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PHD in South Indian Studies at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is South Indian Studies at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This South Indian Studies PhD program at University of Mysore focuses on advanced, interdisciplinary research into the profound historical, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic facets of the South Indian peninsula. It is crucial for preserving and understanding India''''s diverse heritage, addressing a growing demand for specialized scholars in academic institutions, heritage conservation, and policy-making within the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master''''s degree in History, Archaeology, Linguistics, Literature, Sociology, Anthropology, or related humanities and social science fields. It attracts individuals with a deep-seated intellectual curiosity about the South Indian region, who are aspiring researchers, academics, or cultural heritage professionals seeking to contribute original scholarly work.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as professors, research fellows, museum curators, archivists, and cultural heritage consultants in India and abroad. Entry-level salaries for PhD holders in Indian academia typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential in research leadership, policy advocacy, and senior academic positions within universities and governmental bodies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Academic Writing- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Thoroughly grasp the principles of research design, data collection, and analysis by attending all coursework sessions, engaging in critical discussions, and practicing academic writing. Utilize the university library''''s vast resources for relevant journals and research papers to build a strong foundational understanding.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, JSTOR, Shodhganga (for Indian theses), Academic writing workshops offered by the university
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is critical for successful thesis completion and future research roles, ensuring your work is credible, ethically sound, and impactful in the academic world and beyond.
Identify and Refine Research Problem with Supervisor- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in regular consultations with your allocated supervisor to narrow down and define a precise, original, and impactful research problem within the broad scope of South Indian Studies. Conduct a comprehensive preliminary literature review to understand existing scholarship and identify significant research gaps.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor consultations, Scopus, Web of Science, University of Mysore research databases, Relevant academic journals
Career Connection
A well-defined and original research problem is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, demonstrating intellectual rigor and setting the stage for significant contributions to your field, which is vital for academic and research positions.
Build Interdisciplinary Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core texts and seminal works across various disciplines (history, linguistics, sociology, art history) relevant to South Indian Studies. Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and interdisciplinary workshops to broaden perspectives and connect with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Key academic journals (e.g., South Indian History Congress Journal), Reference books on South Indian culture and history
Career Connection
A robust, interdisciplinary foundational knowledge enhances your credibility as a scholar and enables you to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse, teaching roles, and interdisciplinary research projects.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Primary Source Collection- (Year 2-3)
For historical, archaeological, or socio-linguistic aspects of South Indian Studies, proactively plan and execute fieldwork, archival visits, and primary source collection. This may involve learning local languages or historical scripts necessary for accessing original materials from institutions across South India.
Tools & Resources
Archival institutions (e.g., Karnataka State Archives, Oriental Research Institute), Epigraphy resources, Oral history interview techniques, Regional language dictionaries
Career Connection
Direct engagement with primary sources and rigorous fieldwork is highly valued in South Indian Studies, making you a more competitive candidate for specialized research grants, academic positions, and cultural heritage roles.
Participate in National and International Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Actively prepare and present your evolving research findings at relevant national and international academic conferences and symposia. Seek opportunities to attend specialized workshops on advanced research methods, digital humanities tools, or specific South Indian cultural aspects to enhance your skill set.
Tools & Resources
Academic conference listings (e.g., H-Net, various humanities associations), Workshop announcements from research institutes and universities
Career Connection
Presenting your work builds your academic network, refines presentation and communication skills, and provides crucial peer feedback, significantly enhancing your profile for future academic and research job applications.
Publish Research Papers in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 3-4)
Based on your ongoing thesis research, aim to publish at least one or two high-quality research articles in reputable, UGC-CARE listed, peer-reviewed journals relevant to South Indian Studies. Collaborate with your supervisor or peers on joint publications where appropriate to maximize impact.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE listed journals relevant to South Indian Studies (e.g., Journal of South Indian History), Academic writing and publishing workshops
Career Connection
Publications are a critical metric for academic success in India and abroad, demonstrating your ability to conduct and disseminate original, rigorous research, significantly boosting your chances for faculty and research positions.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Manuscript & Prepare for Defense- (Year 4-5)
Dedicate significant time to meticulously refine your thesis manuscript, ensuring clarity, coherence, originality, and adherence to academic standards. Prepare thoroughly for the pre-submission colloquium and the final viva-voce examination, practicing your presentation and anticipating critical questions from experts.
Tools & Resources
University''''s thesis writing guidelines, Mock viva sessions with peers and supervisors, Grammar and style guides
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD journey, showcasing your expertise and readiness for independent scholarship, which is essential for securing post-doctoral fellowships and academic roles.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Year 4-6)
Actively seek opportunities to gain teaching experience by assisting professors in undergraduate or master''''s courses, grading assignments, or mentoring junior researchers. This practical experience is invaluable for academic career aspirations, especially in the Indian higher education system.
Tools & Resources
Teaching assistantships, University''''s faculty development programs, Departmental mentoring initiatives for M.A. students
Career Connection
Demonstrating teaching competence and pedagogical skills is crucial for securing university faculty positions in India, as most roles involve both rigorous research and effective teaching.
Network and Explore Post-PhD Opportunities- (Year 5-6)
Actively network with established scholars, academics, and professionals in South Indian Studies, history, and cultural heritage. Attend academic job fairs, and rigorously research post-doctoral fellowships, research grants, and faculty vacancies. Prepare your CV, cover letter, and teaching/research statements tailored for academic applications.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., University vacancies pages, Times Higher Education), Fellowship announcements (e.g., ICSSR, UGC, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute), Professional organizations like South Indian History Congress
Career Connection
Proactive networking and strategic career planning are vital for a smooth and successful transition into post-PhD roles, whether in academia, research institutions, cultural organizations, or policy-making bodies in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates) or equivalent grade. Must have passed the PhD Entrance Examination conducted by the University or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship holders).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Full-time)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework (4 for Research Methodology, 4 for Specialization Paper) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Continuous internal assessment (assignments, seminars, tests) for coursework components (weightage varies by department), External: End-semester examination for coursework; Viva-voce examination for thesis defense
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDC01 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and its Significance, Formulation of Research Problem and Research Design, Methods of Data Collection (Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed Methods), Sampling Techniques and Measurement Scales, Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Basic Statistical Tools, Research Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights, and Academic Integrity, Writing a Research Proposal and Scientific/Thesis Writing |
| PHDSIS02 | Specialization in South Indian Studies | Specialized Core / Elective | 4 | Historical Foundations and Political Structures of South India, Sociocultural Dynamics, Religions, and Philosophies of the Deccan, Art, Architecture, and Literary Traditions of South India, Linguistics and Dravidian Language Studies, Economic and Agrarian History of the Peninsular Region, Contemporary Issues, Identities, and Regional Movements in South India |
