History

Course Overview

The B.A. in History explores global and regional histories, analyzing cultural, political, and social developments. Students engage with primary sources, historiography, and research methodologies, preparing for careers in education, research, public history, and more.

Duration: 3 Years (6 Semesters)

Syllabus:

The semester-wise structure of B.A. History may vary from institution to institution, but generally, the following topics are covered across six semesters:

Semester I:

  • Ancient Indian History – Prehistory to Harappan Civilization

  • History of Early Civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia, China)

  • Introduction to Historical Methods

  • Environmental History

  • History of Indian Culture and Traditions

Semester II:

  • Ancient Indian History (Vedic Period to Mauryan Empire)

  • Early Medieval History of India (Post-Mauryan to Gupta Period)

  • History of the World (Greek and Roman Civilizations)

  • Historical Sources and Methods

  • Social and Economic Structures in India (Up to 1200 A.D.)

Semester III:

  • Medieval Indian History (Post-Gupta to Delhi Sultanate)

  • History of the Mughal Empire

  • European History (Renaissance to Enlightenment)

  • Historical Research Methodology

  • Indian Society and Culture (Medieval Era)

Semester IV:

  • Modern Indian History (18th to 20th Century)

  • British Rule in India: Impact and Legacy

  • History of Modern Europe (1789-1914)

  • Social Movements in Modern India

  • Nationalism and Independence Movements in India

Semester V:

  • History of Modern World (20th Century)

  • Global Conflicts: World Wars and Cold War

  • Post-Colonialism and Globalization

  • History of South Asia (Post-Partition)

  • Contemporary India: Politics and Society

Semester VI:

  • History of Asia and the World (Post-1945)

  • International Relations and Global Political History

  • The Indian Constitution and Democracy

  • Historiography and Writing History

  • Dissertation/Project on a chosen historical topic

Average Fees: ₹10,000 - ₹50,000 per annum (varies depending on the institution)

Exams:
Students need to clear institution-specific semester exams. Additionally, many universities may conduct entrance exams or interviews for admission to the B.A. History program.

Common entrance exams include:

  • CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

  • DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test)

  • BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test)

Top 10 Ranking Institutions in India for History (Combined Ranking)

  1. University of Delhi, Delhi

  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi

  3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  4. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

  5. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad

  6. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

  7. University of Madras, Chennai

  8. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

  9. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

  10. Presidency University, Kolkata

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala for History

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  3. Calicut University, Malappuram

  4. Kerala Varma College, Thrissur

  5. St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam

  6. CMS College, Kottayam

  7. Government College, Kasaragod

  8. Farook College, Kozhikode

  9. Sacred Heart College, Kochi

  10. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram