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MA in History at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya
Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya Auraiya?
This MA History program at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of Indian and World history from ancient to contemporary times. The curriculum, aligned with NEP 2020 guidelines, emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing students for diverse roles in academia, heritage management, and public service, catering to the increasing demand for skilled historians in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic knowledge and research skills. It also benefits aspiring civil servants, educators, and museum professionals looking to deepen their historical understanding. Working professionals in related fields, cultural enthusiasts, and career changers transitioning into research or heritage conservation will find the program enriching and career-enhancing.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as lecturers, researchers, archivists, museum curators, and content developers in India. Salary ranges vary, with entry-level positions offering INR 3-5 LPA and experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA. Opportunities exist in government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs, and heritage tourism, with potential for growth into leadership roles in cultural organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to understanding historiographical theories, major historical periods, and key historical figures covered in Semesters 1 and 2. Focus on conceptual clarity over rote memorization.
Tools & Resources
NCERT history books (for foundational revision), Standard university textbooks, e-PG Pathshala
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and advanced historical research, forming the bedrock for future specialization.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with primary and secondary sources. Practice identifying author biases, historical context, and critically evaluating different interpretations of events. Participate in class discussions and debates.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (JSTOR, Indian Historical Review), Critical thinking worksheets, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Essential for research roles, policy analysis, journalism, and any profession requiring analytical prowess and evidence-based reasoning.
Build Effective Academic Writing Practices- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on structuring essays, writing coherent arguments, and citing sources correctly. Seek feedback on assignments and actively work on improving clarity and conciseness in historical writing.
Tools & Resources
University writing centers (if available), Purdue OWL, Academic style guides (Chicago Manual of Style)
Career Connection
Crucial for academic publications, thesis writing, content creation, and effective communication in all professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Focused Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Take initiative to undertake small research projects or extended essays on topics of personal interest, leveraging the library and digital archives. This builds confidence in independent inquiry and academic presentation.
Tools & Resources
Institutional library resources, National Archives of India, National Digital Library of India (NDLI), Shodhganga
Career Connection
Directly prepares for dissertation work, strengthens research portfolios for M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions, and develops problem-solving skills valued in various industries.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Actively look for connections between history and other disciplines like sociology, economics, political science, and literature. Attend guest lectures and workshops outside the immediate department.
Tools & Resources
Open electives, University lecture series, Interdisciplinary seminars
Career Connection
Broadens perspective, making graduates adaptable for roles in policy research, journalism, and cultural studies where holistic understanding is valued.
Participate in Academic Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Attend college or university-level academic conferences, present papers if possible, or engage as an audience member. Network with faculty and fellow researchers.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars, Departmental notices, Indian History Congress
Career Connection
Enhances presentation skills, builds professional networks, and exposes students to current research trends, crucial for academic and research careers.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Select a compelling research topic for the dissertation, conduct thorough primary and secondary research, and produce a well-argued, original piece of historical scholarship under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty mentors, Research methodology workshops, Plagiarism checking tools, Academic databases
Career Connection
The dissertation is a capstone project demonstrating high-level research capabilities, essential for academic roles, think tanks, and advanced studies (Ph.D.).
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Further Studies- (Semester 3-4 (ongoing))
Simultaneously prepare for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, UPSC Civil Services, or State PSCs by integrating syllabus topics with exam preparation strategies and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online study groups, University career counseling cells
Career Connection
Directly facilitates entry into teaching, research, and high-ranking administrative positions in government.
Develop Public History and Heritage Management Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for internships or volunteer work with local museums, archives, heritage sites, or cultural organizations to gain practical experience in presenting history to a wider audience and preserving cultural heritage.
Tools & Resources
Local heritage bodies, State archaeology departments, NGOs working in heritage
Career Connection
Opens doors to careers in museology, archival science, heritage tourism, conservation, and cultural communication, which are growing sectors in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 Years / 4 Semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C101 | Historiography: Concepts, Methods and Tools of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Causation in History, Historical Sources and Criticism, Methods of Historical Research, Indian Historiography |
| HIS C102 | History of Ancient India (From Earliest Times to 1206 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Vedic Age and Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire and Post-Mauryan Period, Gupta Age and Post-Gupta Era |
| HIS C103 | History of Medieval India (1206 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Administration and Economy of Sultanate, Mughal Empire: Rise and Consolidation, Mughal Administration, Society, Economy, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
| HIS C104 | History of Modern India (1707 A.D. to 1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, British Conquest and Consolidation, Revolt of 1857, Indian National Movement |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C201 | World History (14th Century to 1871 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and Mercantilism, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era |
| HIS C202 | Socio-Cultural History of India (Ancient to Modern) | Core | 4 | Social Structures and Institutions, Caste System and its Evolution, Position of Women in Indian Society, Education and Social Reforms, Religious Movements and Cultural Synthesis |
| HIS C203 | Economic History of India (Ancient to Modern) | Core | 4 | Agrarian Structure and Land Systems, Trade, Commerce and Urban Centers, Colonial Economy and Exploitation, De-industrialization and Famines, Economic Policies of British Rule |
| HIS C204 | History of Uttar Pradesh (Regional History) | Core | 4 | Ancient Period of Uttar Pradesh, Medieval Kingdoms and Dynasties in UP, British Rule and Administration in UP, 1857 Revolt in Uttar Pradesh, Social and Political Movements in UP |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C301 | World History (1871 A.D. to 1945 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Rise of Imperialism and Colonialism, First World War and its Consequences, Russian Revolution and Socialism, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Second World War and its Impact |
| HIS E301 | Elective Paper 1: History of Art & Architecture in India | Elective | 4 | Indus Valley Art and Architecture, Mauryan and Gupta Period Art, Temple Architecture: North and South, Mughal Architecture and Painting, Colonial Art and Modern Trends |
| HIS E302 | Elective Paper 2: Archaeology and Museology | Elective | 4 | Principles and Methods of Archaeology, Excavation Techniques and Dating Methods, History and Scope of Museology, Museum Administration and Conservation, Heritage Management and Public Archaeology |
| HIS OE301 | Open Elective: Public History | Open Elective | 4 | Understanding Public History, Oral History: Theory and Practice, Archival Practices and Digital History, History in Museums and Heritage Sites, History in Media and Popular Culture |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS C401 | Contemporary India (1947 A.D. to Present) | Core | 4 | Partition of India and its Aftermath, Nation Building and Nehruvian Era, Economic Reforms and Globalization, Social Movements and Identity Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy since 1947 |
| HIS E401 | Elective Paper 3: Gender in Indian History | Elective | 4 | Gender Roles in Ancient India, Women in Medieval Indian Society, Colonial Period and Women''''s Question, Women''''s Movements in Modern India, Gender and Power in Historical Narratives |
| HIS E402 | Elective Paper 4: History of Science and Technology in India | Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian Scientific Traditions, Medieval Contributions to Science, Impact of Colonialism on Science, Post-Independence Scientific Development, Traditional Knowledge Systems |
| HIS P401 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project/Dissertation | 16 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Data Collection, Analytical Framework and Methodology, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Viva Voce |
