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B-A in History at Vidya Rashmi First Grade College
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at Vidya Rashmi First Grade College Dakshina Kannada?
This History program at Vidyarashmi First Grade College, affiliated with Mangalore University, focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World history from ancient to contemporary times. It emphasizes critical analysis of historical events, societal changes, and cultural evolution. The program provides a robust foundation in historical methodology, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s growing heritage, education, and public service sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for uncovering the past, aspiring researchers, and individuals aiming for careers in civil services, journalism, or museum studies. It also caters to those seeking a strong humanities background for further postgraduate studies or professionals looking to deepen their historical knowledge for roles in cultural institutions within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in civil services (UPSC, KPSC), archaeology, museology, archival management, teaching, and academic research in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The analytical and research skills developed are highly valued in content creation, policy analysis, and non-profit sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary source materials and classic historical texts. Regularly attend lectures, participate in discussions, and clarify doubts promptly. Utilize the college library''''s history section and online archival resources like the National Archives of India website for supplemental reading beyond textbooks.
Tools & Resources
College Library, National Archives of India (online), Ephemeral.net (historical documents)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in early history and historiography is crucial for success in civil services exams and postgraduate research, providing the bedrock for advanced historical analysis.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice analyzing historical narratives, identifying biases, and forming reasoned arguments. Join history club debates or study groups to discuss different interpretations of events. Focus on understanding ''''why'''' and ''''how'''' events unfolded, not just ''''what'''' happened.
Tools & Resources
Debate clubs, Peer study groups, Online academic journals (e.g., JSTOR via institutional access)
Career Connection
These analytical skills are invaluable for civil services, journalism, and research roles, enabling graduates to dissect complex information and present coherent insights.
Cultivate Effective Note-Taking and Essay Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Master structured note-taking methods like Cornell notes to synthesize lecture and reading material. Practice writing well-structured essays regularly, focusing on clear argumentation and evidence-based reasoning. Seek feedback from professors to refine writing style and academic rigor.
Tools & Resources
Evernote/OneNote, Grammarly, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing and clear articulation is essential for academic pursuits, competitive exams requiring descriptive answers, and any role involving report generation or content creation.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Local History and Heritage- (Semester 3-5)
Undertake mini-projects on the history of Dakshina Kannada or Karnataka. Visit local historical sites, museums, and temples. Document findings, conduct interviews with local elders, and present your research in college seminars. This fosters a practical understanding of history and develops field research skills.
Tools & Resources
Local museums, State archives, Oral history collection tools
Career Connection
This provides hands-on experience relevant for roles in regional archaeology, cultural tourism, and heritage management, which are growing sectors in India.
Participate in Academic Quizzes and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join or form a team for inter-college history quizzes, essay competitions, and debates. This enhances factual recall, quick thinking, and the ability to articulate historical knowledge under pressure. It also expands your academic network.
Tools & Resources
Quiz websites (e.g., IndiaBix History), General Knowledge books, College event calendars
Career Connection
Success in competitive events builds confidence and sharpens skills highly valued in competitive exams like UPSC, journalism, and public speaking, boosting overall career readiness.
Begin Research Project Planning- (Semester 5 (leading into Minor Project))
Start identifying potential topics for your minor project/dissertation early. Consult with faculty mentors to refine your research question and methodology. Begin collecting relevant bibliographical resources and sketching out a research plan.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, JSTOR/Project MUSE (via institutional access), Zotero/Mendeley for reference management
Career Connection
Early engagement with research solidifies academic skills, making you more competitive for Master''''s programs and research-oriented roles in historical institutions or think tanks.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Internships in Relevant Fields- (Semester 6 (during or leading to final project))
Actively seek internships at museums, archives, historical research organizations, NGOs working on heritage, or even government departments related to culture. Practical exposure helps bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application and builds a professional network.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship portals (Internshala), Networking with alumni
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience, making industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers or preferential hiring in relevant Indian organizations.
Focus on Civil Services Exam Preparation- (Semester 6)
If aspiring for civil services, integrate preparation into your final year studies. Dedicate time to general studies, current affairs, and optional subject (History) revision. Join a study circle or coaching if feasible, focusing on mock tests and answer writing practice.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC study material, Current affairs magazines/websites, Mock test series
Career Connection
A significant number of History graduates in India target civil services. Structured preparation in the final year directly enhances chances of cracking these highly competitive exams.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 6)
Explore basic digital tools for historical research, such as mapping historical data (GIS), creating digital timelines, or utilizing online databases. This modernizes your skill set and opens avenues in digital archiving or historical visualization, which are emerging fields.
Tools & Resources
Google Arts & Culture, Timeline.JS, ArcGIS (basic tutorials)
Career Connection
These skills are increasingly valued in academic and cultural institutions, making graduates versatile for roles in digital content creation, museum digitization projects, and educational technology in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates who have passed the two years Pre-University Examination conducted by the Pre-University Education Board in Karnataka or any other examination considered as equivalent thereto by Mangalore University are eligible for admission to this programme.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters (for B.A. Degree) or 4 years / 8 semesters (for B.A. (Honors) Degree)
Credits: 128 (for 3-year B.A. Degree); 168 (for 4-year B.A. (Honors) Degree) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH101 | Ancient Indian History (From the Earliest Times to 1206 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Age, Rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, Post-Gupta Dynasties in North and South India |
| L1 | Language 1 (e.g., Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| L2 | Language 2 (English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| AECC1 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course 1 (e.g., Environmental Studies / Constitution of India / Computer Application) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| OE1 | Open Elective 1 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| SEC1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | As per choice from university common pool |
| VC1 | Vocational Course 1 | Vocational Course | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH201 | Medieval Indian History (1206 AD - 1761 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Establishment and Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagar and Bahamani Kingdoms, Rise of Mughal Empire (Babur to Aurangzeb), Mughal Administration, Art and Architecture, Emergence of Marathas and Shivaji''''s Administration, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| L1 | Language 1 (e.g., Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| L2 | Language 2 (English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| AECC2 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course 2 (e.g., Environmental Studies / Constitution of India / Computer Application) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| OE2 | Open Elective 2 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| SEC2 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | As per choice from university common pool |
| VC2 | Vocational Course 2 | Vocational Course | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH301 | Modern Indian History (1761 AD - 1947 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Arrival of Europeans and Anglo-French Rivalry, Expansion and Consolidation of British Rule (Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse), Socio-Religious Reform Movements (Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission), Revolt of 1857 and its Impact, Rise of Indian Nationalism and Freedom Struggle, Partition of India and Attainment of Independence |
| L1 | Language 1 (e.g., Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| L2 | Language 2 (English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| OE3 | Open Elective 3 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| SEC3 | Skill Enhancement Course 3 | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | As per choice from university common pool |
| VC3 | Vocational Course 3 | Vocational Course | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH401 | History of Europe (1453 AD - 1871 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Enlightenment and French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and its Impact, Congress of Vienna and Concert of Europe, Revolutions of 1848, Unification of Italy and Germany |
| L1 | Language 1 (e.g., Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| L2 | Language 2 (English) | Language | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| OE4 | Open Elective 4 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 3 | As per choice from university common pool |
| SEC4 | Skill Enhancement Course 4 | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | As per choice from university common pool |
| VC4 | Vocational Course 4 | Vocational Course | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH501 | History of Contemporary World (1871 AD - 1991 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Imperialism and Scramble for Africa, Causes and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolution and Inter-war period, Causes and Consequences of World War II, The Cold War and its Impact, Decolonization in Asia and Africa |
| BAH502 | History of Karnataka (From the Earliest Times to 1799 AD) OR Environmental History of India OR History of Science and Technology in India | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Sources for Karnataka History, Ancient Dynasties (Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas), Hoysalas and their contributions, Vijayanagara Empire and its administration, Wodeyars of Mysore and their expansion, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan |
| OE5 | Open Elective 5 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
| PRJ501 | Minor Project / Dissertation | Project Work | 2 | Research methodology basics, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Report writing, Presentation skills |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH601 | History of India After Independence (1947-2000 AD) | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Challenges of Partition and Integration of Princely States, Making of the Indian Constitution, Nehruvian Era: Policies and Developments, Reorganization of States, Language Policy, Economic Planning and Green Revolution, Political Developments and Challenges to Nation-Building |
| BAH602 | Cultural History of India OR Archaeology and Museology OR Gender in Indian History | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Art and Architecture of Ancient India, Development of Religions (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism), Medieval Indian Art, Architecture and Literature, Social Customs and Traditions, Education System through Ages, Regional Cultural Manifestations |
| OE6 | Open Elective 6 (from other disciplines) | Open Elective | 4 | As per choice from university common pool |
| INT601 | Internship / Project Work / Entrepreneurship | Internship/Project | 4 | Practical application of historical knowledge, Fieldwork or archival research, Project implementation, Entrepreneurial thinking, Report preparation and presentation |
