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B-A-HONS in History at Patna Women's College
Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is History at Patna Women's College Patna?
This History (Hons.) program at Patna Women''''s College, affiliated with Patna University, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and political systems across diverse historical periods and geographies. It covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, alongside significant aspects of world history and regional history of Bihar. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and a nuanced perspective on historical events, crucial for navigating India''''s complex socio-cultural landscape and understanding its evolving narratives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in past civilizations, societal evolution, and cultural heritage, who possess strong analytical and interpretive abilities. It attracts fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, teaching, or heritage management in India. It is also suitable for those passionate about academic research and contributing to historical discourse, or pursuing higher studies in social sciences and humanities.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, tour guides, journalists, and educators. Many successfully pursue government jobs like UPSC/BPSC civil services, where a strong humanities background is highly valued. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong foundation for advanced degrees like MA, M.Phil, and PhD, leading to academic and research positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental concepts, chronologies, and key historical figures across ancient Indian and world history. Regularly review core texts and create detailed timelines and summary notes to internalize broad historical narratives.
Tools & Resources
NCERT History textbooks (Class 6-12), Online historical maps and timelines (e.g., World History Encyclopedia), College library resources for foundational texts
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is essential for competitive exams like UPSC and State PSCs, where historical knowledge is a core component, and for academic progression in higher studies.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary historical sources. Practice identifying biases, evaluating evidence, and forming independent interpretations. Participate actively in classroom discussions and debates on historical controversies to sharpen analytical acumen.
Tools & Resources
Access to college library''''s journal databases (e.g., JSTOR, Project Muse), Online archives for primary source documents, Peer study groups for discussion and critique
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for research, journalism, law, policy analysis, and any role requiring nuanced understanding and persuasive argumentation.
Enhance Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice essay writing, research paper structuring, and formal presentations. Seek constructive feedback from professors and peers to refine clarity, coherence, and argumentation. Develop effective English and Hindi communication skills for academic and professional contexts.
Tools & Resources
College writing center (if available), Grammarly or similar writing aids, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Clear and persuasive communication is vital for all professions, particularly in academia, media, civil services, and content creation roles, enhancing employability.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialised Historical Areas- (Semester 3-4)
Begin to delve into specific areas of interest within history, such as economic history, cultural history, or regional history (e.g., History of Bihar). Utilise elective courses (SEC/DSE/GE) to gain deeper insights and broader perspectives, potentially leading to a focused career path.
Tools & Resources
Specialised history journals, Documentaries on specific historical periods/themes, Interdisciplinary seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Specialisation can open doors to niche research, curatorial roles, or focused academic pursuits, providing a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Engage in Local History and Heritage Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in college or local community initiatives related to heritage preservation, oral history collection, or historical surveys of Patna and Bihar. This provides practical experience in historical methodology and fieldwork, connecting academic learning to local context.
Tools & Resources
Local archives and museums (e.g., Bihar State Archives, Patna Museum), NGOs working on heritage in Bihar, Faculty-guided research projects
Career Connection
Practical experience is highly valued in heritage management, tourism, and local government cultural departments, and significantly enhances profiles for higher studies or specialized jobs.
Network and Participate in Academic Events- (Semester 3-4)
Attend history conferences, workshops, and guest lectures organized by Patna University, Patna Women''''s College, or other institutions. Network with historians, researchers, and senior students to expand knowledge, gain insights into career paths, and explore collaborative opportunities.
Tools & Resources
University and college event calendars, Social media academic groups (e.g., LinkedIn, Academia.edu), Departmental alumni association (if available)
Career Connection
Networking can lead to mentorship, research collaborations, internships, and awareness of career opportunities in academia, research, and cultural sectors, enhancing professional growth.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Exams/Higher Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Dedicate significant time to preparing for UPSC Civil Services, BPSC, NET/JRF, or entrance exams for MA/PhD programs. Focus on comprehensive revision, mock tests, and staying updated on current affairs relevant to historical studies and general knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Reputable coaching institutes (if opting), Online test series and study apps, Previous year question papers, Government publications and yearbooks
Career Connection
This direct preparation is critical for securing esteemed positions in civil services, teaching, or admission to top-tier postgraduate programs, fulfilling long-term career aspirations.
Undertake a Mini-Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Work closely with a faculty mentor to conduct original research on a chosen historical topic, culminating in a dissertation or extensive research paper. This showcases advanced research and analytical capabilities, contributing to academic scholarship.
Tools & Resources
College library''''s advanced research databases, Inter-library loan services for specialized texts, Academic writing software (e.g., Zotero for citations)
Career Connection
A strong research project is a key differentiator for postgraduate admissions, research grants, and positions in think tanks or policy analysis, demonstrating expertise and initiative.
Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 5-6)
Seek internships at museums, archives, historical societies, publishing houses, media organizations, or historical research institutions. Gaining practical exposure helps in understanding industry demands and building professional networks before graduation.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct outreach to relevant organizations
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, often leading to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future employment in relevant sectors, boosting career launch.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) with minimum 45% marks (as per Patna Women''''s College Prospectus 2024-25)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-1 | History of Ancient India (From the Earliest Times to c. 300 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Cultures and Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period and Rise of Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire: Foundation and Administration, Post-Mauryan Developments and Kingdoms |
| P-HIS-CC-2 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Evolution of Humankind: Palaeolithic and Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Cultures, Bronze Age Civilizations: Egypt and Mesopotamia, Early Iron Age Societies, Nomadic Pastoralism and Urbanization |
| P-AECC-1 | Environmental Science / Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Pollution: Causes and Control, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics and Policies |
| P-GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-3 | History of India (c. 300 CE to 1206 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Gupta Empire: Administration and Cultural Achievements, Post-Gupta Period: Harshavardhana and Regional States, Early Medieval Kingdoms: Palas, Rashtrakutas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chola Empire: Administration and Society, Northern India on the Eve of Turkish Invasions |
| P-HIS-CC-4 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Decline of Roman Empire and Emergence of Feudalism, Rise and Spread of Islam, The Byzantine Empire, Crusades and their Impact, The Mongol Empire: Expansion and Administration |
| P-AECC-2 | MIL / English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Fundamentals of Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Effective Written Communication, Oral Communication and Presentation Skills |
| P-GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-5 | History of India (1206 CE to 1757 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Establishment and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Administration, Economy and Society under Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Rise of Marathas and other Regional Powers |
| P-HIS-CC-6 | Rise of Modern West-I (c. 15th to 17th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | The Renaissance and its Impact, The Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation, Scientific Revolution and New Worldview, Emergence of Nation-States, European Expansion and Mercantilism |
| P-HIS-CC-7 | History of Bihar (From Earliest Times to 18th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Pre-historic and Ancient Bihar (Magadha, Mauryas, Guptas), Bihar under Pala and Sena Dynasties, Sultanate and Mughal Rule in Bihar, Regional Powers and Zamindars of Bihar, Bihar in the 18th Century |
| P-SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - 1 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | |
| P-GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-8 | History of India (1757 CE to 1950 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Advent of European Powers and British Conquest, Consolidation of British Rule and Policies, Revolt of 1857 and its Aftermath, Rise of Indian Nationalism and Freedom Struggle, Partition of India and Independence |
| P-HIS-CC-9 | Rise of Modern West-II (c. 18th to 20th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | The Enlightenment and its Impact, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and Social Changes, Rise of Capitalism, Socialism and Imperialism, World War I and its Consequences |
| P-HIS-CC-10 | History of China & Japan (c. 1840 to 1949) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | China: Opium Wars and Taiping Rebellion, Boxer Rebellion and Collapse of Qing Dynasty, Japan: Meiji Restoration and Modernization, Rise of Japanese Imperialism and Expansion, Sino-Japanese War and WWII in East Asia |
| P-SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - 2 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | |
| P-GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-11 | History of Modern Europe (c. 1789 to 1945) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Impact of French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Revolutions of 1848 and Rise of Nationalism, Unification of Italy and Germany, World War I and the Inter-War Period |
| P-HIS-CC-12 | Economic History of India (1857 CE to 1964 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Colonial Economy and Commercialization of Agriculture, De-industrialization and Drain of Wealth, Famines and Agrarian Policies, Growth of Modern Industries, Economic Policies of Independent India |
| P-DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | |
| P-DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-HIS-CC-13 | History of Contemporary World (Post 1945) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | The Cold War and Bipolar World, Decolonization and Emergence of Third World, United Nations Organization and Global Governance, Non-Aligned Movement, End of Cold War and Globalization |
| P-HIS-CC-14 | Cultural History of India (From the Earliest Times to c. 1200 CE) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Harappan Art and Architecture, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Art (Stupas, Rock-cut caves), Gupta Age: Temple Architecture and Sculpture, Evolution of Indian Philosophies (Vedic, Buddhist, Jain), Development of Literature and Science |
| P-DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | |
| P-DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 |
