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BA in History at Rajesh Pratap Degree College
Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Rajesh Pratap Degree College Sonbhadra?
This History program at Rajesh Pratap Degree College, affiliated with MGKVP, offers a comprehensive exploration of human civilization, emphasizing Indian history from its ancient roots to modern developments. It meticulously covers political, social, economic, and cultural transformations, cultivating critical thinking and analytical acumen. Aligned with NEP 2020, the curriculum encourages interdisciplinary perspectives, deepening students'''' appreciation for India''''s rich and complex heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates passionate about historical narratives, societal evolution, and cultural studies. It attracts aspiring civil servants, educators, museologists, archivists, and journalists. It also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in humanities or social sciences, and for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of India''''s past for various career transitions or intellectual enrichment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, and researchers. Many successfully clear competitive examinations like UPSC/UPPSC to join civil services or opt for teaching. Entry-level salaries generally range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with substantial growth potential for experienced professionals. The program significantly boosts analytical and communication skills.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate focused time to understanding fundamental historical concepts, chronologies, and key historical figures from Ancient Indian History. Consistently review class notes, utilize college library resources for supplementary reading, and clarify doubts promptly to build a robust conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
NCERT History textbooks (Class 6-12), Standard reference books (e.g., Upinder Singh, Romila Thapar), MGKVP e-resources/library
Career Connection
A strong foundational understanding of history is critical for competitive examinations like UPSC/UPPSC and provides depth for advanced academic and research pursuits.
Engage in Active Reading and Note-Taking- (Semester 1-2)
Develop and refine effective reading strategies for historical texts, focusing on identifying main arguments, supporting evidence, and different interpretations. Practice structured note-taking methods, such as Cornell notes or mind maps, to efficiently synthesize information from both lectures and assigned readings.
Tools & Resources
University study guides, academic journals, Online platforms like JSTOR (if accessible via college library), Digital note-taking applications like Evernote or OneNote
Career Connection
Enhances analytical and comprehension skills, which are vital for research, journalism, effective communication, and report writing in any professional role.
Participate in College History Society/Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively join the college''''s history club or departmental discussion groups. Participate in debates, seminars, and presentations on historical topics to articulate your understanding, learn from diverse perspectives of peers, and develop essential public speaking skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards for event announcements, Peer study groups for collaborative learning, Reputable history documentaries or podcasts
Career Connection
Builds confidence, improves communication skills, and fosters networking opportunities, all of which are important for both academic and future professional advancement.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Research and Essay Writing Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on developing robust research methodologies, including identifying and utilizing both primary and secondary historical sources for Medieval Indian History. Practice structuring persuasive historical essays, ensuring correct citation of sources, and formulating strong arguments supported by evidence.
Tools & Resources
University research guides and workshops, MLA/Chicago style guides for consistent citations, Online historical archives like Archive.org or National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
Career Connection
These skills are essential for higher studies, academic writing, journalism, and excelling in essay papers for civil services examinations. They significantly strengthen critical analysis abilities.
Explore Local History and Heritage- (Semester 3-4)
Actively explore the rich historical sites and cultural heritage of Sonbhadra and its surrounding regions within Uttar Pradesh. Participate in college-organized field trips or undertake independent visits to local museums, forts, and archaeological sites, meticulously documenting your observations and insights.
Tools & Resources
Local history books, regional gazetteers, Uttar Pradesh Tourism websites for heritage information, Department of Culture, UP archives for local records
Career Connection
Fosters a practical application of historical knowledge, aids in understanding regional history, and can open doors to opportunities in heritage management, cultural tourism, or local research.
Engage with Interdisciplinary Studies- (Semester 3-4)
While specializing in History, strategically choose minor or elective subjects that complement your core area, such as Political Science, Sociology, or Archaeology. Understand how these diverse fields intersect with and enrich your overall historical understanding and perspective.
Tools & Resources
University''''s comprehensive course catalog for minor and elective options, Interdisciplinary seminars and workshops organized by the college or university
Career Connection
Broadens your academic and professional perspective, enhances problem-solving skills, and makes you a more versatile and attractive candidate for diverse roles in policy, research, or education.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
In your final year, actively pursue the historical research project or dissertation as a capstone experience. Select a topic of deep interest within Modern Indian or World History, conduct in-depth primary and secondary research, and produce a well-structured, original dissertation under expert faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors/mentors for guidance, Online academic databases like Jstor, Shodhganga, National Archives of India (if feasible for research)
Career Connection
This experience conclusively demonstrates advanced research capabilities, which are crucial for postgraduate admissions, employment in think tanks, and advanced roles in historical research or policy analysis.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations (UPSC/UPPSC)- (Semester 5-6)
Integrate dedicated preparation for civil services or other government examinations into your final-year study routine. Focus specifically on History as an optional subject, regularly practice answer writing, and stay rigorously updated on current affairs, connecting them to their historical context.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers of UPSC/UPPSC, Reputable coaching institute materials (for self-study), Current affairs magazines and reliable news websites
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for prestigious government careers, including administrative services, police services, and various other central and state government roles.
Seek Internships in Related Fields- (Semester 5-6)
Actively seek and undertake internships at museums, national or state archives, specialized publishing houses, non-profit organizations focused on heritage preservation, or historical research organizations. This practical experience provides invaluable exposure to professional historical work and its applications.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell (if available), Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct outreach to relevant cultural and research organizations
Career Connection
Provides essential real-world experience, helps build a professional network within the field, and significantly enhances overall employability in the cultural, educational, or research sectors post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination passed from a recognized board in any stream.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters (for BA Degree) or 4 years / 8 semesters (for BA Hons. with Research option)
Credits: Typically 120-160 credits for a 3-year BA program (across Major, Minor, Vocational, Co-curricular subjects). Major History subjects generally constitute approximately 48-60 credits. Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25-30%, External: 70-75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ101 | Ancient Indian History (From Beginning to 6th Century BCE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic cultures and periods, Indus Valley Civilization: Origin, extent, decline, Vedic Age: Early and Later Vedic period, social, economic, religious life, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas: Political structure and rise, Emergence of new religious trends: Jainism and Buddhism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ102 | Ancient Indian History (6th Century BCE to 1206 CE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Rise of Magadha and Persian/Macedonian invasions, Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka''''s Dhamma, administration, Post-Mauryan Dynasties: Sunga, Satavahana, Kushana period, Gupta Empire: Political, administrative, cultural achievements, Post-Gupta Period: Vardhanas, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Formation of early medieval Rajput states |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ201 | History of Medieval India (1206 CE to 1526 CE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Sources for Medieval Indian History, Establishment of Delhi Sultanate: Qutubuddin Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia, Khilji Dynasty: Alauddin Khilji''''s administrative and economic reforms, Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firuz Shah Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties: Political conditions and decline of Sultanate, Regional Kingdoms: Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms, Bhakti and Sufi movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ202 | History of Medieval India (1526 CE to 1757 CE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Establishment of Mughal Empire: Babur, Humayun, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar: Administration, religious policy (Din-i-Ilahi), Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Art, architecture, court culture, Aurangzeb: Religious policy, Deccan policy, challenges, Decline of Mughal Empire: Causes and consequences, Rise of Marathas: Shivaji''''s administration and expansion |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ301 | History of Modern India (1757 CE to 1857 CE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Decline of Mughal power and rise of independent states, Advent of Europeans: Anglo-French rivalry, British consolidation, British expansion: Carnatic Wars, Bengal, Mysore, Maratha, Punjab, Economic impact of British Rule: Land revenue settlements, Social and Religious Reform Movements: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati, Revolt of 1857: Causes, nature, consequences |
| BAH-MJ302 | History of Modern India (1857 CE to 1947 CE) | Major Core | 4-6 | Constitutional changes after 1857: Government of India Act, 1858, Rise of Indian Nationalism: Political associations, Indian National Congress, Moderate and Extremist Phases: Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi Movement, Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement, Communalism and Partition: Muslim League, Two-Nation Theory, Independence and the making of the Constitution |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH-MJ303 | World History (Mid-15th Century to Mid-20th Century) | Major Core / Elective | 4-6 | Renaissance and Reformation in Europe, Age of Exploration and European Expansion, Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution, American Revolution, French Revolution, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, World Wars I and II, Russian Revolution |
| BAH-MJ304 | Historical Research Project / Dissertation | Major Project / Dissertation | 6 | Introduction to Historical Research Methodology, Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis, Collection and Analysis of Primary and Secondary Sources, Structure and Writing of a Historical Dissertation, Presentation and Defense of Research Findings, Ethical considerations in historical research |
