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MA in History at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay Deoria?
This MA History program at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay, affiliated with DDUGU, focuses on a comprehensive study of ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, alongside significant aspects of world history and historiography, as per the NEP 2020 framework. It emphasizes critical analysis of historical events and sources, equipping students with a profound understanding of socio-cultural, political, and economic transformations. This specialization is highly relevant in India for preserving cultural heritage, informing public discourse, and understanding the nation''''s complex identity, with a consistent demand in academic and heritage sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in History or related humanities, aspiring to build a career in academia, research, or civil services. It also attracts working professionals such as teachers seeking to enhance their qualifications, and individuals passionate about delving deeper into historical analysis and heritage preservation. Civil service aspirants find this program particularly beneficial for building a strong foundation in history for competitive examinations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, archaeologists (with further specialization), educators, and content writers. Many also opt for civil services (UPSC/UPPSC) or other government jobs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA in the education or heritage sector, growing to INR 6-10 LPA or more with experience and higher qualifications like NET/JRF. Graduates contribute significantly to research and cultural preservation efforts across the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Narratives- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently study the foundational ancient, medieval, and modern Indian and world history covered in Semesters 1 and 2. Utilize textbooks, historical atlases, and supplementary readings to build a robust chronological and thematic understanding, which is essential for all subsequent advanced studies and competitive exams like UPSC/UPPSC.
Tools & Resources
Standard university textbooks, Online historical encyclopedias, Atlases like Orient Blackswan Historical Atlas of India
Career Connection
A strong foundation in core history is crucial for success in NET/JRF, civil services, and for any academic or research role.
Develop Critical Source Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Practice evaluating primary and secondary historical sources for their bias, context, and authenticity. Actively participate in classroom discussions and debates on differing historical interpretations. This sharpens analytical skills, which are fundamental for academic research, informed historical understanding, and critical thinking in any profession.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Digital archives (e.g., National Archives of India), University library resources
Career Connection
Enhances research capabilities, crucial for higher studies, archival work, and critical assessment of information.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on structuring historical essays with clear arguments, supporting evidence, and proper referencing styles. Regularly practice writing summaries, reviews, and analytical responses to historical readings and lectures. This skill is vital for excelling in examinations, publishing academic papers, and producing high-quality dissertations.
Tools & Resources
Style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), Grammar and plagiarism check software, Feedback from faculty and peers
Career Connection
Essential for academic success, research publications, and clear communication in professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialized Research & Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 3-4)
In Semesters 3 and 4, choose elective papers that align with your specific historical interests and career aspirations. If opting for a dissertation, dedicate significant time to original research, including topic selection, extensive literature review, data collection from primary sources, and rigorous analysis. Seek regular mentorship from faculty for guidance and feedback.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Academic databases, Interview subjects (if applicable), Faculty mentors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases specialized knowledge and research capability, highly valued for PhD admissions, research positions, and specialized roles in heritage or archives.
Leverage Internships & Field Visits- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for internships or volunteer work at local archives, museums, heritage sites, or NGOs involved in historical preservation during semester breaks. Actively participate in departmental field trips. This provides invaluable practical exposure to historical work, heritage management, and builds essential professional networks within the heritage sector in India.
Tools & Resources
Local museums, State Archives/National Archives, NGOs focused on heritage, University career services (if available)
Career Connection
Gains practical experience, builds professional network, and strengthens CV for roles in heritage, museology, and archival management.
Strategic Career Planning & Exam Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond academic coursework, integrate preparation for national-level competitive examinations like UGC NET/JRF (for teaching/research) or civil services examinations (UPSC/UPPSC) where history is a popular optional subject. Develop a strong CV that highlights research, analytical, and communication skills, preparing for diverse career avenues in both academia and government sectors in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF previous year papers, Civil services coaching materials, Mock interviews, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Significantly broadens career prospects in academia, government administration, and public service, offering high-impact roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in History or a related discipline from a recognized university, with a minimum percentage as per university/college norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: Approximately 68 credits (Credit-based system with 4 credits per theory paper, 8 for Dissertation) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 101 | History of Ancient India upto 1206 AD | Core | 4 | Pre-historic cultures and early civilizations (Indus Valley), Vedic age and rise of states, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan periods, Gupta and Post-Gupta eras, Emergence of regional kingdoms till 1206 AD, Socio-economic and cultural developments |
| MAHIS 102 | Ancient World Civilization | Core | 4 | Early River Valley Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China), Ancient Greece: Polis, Democracy, Philosophy, Roman Empire: Republic to Empire, Law, Culture, Persian Empire and its influence, Early Civilizations of Africa and Americas, Cultural and technological contributions |
| MAHIS 103 | History of India (1206-1757 AD) | Core | 4 | Establishment and expansion of Delhi Sultanate, Rise of Provincial Kingdoms and Bhakti-Sufi movements, Mughal Empire: Establishment, consolidation, administration, Mughal decline and rise of successor states, Socio-economic structure of medieval India, Art, architecture, and cultural synthesis |
| MAHIS 104 | Modern World (1453-1870 AD) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and colonialism, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and its impact, Rise of Nationalism and Revolutions (1830, 1848) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 201 | History of India (1757-1947 AD) | Core | 4 | Establishment of British Rule and early resistance, Colonial administration and economic policies, Socio-religious reform movements, Rise of Indian Nationalism (moderate to extremist phases), Gandhian era and mass movements, Partition of India and Independence |
| MAHIS 202 | History of Modern World (1870-1945 AD) | Core | 4 | Imperialism and Scramble for Africa/Asia, Rise of new powers (Germany, Japan, USA), First World War: Causes, course, consequences, Russian Revolution and rise of Communism, Inter-war period: Great Depression, Fascism, Nazism, Second World War: Causes, course, consequences |
| MAHIS 203 | Contemporary India (1947-2000 AD) | Core | 4 | Nation building: Integration of princely states, Constitution, Nehruvian era: Economic planning, foreign policy, Political developments: Congress dominance, opposition, Social movements and caste politics, Economic reforms and liberalization, Challenges to national unity and secularism |
| MAHIS 204 | History of Uttar Pradesh | Core | 4 | Ancient history of UP: Early settlements, kingdoms (Kuru, Kosala, Magadha), Medieval UP: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Rule, Avadh, Modern UP: British annexation, 1857 Revolt, Freedom Struggle, Socio-cultural movements and prominent personalities, Economic and administrative developments, Post-independence UP: Political and social landscape |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 301 | Principles and Methods of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Historical Causation and objectivity, Sources of History: Primary and Secondary, Historical Method: Criticism, Interpretation, Synthesis, Interdisciplinary approaches to History, Role of Historian and Historical Imagination |
| MAHIS 302 | History of India (2000 AD onwards) | Core | 4 | Economic reforms and globalization, Rise of coalition politics and new political alignments, Social justice movements and identity politics, Environmental concerns and sustainable development, India''''s foreign policy in the 21st century, Technological advancements and societal changes |
| MAHIS 303(i) | Ancient Indian Polity & Administration | Elective (Choose any two from 303(i/ii) and 304(i/ii)) | 4 | Evolution of state in Ancient India, Mauryan administration: Central and provincial, Gupta administration: Kingship, bureaucracy, Local self-governance in Ancient India, Legal and judicial systems, Revenue administration and military organization |
| MAHIS 303(ii) | Economic History of Ancient India | Elective (Choose any two from 303(i/ii) and 304(i/ii)) | 4 | Agricultural practices and land systems, Craft production and guilds (Shrenis), Trade routes and urban centers, Currency and coinage systems, Labor systems and social stratification, Role of religion in economic life |
| MAHIS 304(i) | Indian Nationalism | Elective (Choose any two from 303(i/ii) and 304(i/ii)) | 4 | Early manifestations of nationalism (1857 Revolt), Formation of Indian National Congress, Moderate and Extremist phases of nationalism, Rise of Gandhian leadership and mass movements, Revolutionary nationalism and peasant movements, Communalism and Partition |
| MAHIS 304(ii) | History of Historical Writing | Elective (Choose any two from 303(i/ii) and 304(i/ii)) | 4 | Ancient Greek and Roman historians, Medieval chroniclers and Islamic historiography, Renaissance and Enlightenment historiography, Rise of Scientific History (Ranke), Marxist and Subaltern historiography, Postmodernism and new approaches to history |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAHIS 401 | Historiography | Core | 4 | Definition and Scope of Historiography, Major schools of historical thought (Annales, Subaltern), Impact of social sciences on historical writing, Debates on objectivity and subjectivity in history, Ethical considerations in historical research, Contemporary trends in historiography |
| MAHIS 402 | Dissertation/Project | Core/Elective (Alternative to an elective paper) | 8 | Research methodology and literature review, Primary and secondary source collection, Data analysis and interpretation, Structured report writing and argumentation, Presentation and viva voce, Original contribution to historical understanding |
| MAHIS 403(i) | History of South Asia | Elective (Choose any two from 403(i/ii) and 404(i/ii), or one if Dissertation is chosen) | 4 | Historical formation of South Asian states, Colonialism and decolonization in the region, Rise of nationalism and partition dynamics, Post-independence political and economic challenges, Regional conflicts and cooperation, Cultural diversity and shared heritage |
| MAHIS 403(ii) | History of East Asia | Elective (Choose any two from 403(i/ii) and 404(i/ii), or one if Dissertation is chosen) | 4 | Ancient civilizations of China, Japan, Korea, Imperial China: Dynasties, socio-economic structure, Rise of modern Japan: Meiji Restoration, industrialization, European imperialism in East Asia, Chinese Revolutions and formation of PRC, Post-WWII East Asia: Cold War, economic growth |
| MAHIS 404(i) | History of Science & Technology in India | Elective (Choose any two from 403(i/ii) and 404(i/ii), or one if Dissertation is chosen) | 4 | Science and technology in ancient Indian civilizations, Mathematical and astronomical advancements, Medical knowledge (Ayurveda) and practices, Technological innovations in medieval India (irrigation, metallurgy), Impact of colonial rule on Indian science, Post-independence scientific and technological growth |
| MAHIS 404(ii) | Tourism and Heritage Management | Elective (Choose any two from 403(i/ii) and 404(i/ii), or one if Dissertation is chosen) | 4 | Concepts of heritage and cultural tourism, Conservation and preservation of historical sites, Role of government and international bodies (UNESCO), Marketing and promotion of heritage tourism, Sustainable tourism development, Challenges in heritage management in India |
