identities, Foreign Policy and International Relations, Scientific and Technological Progress, Contemporary India: Challenges and Achievements |
| DSE-H-501 | History of Europe - I: c.1780-1919 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | The French Revolution and its Impact, Napoleonic Era and Congress of Vienna, Industrial Revolution in Europe, European Revolutions of 1830 and 1848, Unification of Italy and Germany, Imperialism and Colonialism |
| DSE-H-502 | History of Mizoram - I: Pre-Colonial Period | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Sources for Mizoram History, Origin and Migrations of the Mizos, Mizo Society and Culture, Mizo Village Administration and Chiefs, Warfare, Raids and Headhunting, Arrival of Christian Missionaries |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-H-603 | History of Europe - II: c.1919-1991 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | World War I and its Aftermath: Treaty of Versailles, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II: Causes and Consequences, Cold War Era: Ideologies and Conflicts, Decolonization and the Third World, European Integration and End of Cold War |
| DSE-H-604 | History of Mizoram - II: Post-Colonial Period | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Mizo Union and Integration to India, Insurgency Period and Mizo National Front, Mizoram Peace Accord and Statehood, Development and Socio-Economic Changes, Mizo Identity and Politics, Contemporary Issues in Mizoram |




