

B-A in History at Pandit Ambika Pratap Narayan Mahila Mahavidyalaya


Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Pandit Ambika Pratap Narayan Mahila Mahavidyalaya Sant Kabir Nagar?
This History program at Pandit Ambika Pratap Narayan Mahila Mahavidyalaya offers a comprehensive understanding of India''''s ancient, medieval, and modern past, alongside pivotal global historical events. It is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills, essential for interpreting societal transformations. Emphasizing India''''s rich cultural heritage and its global interactions, the program prepares students for diverse career paths within academic, cultural, and public sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking a profound understanding of historical processes and their contemporary impact. It caters to those aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, heritage management, and cultural tourism. Individuals with a keen interest in research, social analysis, and cultural studies will find this specialization particularly rewarding, providing a robust foundation for advanced postgraduate studies and competitive examinations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, tour guides, and researchers. Many successfully clear competitive examinations like UPSC and State PSCs, entering public administration. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing substantially with experience in research, teaching, or government service. The program significantly enhances critical analysis, effective communication, and robust research methodology skills.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts & Chronology- (Semester 1-2)
Build a strong foundation in ancient and medieval Indian history by understanding key concepts, events, and their chronological order. Utilize prescribed textbooks, reference materials, and online historical resources like E-Pathshala for in-depth knowledge. Actively participate in classroom discussions to clarify complex historical narratives and interpretations.
Tools & Resources
NCERT History textbooks (Class 6-12), Official university syllabus, E-Pathshala, Local libraries
Career Connection
A strong foundational knowledge is crucial for success in competitive exams (UPSC, PSC), further academic pursuits, and any role requiring historical context and accuracy.
Develop Critical Reading & Source Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with primary and secondary sources mentioned in the curriculum. Practice identifying biases, evaluating the reliability of evidence, and understanding diverse historical interpretations. Regularly write short analytical essays on given topics to hone your persuasive writing and analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
Peer-reviewed historical journals, Online archives (e.g., National Archives of India portal), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Essential for research, journalism, civil services, and any profession demanding informed decision-making, logical reasoning, and well-structured reporting.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates to discuss complex historical topics, share different perspectives, and collaboratively prepare for examinations. Practice presenting your findings to the group, which enhances public speaking, argumentation, and teamwork skills. This collaborative approach deepens understanding.
Tools & Resources
University common rooms, Online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Meet for remote discussions), Academic forums
Career Connection
Enhances teamwork, communication, and presentation skills, which are highly valued in academic, teaching, public relations, and administrative roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialized Areas & Research Methodology- (Semester 3-4)
Delve deeper into specific periods or thematic areas within Indian and World History that pique your interest. Focus on understanding historical research methodologies, including data collection techniques, appropriate citation styles, and the process of writing a concise and effective research proposal.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s research guides, JSTOR, Academia.edu for scholarly articles, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Prepares students for advanced academic research, their final dissertation, and roles in think tanks, policy analysis, or historical documentation.
Participate in History-related Workshops & Field Visits- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out and participate in workshops on historiography, museum studies, or archival research organized by the college or university. Join college-led field visits to local historical sites, museums, and archives in Uttar Pradesh to gain practical exposure and contextual understanding of historical narratives.
Tools & Resources
College history department notices, Local heritage organizations, Uttar Pradesh State Archives, Regional Museums
Career Connection
Provides direct practical experience for careers in heritage management, archaeology, cultural tourism, and public history, making you job-ready.
Develop Public Speaking & Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Volunteer to present various topics in class, participate in debates, and assist in organizing events for the college''''s historical society. Focus on articulating complex historical arguments clearly and engagingly. This will be invaluable for the project/dissertation viva-voce and future professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Debate clubs, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Feedback from faculty
Career Connection
Highly beneficial for teaching, public relations, journalism, and success in competitive civil services interviews where communication is key.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Apply all learned research skills to develop and execute a substantial independent research project or dissertation in your chosen area of history. Conduct thorough research, write a well-structured academic paper, and prepare diligently for a confident viva-voce presentation.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors/mentors, University research guidelines, Plagiarism checker software, Access to specialized historical databases
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research and analytical capabilities, a significant asset for higher education (MA/PhD), research-oriented roles, and high-level competitive examinations.
Prepare for Civil Services & Other Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Dedicate significant time to targeted preparation for UPSC, State PSC, NET/JRF, or other relevant competitive examinations. Integrate current affairs with your historical knowledge, practice essay writing, and solve previous year''''s general studies papers, including history optionals.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Government publications (e.g., Yojana, Kurukshetra), Previous year question papers and mock tests, Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express)
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for prestigious government jobs and academic positions across India, offering stable and impactful career paths.
Network with Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 5-6)
Attend academic seminars, conferences, and alumni meets to network with established historians, academics, and professionals in related fields like museum studies or journalism. Seek mentorship and explore potential career paths, internships, or collaborative project opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni portal, Department-organized career guidance sessions, Professional historical associations
Career Connection
Opens doors to valuable internships, job opportunities, and provides invaluable career advice and guidance within the humanities and public sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO101T | Ancient Indian History (From the beginning to 1200 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Cultures & Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Culture & Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire & Post-Mauryan Period, Gupta Empire & Post-Gupta Period (Harsha), Rise of Regional States |
| HISO101P | Historical Source Analysis and Archaeology | Practical/Project | 2 | Introduction to Sources (Literary, Archaeological), Numismatics (Study of Coins), Epigraphy (Study of Inscriptions), Archaeological Excavation & Dating Methods, Site Reports & Museum Studies, Conservation of Historical Artefacts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO201T | History of India (1200 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate Administration & Society, Establishment of Mughal Empire & Akbar''''s Reign, Mughal Administration & Religious Policies, Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Marathas & Bhakti-Sufi Movements |
| HISO201P | Historical Writings and Research Methodology | Practical/Project | 2 | Concepts of Historiography, Major Schools of History, Historical Research Process, Use of Footnotes & Bibliography, Data Collection & Interpretation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO301T | History of India (1707 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire & Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of European Powers & British Expansion, Indian Resistance Movements & 1857 Revolt, Rise of Nationalism & National Movement, Partition of India & Independence, Early Challenges Post-Independence |
| HISO301P | Museum & Archives Management | Practical/Project | 2 | Role and Types of Museums, Types of Archives & Record Management, Conservation and Preservation Techniques, Digitization of Historical Records, Exhibition Planning & Design, Heritage Interpretation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO401T | World History (From Ancient Civilization to 1871 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Ancient River Valley Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt), Greek and Roman Civilizations, Feudalism & Rise of Islam, Renaissance & Reformation, Enlightenment & Scientific Revolution, American & French Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, Unifications (Italy, Germany) |
| HISO401P | History and Tourism | Practical/Project | 2 | Concept of Heritage Sites & Cultural Tourism, Role of History in Tourism Development, Tour Guiding & Interpretation of Historical Places, Impact of Tourism on Heritage, Sustainable Tourism Practices, Case Studies of Historical Tourism Destinations |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO501T | History of the Modern World (1871 A.D. to 1991 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I & II: Causes, Course, Consequences, Russian Revolution & Rise of Totalitarianism, Cold War: Origins, Phases, End, Decolonization in Asia and Africa, United Nations Organization & Non-Aligned Movement |
| HISO502T | History of Uttar Pradesh (From Ancient to Modern) | Core (Major) | 4 | Ancient History of Uttar Pradesh (Pre-historic to Gupta), Medieval History of Uttar Pradesh (Sultanate, Mughal), Modern History of Uttar Pradesh (British Rule), Freedom Movement in Uttar Pradesh, Social and Cultural Developments in UP, Architectural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh |
| HISO501P | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 6 | Formulation of Research Proposal, Literature Review & Methodology Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Structure & Content of Dissertation, Report Writing & Referencing, Presentation & Viva-voce Preparation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISO601T | Select Aspects of Contemporary Indian History (Since 1950 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Challenges of Nation-Building & Integration, Economic Planning & Development in India, Social Movements & Caste Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy & Relations, Regionalism, Communalism & Terrorism, Globalization & its Impact on India |
| HISO602T | Cultural Heritage of India (Elective Example) | Elective (Major) | 4 | Indian Art and Architecture (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Indian Philosophy and Religious Traditions, Indian Literature & Languages, Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre), Fairs, Festivals and Customs of India, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India |
| HISO601P | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 6 | Finalization and Submission of Dissertation, Defense of Research Findings, Critical Evaluation of Project Outcomes, Application of Historical Knowledge, Academic Presentation Skills, Preparation for Future Research |




