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BA in History at Shree J. M. Patel Institute of Studies and Research in Humanities, Arts and Commerce
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is History at Shree J. M. Patel Institute of Studies and Research in Humanities, Arts and Commerce Anand?
This History program at Shree J. M. Patel Institute, affiliated with Sardar Patel University, offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian and World History, along with regional history of Gujarat. It delves into political, social, economic, and cultural developments across various epochs. The curriculum, designed to foster critical thinking and research skills, meets the growing demand for historically informed perspectives in diverse Indian sectors like heritage management, media, and civil services.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into academic research, civil services, or cultural fields. It also benefits history enthusiasts, aspiring educators, or individuals looking to build a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in humanities. Students with an interest in understanding past societies and their impact on contemporary India are particularly well-suited for this specialization.
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 researchers. Many also pursue civil services, education, or law. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-12 LPA or more. The program supports growth trajectories into academic leadership or policy advisory roles within Indian governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a consistent routine for reading primary and secondary historical texts. Focus on understanding source types, author biases, and different interpretations of events. Utilize college library resources and online archives like Project Gutenberg for access to classic works.
Tools & Resources
College Library, NCERT History Books, Online Public Domain Archives (e.g., Project Gutenberg), Academic Journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in source analysis and historical interpretation is crucial for all history-related careers, from research to civil services, enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.
Engage in Academic Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and form study groups with peers to debate historical theories and events. This improves communication, articulation of arguments, and understanding of multiple perspectives. Seek out opportunities for inter-departmental seminars or workshops on historical themes.
Tools & Resources
Study Groups, Departmental Seminars, Online discussion forums (e.g., Reddit History Communities)
Career Connection
Developing strong oral communication and argumentation skills is vital for roles in academia, teaching, journalism, and public policy, where presenting clear, well-supported arguments is essential.
Master Basic Research and Note-Taking- (Semester 1-2)
Learn effective note-taking strategies for lectures and readings, focusing on main ideas, key figures, and dates. Begin practicing basic research methods, including identifying credible sources and organizing information logically. Explore digital note-taking tools for efficiency.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft OneNote/Evernote, Zotero (for basic citation management), College Writing Center resources
Career Connection
Efficient research and organized note-taking are foundational skills for any academic pursuit, civil service exams, or professional research roles, ensuring accuracy and productivity.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Local History or Heritage Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Identify local historical sites, archives, or community projects in Anand or Gujarat. Volunteer for or initiate small projects, such as documenting local oral histories, translating old records, or assisting with heritage walks. This provides practical experience and connects theoretical knowledge to tangible history.
Tools & Resources
Local Museums/Archives (e.g., Anand Museum), Gujarat State Archives, Oral history interview techniques, Smartphone for documentation
Career Connection
Practical experience in local history, archives, and heritage is invaluable for careers in museology, archaeology, tourism, and cultural heritage management in India.
Develop Foundational Language Skills (Sanskrit/Gujarati)- (Semester 3-5)
Given the rich historical sources in classical Indian languages or regional languages like Gujarati, consider taking introductory courses or self-study in Sanskrit, Persian, or Gujarati scripts. This opens up opportunities for original source research and deeper understanding of regional history.
Tools & Resources
Sanskrit/Gujarati Language Departments, Online language learning platforms (e.g., Duolingo, Memrise), Lexicons and grammar books
Career Connection
Proficiency in historical languages provides a distinct advantage for advanced research, archival work, epigraphy, and Indological studies, highly valued in academic and governmental institutions.
Participate in Essay Competitions and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in history-related essay competitions, paper presentations at college festivals, or regional academic seminars. This helps refine writing skills, public speaking, and exposes students to a broader academic community. Focus on presenting original historical arguments.
Tools & Resources
College History Department announcements, Inter-collegiate event notices, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Participating in such events builds a strong academic profile, develops presentation skills, and provides networking opportunities essential for pursuing higher education or research-oriented careers.
Advanced Stage
Prepare Rigorously for Civil Services/NET-JRF- (Semester 6)
For students aspiring for Civil Services (UPSC, GPSC) or academic careers (NET-JRF), dedicate focused time to history optional subject preparation. Join coaching classes if feasible, practice answer writing, and solve previous year''''s papers. Utilize online platforms for mock tests and study materials.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/GPSC coaching centers, Online test series platforms (e.g., Vision IAS, Drishti IAS), Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Targeted preparation is direct pathway to prestigious careers in Indian administration or academia, offering high-impact roles and opportunities for advanced research and teaching.
Conduct an Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Under faculty guidance, undertake a minor research project or dissertation on a chosen historical topic. This involves formulating a research question, collecting data, analyzing sources, and writing a cohesive research paper. Aim for publication in student journals or presentation at conferences.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, University Research Office, Plagiarism check software, Referencing tools
Career Connection
Completing an independent research project demonstrates advanced research capabilities, critical analysis, and academic writing skills, which are crucial for postgraduate admissions and research positions.
Explore Digital Humanities Tools- (Semester 6)
Familiarize yourself with basic digital humanities tools for mapping historical data, creating timelines, or digital archiving. This includes using GIS for historical geography, basic data visualization tools, or creating digital exhibits. This skill set is increasingly relevant in modern historical research and museums.
Tools & Resources
Google Earth/Maps, TimelineJS, Omeka (for digital exhibits), Basic Excel for data organization
Career Connection
Digital humanities skills are highly valued in contemporary research, archives, museums, and educational technology firms, opening up specialized career paths in India''''s digital economy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (10+2) or its equivalent examination with English as one of the subjects, as per Sardar Patel University norms.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 120 (approximate, based on 5 subjects x 4 credits per semester) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 101 | HISTORY OF INDIA (From Earliest Times to 1000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources and Approaches to Early Indian History, Harappan Civilization: Origin, Features, Decline, Vedic Age: Early & Later Vedic Period, Society, Economy, Polity, Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha, Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta, Ashoka, Administration, Gupta Age: Golden Age of India, Administration, Society, Culture |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 201 | HISTORY OF INDIA (From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Foundation of Delhi Sultanate: Ghori, Slave Dynasty, Sultanate under the Khiljis and Tughlaqs: Alauddin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Mughal Empire: Babur, Humayun, Akbar''''s Policies, Mughal Empire: Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb''''s Religious Policy, Rise of Marathas: Shivaji''''s Administration and Empire, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 301 | HISTORY OF INDIA (From 1707 A.D. to 1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire: Regional Powers, Establishment of British Rule: East India Company, Plassey, Buxar, Indian Resistance Movements: 1857 Revolt, causes and consequences, Rise of Indian Nationalism: Early Nationalists, Moderate and Extremist phases, India''''s Struggle for Independence: Gandhi''''s Movements, Partition, Constitutional Developments |
| HIS EC 301 | HISTORY OF WORLD (1453 A.D. to 1789 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Renaissance & Reformation: Causes, Impact, Age of Exploration and Discoveries, Rise of Nation States: England, France, Absolutism in Europe, Enlightenment: Thinkers and Ideas, American Revolution: Causes, Course, Impact |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 401 | HISTORY OF WORLD (1789 A.D. to 1945 A.D.) | Core | 4 | French Revolution: Causes, Phases, Impact, Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution: Genesis, Consequences, Nationalism and Imperialism in Europe, World War I: Causes, Course, Aftermath, Rise of Totalitarianism & World War II |
| HIS EC 402 | HISTORY OF GUJARAT (From Earliest Times to 1304 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Pre-historic Gujarat: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Harappan sites, Ancient Dynasties of Gujarat: Mauryas, Western Kshatrapas, Maitrakas of Vallabhi: Administration, Culture, Chalukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat: Achievements, Art, Architecture, Vaghela Dynasty: Rule, Contributions, Decline, Social and Economic Life in Ancient Gujarat |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 501 | HISTORY OF WORLD (1945 A.D. to 2000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Cold War: Origins, Phases, End, Decolonization: Asia, Africa, Rise of New Nations, Emergence of New World Order: UN, International Organizations, Globalization and its Impact, Conflicts in the Middle East, End of 20th Century Challenges: Terrorism, Environmental Issues |
| HIS EC 503 | HISTORY OF GUJARAT (From 1304 A.D. to 1960 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Sultanate Period in Gujarat: Alauddin Khilji, Zafar Khan, Mughal Rule in Gujarat: Akbar, Aurangzeb, Cultural Impact, Maratha Rule in Gujarat: Gaekwads, Peshwas, British Rule in Gujarat: Annexation, Administration, Freedom Movement in Gujarat, Formation of Gujarat State: Mahagujarat Movement |
| HIS EC 504 | ANCIENT CIVILIZATION | Elective | 4 | Mesopotamian Civilization: Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Egyptian Civilization: Pharaohs, Pyramids, Hieroglyphs, Chinese Civilization: Shang, Zhou, Qin Dynasties, Greek Civilization: City-states, Philosophy, Democracy, Roman Civilization: Republic, Empire, Law, Early Civilizations of America |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS CC 601 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN HISTORY | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History: Objectivity, Subjectivity, Sources of History: Primary, Secondary, Oral, Historical Criticism: External and Internal Criticism, Historiography: Major Historical Schools and Approaches, Tools and Techniques of Historical Research, Writing History: Structure, Footnotes, Bibliography |
| HIS EC 605 | ANCIENT INDIAN CULTURE | Elective | 4 | Vedic Culture: Philosophy, Literature, Rituals, Buddhism and Jainism: Doctrines, Spread, Impact, Art and Architecture: Maurya, Gupta, Temple Styles, Science and Education: Astronomy, Mathematics, Nalanda, Social and Economic Life: Caste System, Guilds, Foreign Accounts of Indian Culture |
| HIS EC 606 | ARCHAEOLOGY AND MUSEOLOGY | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Archaeology: Scope, Methods, Field Archaeology Methods: Excavation, Exploration, Dating Techniques: Carbon-14, Thermoluminescence, Introduction to Museology: Types of Museums, Functions, Museum Management: Collection, Preservation, Display, Role of Archaeology and Museums in Heritage Conservation |
