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MA in History at Saraswati Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Palwal
Palwal, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is History at Saraswati Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Palwal Palwal?
This MA History program at Saraswati Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing a deep understanding of historical processes, interpretations, and research methodologies. It covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian and world history, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for various public and academic roles in India. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands for historical insights in contemporary society.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking to pursue higher education, aspiring researchers, and those aiming for careers in academia, archives, museums, or competitive civil services exams in India. It also benefits educators wishing to enhance their subject expertise and individuals passionate about historical inquiry and cultural heritage preservation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators, journalists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong foundation for UGC NET/JRF, Ph.D. studies, and contributes to a robust understanding of India''''s rich historical tapestry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental historical concepts, theories of historiography, and chronological sequences. Utilize library resources, online academic journals, and peer discussion groups to solidify foundational knowledge in ancient and medieval history.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR (if accessible), NCERT/IGNOU History materials, Study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and for advanced research, providing the bedrock for all future historical studies.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary sources. Practice summarizing arguments, identifying biases, and forming independent critical interpretations of historical events and narratives. Regularly participate in classroom discussions and essay writing.
Tools & Resources
Academic books, Research papers, Debate clubs, Feedback from professors
Career Connection
These skills are vital for research, journalism, policy analysis, and any role requiring strong analytical and communication abilities, making graduates highly valuable in India''''s intellectual landscape.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Connect with professors, senior students, and peers. Attend departmental seminars and workshops. Seek mentorship for academic guidance and explore opportunities for collaborative learning and early research exposure within the college.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Faculty office hours, Student associations
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to research opportunities, informs career choices, and provides crucial support for navigating academic and professional pathways in India, including referrals for jobs or Ph.D. positions.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Apply research methodology knowledge by initiating small-scale research projects or extended essays on specific historical topics of interest. Practice identifying research questions, data collection, and structured historical writing.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library access, Digital archives (e.g., National Archives of India), Academic databases
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances the resume for Ph.D. applications and roles in research institutions, think tanks, or archival services, showcasing a tangible skill set to Indian employers.
Engage with Regional History and Culture- (Semester 3-4)
Given the ''''History of Haryana'''' paper, actively explore local archives, historical sites, and oral histories related to the region. Participate in field trips organized by the department or initiate independent visits to heritage locations.
Tools & Resources
Local museums, Haryana State Archives, Interviews with local elders
Career Connection
This provides a unique specialization valuable for local government jobs, cultural tourism, and heritage management within Haryana and neighboring regions, enhancing local employability.
Prepare for UGC NET/JRF & Civil Services- (Semester 3-4)
Start dedicated preparation for competitive exams like the UGC NET/JRF for lectureship or the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Focus on syllabus alignment, current affairs related to history, and consistent practice with past papers.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF previous year papers, UPSC syllabus, Online coaching platforms, Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Success in these exams directly leads to academic careers in Indian universities or prestigious administrative positions, offering significant career progression and stability.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Dissertation/Research Paper- (Semester 4)
Undertake a substantial research project or dissertation under faculty supervision, focusing on a niche area of history. This involves extensive primary source analysis, scholarly writing, and defending research findings.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Specialized historical databases, Inter-library loan services
Career Connection
This capstone project is a critical differentiator for Ph.D. applications and demonstrates high-level research capabilities, highly valued in academic and advanced research roles in India and globally.
Participate in National/International Seminars- (Semester 4)
Submit research papers or attend national and potentially international history conferences. This exposure to academic discourse, diverse perspectives, and networking with scholars is invaluable for professional development.
Tools & Resources
Call for papers notifications, Conference travel grants (if available), Academic associations
Career Connection
Presenting research builds academic reputation, fosters collaborations, and is crucial for a career in academia or for establishing expertise in a particular historical domain, enhancing visibility within the Indian scholarly community.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 4)
Explore basic digital tools for historical research, such as data visualization, digital archiving, or mapping historical data. This interdisciplinary approach can open new avenues for research and career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
GIS software (basic), Online archiving tools, Data visualization platforms
Career Connection
The growing field of Digital Humanities in India offers innovative career paths in cultural informatics, digital preservation, and data-driven historical analysis, making graduates versatile for modern research needs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with 45% marks in History subject or B.A. with 45% marks in aggregate, or any other examination recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-101 | Historiography | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of History, Objective and Subjective History, Methods and Tools of History, History and Allied Disciplines, Cyclical and Linear Theories of History |
| MH-102 | Ancient World Civilizations (From 3000 B.C. to 500 B.C.) | Core | 4 | Mesopotamian Civilizations (Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian), Egyptian Civilization (Political Organization, Social Structure), Iranian Civilization (Achaemenid Empire), Chinese Civilization (Shang, Chou Dynasties), Bronze Age Civilizations |
| MH-103 | History of India (From the Earliest Times to C. 300 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age (Early and Later Vedic Periods), Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha, Mauryan Empire (Administration, Ashoka''''s Dhamma) |
| MH-104 | Political Structures and Institution in Medieval India (C. 750-1200 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Tripartite Struggle (Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas), Rajput Polities (Origin, Political Structure), Cholas (Local Self Government, Administration), Emergence of Feudalism, Arab Invasion of Sindh |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-201 | History of Ideas and Indian Historiography | Core | 4 | Enlightenment and History, Positivism and Marxism, Annales School, Post Modernism in History, Historiography in Ancient and Medieval India |
| MH-202 | Ancient World Civilizations (From 500 B.C. to 500 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Greek City States (Athens, Sparta), Alexander the Great (Campaigns and Impact), Roman Republic (Expansion, Administration), Roman Empire (Augustus, Pax Romana), Rise of Christianity |
| MH-203 | History of India (C. 300 C.E. to C. 1200 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Gupta Empire (Political, Cultural, Social), Harsha''''s Empire (Administration, Society), Emergence of Regional Kingdoms, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Developments in Art, Architecture, Philosophy |
| MH-204 | Political Structures and Institutions in Medieval India (C. 1200-1550 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Administration under Delhi Sultanate, Khalji Revolution, Tughlaq Reforms, Emergence of Regional Sultanates |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-301 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Types of Research, Sources of History (Primary, Secondary), Data Collection Techniques, Report Writing and Footnoting |
| MH-302 | History of India (C. 1200 C.E. to C. 1750 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Mughal Empire (Babur, Humayun), Akbar (Consolidation, Administration, Religious Policy), Jahangir and Shahjahan, Aurangzeb (Religious Policy, Deccan Policy), Decline of Mughal Empire |
| MH-303 | Modern World (C. 1453-1789 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Renaissance (Italy, Humanism), Reformation (Protestant, Counter-Reformation), Age of Exploration and Discoveries, Rise of Nation States, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment |
| MH-304 (Elective) | History of Modern India (C. 1750-1857 C.E.) | Elective | 4 | Advent of European Powers, Establishment of British Rule, Expansion of British Empire, Administrative, Social and Economic Policies, Revolt of 1857 (Causes, Nature, Consequences) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH-401 | History of Haryana (From Ancient Period to 1966 C.E.) | Core | 4 | Ancient Period (Archaeological Sites, Mahabharata), Medieval Period (Turks, Mughals in Haryana), British Rule in Haryana, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Formation of Haryana State |
| MH-402 | History of India (C. 1750 C.E. to 1964 C.E.) | Core | 4 | British Expansion and Consolidation, Indian National Movement (Gandhian Era), Partition of India, Integration of Princely States, Post-Independence Challenges (Nehruvian Era) |
| MH-403 | Modern World (C. 1789 C.E. to 2000 C.E.) | Core | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and its Impact, Imperialism and Colonialism, World Wars I and II, Cold War and Post-Cold War World |
| MH-404 (Elective) | History of Indian Economy (C. 1757-1947 C.E.) | Elective | 4 | Drain of Wealth Theory, De-Industrialization, Land Revenue Settlements (Permanent, Ryotwari), Commercialization of Agriculture, Development of Railways and Modern Industries |
