

B-A in History at Smt. Indira Gandhi Government First Grade Women's College


Shivamogga, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at Smt. Indira Gandhi Government First Grade Women's College Shivamogga?
This History program at Smt Indira Gandhi Government First Grade Womens College, Shivamogga, focuses on a comprehensive study of India''''s ancient, medieval, and modern past, alongside key aspects of world civilizations and Karnataka''''s rich history. It delves into political, socio-economic, and cultural transformations, preparing students for careers in research, education, and heritage management. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills, vital for understanding contemporary India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in historical inquiry, social sciences, and cultural heritage. It suits students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, journalism, and museum curatorship. It also appeals to those seeking to develop strong analytical and research skills, which are transferable to various non-history specific professional roles in the Indian job market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as historians, archaeologists, archivists, museum professionals, educators, or civil servants in India. Opportunities also exist in media, tourism, and policy research. Entry-level salaries in teaching or heritage roles might range from INR 2.5 to 4 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in academia or government service, often aligning with UPSC/KPSC exam preparations.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Note-Taking Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed texts and primary sources. Practice efficient note-taking methods like Cornell notes or mind maps to summarize complex historical narratives and concepts. Regularly review notes to reinforce understanding of ancient Indian history and its diverse interpretations.
Tools & Resources
University library, Departmental reading lists, Online academic journals, Note-taking apps like Notion or Evernote
Career Connection
Builds foundational research and analytical skills crucial for any humanities-based career, improving comprehension for competitive exams and academic writing.
Master Chronological Understanding and Periodization- (Semester 1-2)
Create detailed timelines for ancient Indian history, focusing on key events, dynasties, and cultural developments. Regularly quiz yourself on dates and sequences to build a robust chronological framework, essential for advanced historical analysis. Engage in group discussions to compare and clarify historical periods.
Tools & Resources
Historical atlases, Online timeline generators e.g., Tiki-Toki, Study groups, Historical documentaries
Career Connection
Essential for historical research, teaching, and civil services exams, where precise knowledge of historical progression is critical for Indian administrative roles.
Engage with Local History and Heritage- (Semester 1-2)
Visit local historical sites, museums, and archives in and around Shivamogga. Document observations, take photographs, and research the history of these sites to connect classroom learning with tangible heritage. Participate in any college-organized heritage walks or local history projects.
Tools & Resources
Shivamogga District Museum, Local temples and monuments, Karnataka State Archives regional offices, Local historians
Career Connection
Develops practical exposure to heritage management and strengthens community engagement skills, opening doors to careers in local tourism, conservation, and cultural research in India.
Intermediate Stage
Hone Essay Writing and Argumentation Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on structuring coherent historical essays with clear arguments, strong evidence, and critical analysis, moving beyond mere narration. Seek feedback from professors and peers on essay drafts to refine writing style and argumentative clarity, particularly for medieval and early modern Indian history topics.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Peer review sessions, Professor consultations, Online resources for thesis statement development
Career Connection
Crucial for academic success, postgraduate studies, competitive exams requiring essay writing (e.g., UPSC), and roles in journalism or content creation within India.
Explore Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) in Practice- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in the practical components of SECs like Museum Studies or Archival Studies. Seek opportunities for internships or volunteer work at local museums, galleries, or archives to gain hands-on experience in collection management, conservation, or documentation.
Tools & Resources
Shivamogga museum, University archives, Local heritage organizations, Department faculty for guidance on opportunities
Career Connection
Provides direct vocational skills for specific roles in the heritage sector, making graduates more job-ready for positions like museum assistants, archivists, or cultural managers in Indian institutions.
Join Historical Societies and Academic Discussions- (Semester 3-5)
Participate in the college''''s history club, departmental seminars, or inter-collegiate history competitions. Engage in debates and discussions on historical interpretations and contemporary relevance of past events, particularly for topics like Mughal India or the rise of regional powers.
Tools & Resources
College history club, Departmental notice boards, Inter-collegiate events, Academic webinars
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, critical thinking, and networking skills, valuable for academic careers, civil services interviews, and roles requiring strong communication in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a specific topic within modern Indian history or World Civilizations for an in-depth research paper or project. Utilize primary and secondary sources, conduct field interviews if applicable, and present findings in a structured academic format. This culminates the research skills acquired over the program.
Tools & Resources
University library, Online archives e.g., National Archives of India, Academic databases, Faculty mentors, Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Develops advanced research and analytical skills, essential for postgraduate studies, academic research, think tanks, and high-level government policy roles in India.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Placements- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, KPSC, or NET/SLET for teaching positions, leveraging the comprehensive historical knowledge gained. Attend career guidance workshops, practice interview skills, and tailor resumes for specific job profiles in the public and heritage sectors.
Tools & Resources
Coaching centers if opting, Online test series, Previous year question papers, College career guidance cell, Alumni network
Career Connection
Directly targets major career paths for history graduates, significantly increasing chances of securing government jobs, research fellowships, or academic positions in India.
Engage in Critical Historiographical Analysis- (Semester 5-6)
Beyond factual recall, critically evaluate different schools of historical thought and interpretations of events e.g., nationalist vs. subaltern perspectives on Indian independence. Participate in advanced seminars and discussions to develop a nuanced understanding of historiography and its impact on historical narratives.
Tools & Resources
Advanced academic books on historiography, Research papers, Departmental colloquia, Discussions with senior faculty
Career Connection
Fosters intellectual depth and critical thinking, paramount for academic research, high-level policy analysis, and roles that require synthesizing complex information and diverse viewpoints in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in P.U.C. II Year Examination or 10+2 or its equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-101 | History of India - I (Earliest Times to C.A.D. 750) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Pre-Harappan and Harappan Cultures, Vedic Age and Post-Vedic Period, Janapadas, Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha, Maurya Empire: Administration and Ashoka''''s Dhamma, Post-Mauryan Period: Satavahanas, Kushanas, Guptas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-201 | History of India - II (C.A.D. 750 to 1206) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Sources for Early Medieval Indian History, Major Dynasties: Rashtrakutas, Palas, Pratiharas, Cholas and Later Chalukyas of Kalyana, North Indian Kingdoms: Rajputs, Chandellas, Paramaras, Society, Economy and Culture in Early Medieval India, Advent of Islam and Turkish Invasions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-301 | History of India - III (1206-1526) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Sources of Delhi Sultanate History, Early Sultanate Period (Slave Dynasty), Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties: Policies and Administration, Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties, Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Socio-Economic and Cultural Conditions under Delhi Sultanate |
| SEC-H-301 | Museum Studies | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Museology: Definition, Scope, Types, History of Museums in India and World, Collection Management: Acquisition, Documentation, Preservation and Conservation of Museum Objects, Display and Interpretation in Museums, Museum Education and Public Programs |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-401 | History of India - IV (1526-1707) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Sources of Mughal History, Establishment of Mughal Rule: Babur and Humayun, Akbar: Administration, Religious Policy, Art and Culture, Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Consolidation and Cultural Zenith, Aurangzeb: Religious Policy and Deccan Policy, Mughal Administration, Society, Economy and Culture |
| SEC-H-401 | Archival Studies | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Archives: Definition, Types, Significance, History of Archives in India, Archival Management: Acquisition, Accessioning, Arrangement, Preservation and Conservation of Archival Materials, Access and Use of Archives for Research, Digital Archives and Records Management |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-501 | History of India - V (1707-1857) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of Europeans and Anglo-French Rivalry, British Expansion: Carnatic Wars, Plassey, Buxar, British Administration, Economic Policies, and Land Revenue Systems, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, The Revolt of 1857: Causes, Course, and Consequences |
| DSC-H-502 | History of Karnataka - I (Earliest Times to 1799) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Sources of Karnataka History, Early Dynasties: Kadambas and Gangas, Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Hoysalas: Political and Cultural Achievements, Vijayanagara Empire: Administration, Society, Art and Architecture, Mysore Wodeyars: Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan |
| DSE-H-501 | History of World Civilizations (From Pre-History to 1500 CE) | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Early Human Civilizations and River Valley Civilizations, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Greek Civilization: City-States, Democracy, Philosophy, Roman Civilization: Republic, Empire, Law, Rise of Islam and its Impact, Medieval Europe: Feudalism and the Church |
| DSE-H-502 | Introduction to Archaeology | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Archaeology, Types of Archaeology: Pre-historic, Proto-historic, Historical, Methods of Exploration and Excavation, Dating Methods in Archaeology: Absolute and Relative, Archaeological Sites and Cultures in India, Role of Archaeology in Reconstructing History |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-H-601 | History of India - VI (1858-1947) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | British Administration and Economic Exploitation Post-1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism: Political Associations, Moderate and Extremist Phases of National Movement, Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, Towards Partition and Independence, Legacy of British Rule and Formation of Indian Republic |
| DSC-H-602 | History of Karnataka - II (1799-1956) | Core (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Mysore under British Rule: Commissioners Rule, Integration of Mysore State with British India, Freedom Movement in Karnataka: Important Leaders and Events, Unification of Karnataka: Process and Significance, Socio-Cultural Movements in Modern Karnataka, Economic Developments and Challenges in Modern Karnataka |
| DSE-H-601 | Cultural Heritage of India | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Concept of Culture and Heritage, Indian Art and Architecture: Ancient and Medieval Periods, Major Religions and Philosophical Systems of India, Indian Literature and Languages, Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama, Fairs, Festivals, and Customs in Indian Society |
| DSE-H-602 | Contemporary World (1945-2000 CE) | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | End of World War II and its Aftermath, Cold War: Origins, Phases, End, Non-Aligned Movement and Third World, Decolonization and Nation-Building in Asia and Africa, Major Global Conflicts and Regional Tensions, Towards a New World Order: Globalization and Challenges |




