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M-A in Medieval Modern History at Prakash Vidya Mandir Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dabauli West
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Medieval & Modern History at Prakash Vidya Mandir Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dabauli West Kanpur Nagar?
This Medieval & Modern History program at Prakash Vidya Mandir Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on a comprehensive study of India''''s past from the medieval period through to contemporary times, alongside significant global historical developments. The curriculum delves into political, socio-economic, and cultural shifts, offering a nuanced understanding crucial for careers in academia, research, civil services, and cultural preservation within India. This program''''s strength lies in its balanced approach to Indian and world history, fostering critical analysis skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates with a keen interest in historical inquiry, critical thinking, and social sciences. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into academic research or civil services, as well as working professionals like educators or heritage conservationists looking to deepen their historical expertise and upskill. Candidates aspiring for competitive examinations like UPSC or State PCS will find the syllabus highly relevant, especially those with an undergraduate background in history or related disciplines.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths such as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators in schools and colleges, and researchers. They are well-prepared for prestigious civil service examinations, including IAS and PCS, leveraging their in-depth knowledge of Indian history. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience in academic or research roles, with significant growth trajectories in government and cultural heritage sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with lectures on historiography, focusing on diverse historical interpretations and methods. Form study groups to discuss different schools of thought (e.g., Marxist, Subaltern, Nationalist) and their implications for Indian history, thereby building a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
Key texts on historiography (e.g., E.H. Carr, R.G. Collingwood), University library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical analytical skills essential for research, academic writing, and formulating well-reasoned arguments in civil services examinations.
Build Strong Research and Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice extensive reading of primary and secondary sources related to Medieval and Modern India. Focus on improving academic writing by regularly submitting assignments, incorporating feedback, and learning proper citation techniques. Participate in departmental essay competitions.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Shodhganga, E-Pathshala, Prakash Vidya Mandir library resources, Plagiarism checker tools
Career Connection
Crucial for dissertation writing, research projects, and effective communication required in all professional roles, especially in academia and civil services.
Engage with Historical Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Attend seminars and workshops organized by the History Department or related academic bodies. Actively participate in class discussions, challenging assumptions and presenting diverse perspectives on historical events in India, thereby enhancing critical thinking and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Guest lectures, Academic journals
Career Connection
Fosters intellectual curiosity and debate, vital for academic pursuits, civil service interviews, and developing a nuanced understanding of complex historical issues.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Choose specific topics within Medieval and Modern Indian history for independent research. Work with faculty mentors to design small-scale projects, collect relevant data from archives or libraries, and present findings. This mimics real-world research scenarios.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India (online resources), State archives (Uttar Pradesh), Academic databases
Career Connection
Provides practical research experience, strengthens analytical abilities, and is valuable for building a portfolio for higher studies or research roles.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Relate historical events to contemporary socio-political and economic issues in India. Read books and articles from allied fields like political science, sociology, and economics to gain a broader perspective on historical processes and their lasting impact.
Tools & Resources
Think tanks (e.g., ORF, IDSA), Economic & Political Weekly, Cross-disciplinary seminars
Career Connection
Develops a holistic understanding of societal challenges, highly valued in policy-making, journalism, and civil services for informed decision-making.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate specific time each week to preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or UGC NET. Focus on current affairs alongside historical knowledge, practice mock tests, and join relevant coaching classes if feasible to refine exam strategies.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PCS previous year papers, Online test series, Current affairs magazines and websites
Career Connection
Directly enhances career prospects in prestigious government services and opens pathways for academic careers (Assistant Professor, JRF).
Advanced Stage
Develop a Robust Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Select a compelling research topic within Medieval or Modern History, work closely with your supervisor, and meticulously execute your research plan. Focus on originality, rigorous analysis, and clear presentation of findings to produce a high-quality dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation guidelines, Statistical software (if applicable), EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for PhD admissions, research positions, and demonstrating expertise in a specific historical area.
Participate in Conferences and Publications- (Semester 4)
Attempt to present parts of your research or dissertation findings at student research colloquia or national/state-level history conferences. Explore opportunities to publish short articles or reviews in college journals or local history periodicals.
Tools & Resources
Indian History Congress, Local academic associations, College magazines
Career Connection
Builds academic profile, enhances networking with scholars, and prepares for a career in academia or research by gaining publication experience.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni, faculty members, and visiting scholars working in areas of Medieval and Modern History. Seek their guidance on career paths, job opportunities, and further academic pursuits. Attend career counseling sessions to align skills with market demands.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network events, LinkedIn, Career counseling cell of the college
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job referrals, and provides invaluable insights into the professional world, facilitating smoother transition into employment or higher education.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University with minimum 45% marks. Preference may be given to candidates with History as a subject at the undergraduate level.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 (16 papers x 4 credits each) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-101 | Historiography: Concepts, Methods & Tools of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity, Bias, and Interpretation, Sources of History, Historical Method and Research, Major Historical Schools, Indian Historiography |
| MAH-102 | Political and Cultural History of Ancient India (up to 1200 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Ages, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, Major Dynasties of Post-Gupta Period, Ancient Indian Culture and Society |
| MAH-103 | Political and Cultural History of Medieval India (1206-1526 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Sultanate Administration and Polity, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties, Regional Kingdoms of Medieval India, Art, Architecture, and Culture under Sultanate |
| MAH-104 | Political and Cultural History of Medieval India (1526-1761 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Foundation of Mughal Empire, Mughal Administration and Polity, Akbar''''s Religious Policy, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, Mughal Art, Architecture, and Literature, Decline of Mughal Empire |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-201 | Socio-Economic History of Medieval India (1206-1761 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Rural and Urban Economy, Land Revenue Systems, Trade, Commerce, and Guilds, Social Structure and Caste System, Sufi and Bhakti Movements, Position of Women in Medieval Society |
| MAH-202 | Political and Cultural History of Modern India (1761-1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughals and Rise of Regional Powers, Establishment of British Rule, British Administrative Reforms, Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse, Revolt of 1857, Early Resistance Movements |
| MAH-203 | Social and Economic History of Modern India (1761-1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Colonial Land Revenue Systems, Commercialization of Agriculture, De-industrialization and Poverty, Social Reform Movements, Development of Education in British India, Changing Social Fabric |
| MAH-204 | History of Modern World (1870-1945 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, Causes and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolution, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Causes and Consequences of World War II |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-301 | History of Indian National Movement (1857-1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian Nationalism, Moderate and Extremist Phases, Rise of Mahatma Gandhi, Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, Constitutional Developments, Partition of India |
| MAH-302 | Contemporary India (1947-Present) | Core | 4 | Challenges of Nation-Building, Integration of Princely States, Economic Planning and Development, India''''s Foreign Policy, Political Developments and Social Changes, Key Issues in Modern India |
| MAH-303 | History of Europe (1789-1870 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | French Revolution and its Impact, Napoleonic Era and Congress of Vienna, Industrial Revolution, Rise of Nationalism and Liberalism, Revolutions of 1848, Social and Political Changes |
| MAH-304 | Cultural History of India (1206-1761 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Sufism and Bhakti Movement, Growth of Regional Languages and Literature, Mughal Art and Architecture, Development of Music and Dance, Religious Syncretism, Social Customs and Practices |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-401 | Research Methodology in History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Historical Research, Formulation of Research Problem, Review of Literature, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| MAH-402 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 4 | Topic Selection and Rationale, Methodology and Research Design, Literature Review, Data Analysis and Findings, Chapterization and Report Writing, Viva Voce Examination |
| MAH-403 | Economic History of Modern India (1857-1947 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Colonial Economic Policies, Growth of Railways and Industries, Famines and Poverty, Drain of Wealth Theory, Rise of Indian Business Class, Impact of World Wars on Indian Economy |
| MAH-404 | History of Indian Diaspora | Elective | 4 | Reasons for Indian Emigration, Indentured Labour System, Indian Communities in various regions, Challenges and Contributions of Diaspora, Cultural Preservation and Identity, Role of Diaspora in India''''s Development |
