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M-A in History at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is History at University of Delhi Delhi?
This M.A. History program at University of Delhi offers an in-depth exploration of Indian and World history, emphasizing critical historical analysis and diverse historiographical approaches. The curriculum encourages students to engage with major debates across ancient, medieval, and modern periods, addressing socio-economic, political, and cultural transformations with a strong Indian context. It prepares scholars and researchers for nuanced understanding of historical processes.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking advanced academic training, aspiring researchers, civil service examinees with a history background, and educators aiming to deepen their subject knowledge. It suits individuals passionate about historical inquiry, critical thinking, and understanding the evolution of societies and cultures. Graduates with a strong academic record in Bachelor''''s in History or related fields are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, and academicians. Many also pursue civil services, journalism, and research. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience, particularly in academia and specialized research. The program fosters analytical skills highly valued across various professional fields.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Historiographical Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the core historiographical papers. Actively participate in seminars, read widely beyond prescribed texts to grasp different schools of thought, and practice presenting your arguments concisely. This builds a strong foundational understanding of historical methods.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, University Library resources, Peer study groups, Key historiography texts
Career Connection
Develops critical analytical skills essential for research, academia, and civil service examinations, enabling you to articulate informed perspectives.
Cultivate Research Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Start developing basic research skills by identifying themes of interest, compiling bibliographies, and writing well-structured essays. Seek guidance from professors on minor research projects or extended essays for internal assessments.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE (library access), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Professorial office hours
Career Connection
Prepares you for the rigors of M.Phil./Ph.D. research, improves academic writing, and enhances problem-solving abilities vital for any professional role.
Engage with Primary Sources- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with different types of primary sources (archival documents, inscriptions, literary texts) early on. Visit national archives, museums, or digital archives to understand their interpretation and use in historical construction.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India, Digital South Asia Library, Archaeological Survey of India publications
Career Connection
Crucial for careers in archiving, museum studies, heritage management, and provides a unique edge in historical research and academic writing.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your long-term research interests or career aspirations. Delve deeper into specific periods or themes to build expertise and a strong knowledge base in your chosen area.
Tools & Resources
Detailed DSE course outlines, Faculty advisors for guidance, Specialized academic journals
Career Connection
Helps in defining your niche for future research or professional specialization, making you a more attractive candidate for focused roles or higher studies.
Participate in Academic Events- (Semester 3)
Actively attend and contribute to departmental seminars, conferences, and workshops. Present papers if opportunities arise, and engage with visiting scholars. This broadens your academic network and exposes you to current research trends.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, University events calendar, Professional history associations
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, networking, and critical engagement, valuable for academic careers, public policy analysis, and journalism.
Develop Advanced Analytical Writing- (Semester 3)
Focus on writing sophisticated research papers that go beyond description, offering original analysis and arguments based on evidence. Seek extensive feedback on your drafts from professors and peers to refine your scholarly voice.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Feedback from professors/mentors, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Indispensable for M.Phil./Ph.D. applications, publishing, and any role requiring high-level analytical and persuasive communication.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 4)
Identify a specific research question and conduct an independent, extensive research project, ideally culminating in a dissertation or a significant research paper. This allows for application of all learned skills and contributes to academic discourse.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Access to specialized archives/collections, Research methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Showcases your ability for independent scholarship, a critical factor for doctoral studies and high-level research positions in think tanks or government.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni working in academia, civil services, museums, or media. Attend alumni meet-ups and leverage LinkedIn for informational interviews. Their insights can guide your career path and open doors to opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Alumni association events, LinkedIn networking, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Provides valuable industry insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads in a competitive Indian job market.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Whether pursuing Ph.D., civil services, or other careers, dedicate time to specific preparation. For Ph.D., refine your research proposal. For civil services, focus on current affairs and general studies. For other roles, tailor your CV and practice interviews.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF preparation materials, Civil Service exam guides, University career services
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition to your chosen post-MA path, whether it''''s higher education, government service, or other professional fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (Hons.) in History from University of Delhi or equivalent with minimum 60% marks, OR Bachelor''''s degree with History from University of Delhi or equivalent with minimum 60% in History and 50% in aggregate.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 101 | Debates in Ancient Indian History | Core | 4 | Sources and historiography, Indus Valley Civilization debates, Vedic Period society and economy, State formation in Early India, Social stratification (Varna, Jati), Early Indian urbanism |
| CC 102 | Debates in Medieval Indian History | Core | 4 | Sources and historiography of Medieval India, Early Medieval transitions (c. 600-1200 CE), Formation of Delhi Sultanate, Nature of the State in Mughal India, Agrarian relations and economy, Religious movements (Sufism, Bhakti) |
| CC 103 | Debates in Modern Indian History | Core | 4 | Sources for Modern India, Theories of Colonialism, Historiography of Nationalism, Debates on Partition of India, Subaltern studies approach, Economic impact of British rule |
| CC 104 | Themes in Indian Historiography | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian historical tradition, Medieval Persian historiography, Colonial historiography, Nationalist historiography, Marxist approaches to Indian history, Subaltern and Post-colonial perspectives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 201 | Debates in Ancient World History | Core | 4 | Origins of civilization in Mesopotamia and Egypt, Bronze Age collapse and transition, Greek city-states and democracy, Formation and decline of the Roman Empire, Early forms of governance, Social structures in ancient world |
| CC 202 | Debates in Medieval World History | Core | 4 | Decline of the Roman Empire, Rise of Christianity and Islam, Feudalism debates in Europe, The Crusades and their impact, Mongol conquests and their legacy, Renaissance and Reformation |
| CC 203 | Debates in Modern World History | Core | 4 | Age of Revolutions (American, French), Industrial Revolution and its consequences, Imperialism and colonialism, World Wars I and II, The Cold War and its global impact, Decolonization movements |
| CC 204 | Themes in World Historiography | Core | 4 | Enlightenment historiography, German historicism and Ranke, Annales School of history, Postmodernism and historical relativism, Oral history methodologies, Gender and environmental history |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 301 | The History of Delhi up to 1803 | Core | 4 | Early settlements and archaeological evidence, Delhi under the Sultanate, Mughal Delhi: planning and architecture, Eighteenth-century transitions and decline, Urban development and morphology, Cultural landscape of early Delhi |
| DSE 302A | Aspects of Early Indian Society and Economy (c. 1500 BCE – 300 CE) | Elective | 4 | Vedic society and pastoralism, Early state formation (Mahajanapadas), Second urbanization, Trade networks and early coinage, Material culture and technology, Social hierarchies and gender |
| DSE 302B | Aspects of Early Indian Society and Economy (c. 300 CE – 1200 CE) | Elective | 4 | Land grants and agrarian expansion, Feudalism debate in India, Agrarian economy and production, Urban decline and revival debates, Craft guilds and trade organization, Social structures and transformations |
| DSE 303A | State and Society in Medieval India (c. 1200-1550) | Elective | 4 | Formation of the Delhi Sultanate, Nobility and administration, Agrarian relations and land revenue, Urban centers and trade, Sufi and Bhakti movements, Social stratification and gender |
| DSE 303B | State and Society in Medieval India (c. 1550-1750) | Elective | 4 | Mughal state formation and consolidation, Mansabdari system and jagirs, Agrarian economy and peasant life, Trade, commerce, and crafts, Religious policies of the Mughals, Social stratification and mobility |
| DSE 304A | Indian Economy and Society in the 18th Century | Elective | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire debates, Rise of regional powers, Trade networks and indigenous merchants, Agrarian structure and land revenue, Social change and new elites, Urban centers and decline |
| DSE 304B | India in the 19th Century | Elective | 4 | Colonial state formation and expansion, Economic policies (land revenue, de-industrialization), Resistance movements (1857), Social reform movements, Education system under British rule, Early nationalism and political associations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 401A | Ancient Indian Political Thought | Elective | 4 | Theories of state and kingship, Dharma and Artha concepts, Political institutions in ancient India, Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Buddhist political ideas, Justice and ethics in governance |
| DSE 401B | Ancient Indian Religious Systems | Elective | 4 | Vedic religion and rituals, Brahmanism and its evolution, Buddhism: origins and spread, Jainism: philosophy and practice, Vaishnavism and Shaivism, Popular cults and practices |
| DSE 402A | Culture in Medieval India (c. 1200-1550) | Elective | 4 | Sultanate architecture, Literature in Persian and regional languages, Music and performing arts, Sufi and Bhakti cultural traditions, Courtly culture and patronage, Regional variations in art and culture |
| DSE 402B | Culture in Medieval India (c. 1550-1750) | Elective | 4 | Mughal architecture and gardens, Miniature painting schools, Indo-Persian literature, Music and dance forms, Religious syncretism and debates, Regional artistic traditions |
| DSE 403A | Social Formations in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Caste system under colonialism, Gender relations and women''''s agency, Family structures and transformations, Education and social change, Urbanization and new social classes, Social movements and identity politics |
| DSE 403B | Political Ideas and Institutions in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Colonial administration and governance, Constitutional reforms and legislative councils, Nationalist movements and ideologies, Gandhi''''s political thought and non-violence, Ambedkar''''s vision for social justice, Political challenges of post-independence India |
| DSE 404A | History of the USA (c. 1776-1945) | Elective | 4 | American Revolution and independence, Constitution and formation of the republic, Slavery and abolitionism, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Gilded Age, World War I and its aftermath |
| DSE 404B | History of Modern East Asia (c. 1840-1949) | Elective | 4 | Opium Wars and unequal treaties, Meiji Restoration in Japan, Imperialism in East Asia, Rise of Nationalism in China, Communist Revolution in China, World War II in Asia and its impact |
