SYLLABUS

FOR
FOUR YEARS UNDER GRADUATE PROGRAMME
IN

HISTORY

UNDER NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020

DIBRUGARH UNIVERSITY
DIBRUGARH-786004
ASSAM
 PREAMBLE

The syllabus for Four Year Undergraduate Programme in History is designed in accordance
with Dibrugarh University Regulations for the Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes
(FYUGP) for Dibrugarh University and its affiliated Colleges as per NEP 2020. The Four
Year UG Programme in History includes eight Semesters. There are 22 Major Courses, of
which 18 Courses are Core Course (CC) and 4 Courses are Elective Course (EC). The
courses for 7th and 8th semester will be allotted at a later point of time. Moreover, here
in this course structure only the syllabus of 1st, 2nd and 3rd semester is been provided
and rest will be allotted later. In the 7th and 8th Semester, Research Project and Dissertation
is included, however, the students may opt 3 Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE) in
lieu of the Research Project and Dissertation. There are all total 8 Minor Courses, 1 in each
Semester. There are 3 Open Elective Courses (OEC)/ Generic Elective (GE) Courses, 1 in
each of the first three Semesters. All the Major and Minor Courses are of 4 credits in each,
Open Elective Courses (OEC)/ Generic Elective (GE) Courses are of 3 credits each. However,
the Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE) of 7th Semester is of 2 credits and the 2
Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE) of 8th Semester are of 3 credits each. The 2-credit
project work in the 6th semester will be decided by the faculty members in consultation with
the students.

There shall be In-semester Assessments and End-semester Examination in each

course during every Semester. 20% of the total marks of each theory Course shall be allotted
for In-semester Evaluations which will comprise Sessional Examination, Assignment,
Paper Presentation, Book Review, Viva-voce etc. The End-semester Examination will be
of 80% of the total marks covering the whole Syllabus.
Introduction to Programme

The undergraduate syllabus of History for Dibrugarh University and its affiliated colleges
under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) is designed in accordance with Dibrugarh
University Regulations for the Four-Years Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) as per NEP
2020. In the first six semester (three years) it requires the student to complete sixteen major
courses of four credits each (fifteen Core Courses and one Elective Course), six Minor Courses
(MC) of four credits each, three Generic Elective Courses (GEC) of three credits each and one
Project of two credits in the sixth semester. The project work will be decided by the faculty
members in consultation with the students.
In seventh semester it requires the students to complete three major courses of four
credits each, one minor course of four credits, one Research Ethics and Methodology of four
credits and one Research Project of two credits. However, the students may opt for one
Discipline Specific Elective Course (DSEC) of two credits in lieu of the Research Project. In
the eighth semester, it requires the students to complete three Major Courses of four credits
each, one Minor Course of four credits, one Dissertation of six credits. However, the students
may opt for two Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSEC) of three credits each in lieu of
the Dissertation.
The major courses are exclusive to the student who enrols as History major. Whereas Minor
Courses (MC) are offered to the student who are other than history major. The Generic Elective
Courses are offered to the student from other discipline. The Core Courses have been structure
in a way so as to introduce the student the broad range of the subjects pertaining to the discipline
of History. The programme broadly covers, Indian civilization, state formation, economic and
political history from ancient to contemporary, Indian Independent movement alongside the
rise of the West, the history of Europe, East Asia and Southeast Asia. The courses cover ideas,
concept of historiography so as to impart knowledge on the science of history writing but also
encourage the student to think critically and understand on the discipline at the same time
asking question that can contribute to new thinking and understanding to the discipline. The
Research Project and Dissertation on semesters seven and eight respectively aimed at training
the student on methods fundamental to research which involves critical thinking and analysis
of any historical event and issue. This will aid the students in the development of research
aptitude and level of analysis.
Aims of Four Year Under-Graduate Programme (FYUGP) in History:

The aims of Four Year Under-Graduate Programme (FYUGP) in History are:

1. To enhance the students’ learning about History as a Social Science discipline, by

providing the students with a rigorous and challenging historical experience aiming to
develop sound theoretical background in the subject.
2. To enable the students to understand the Historical methodologies.
 3. To develop capabilities of the students to critically evaluate issues and the emerging
trends influencing the field of History.
4. To promote an understanding of the process of change with time.
5. To familiarize students with educational technology and train them in the use of ICT in
History.

Graduate Attribute for Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP)

History
The programme in tend to broadly lay certain graduates attribute which are as
follows-
A. Disciplinary Knowledge: The foundational knowledge of History, theoretical
and philosophical aspects of the discipline
B. Communication Skills: The programme imparts a holistic development in the
communication aspect. Through it the student will be able to express their thoughts
and ideas meaningfully and effectively both in oral and writing. It will enhance their
overall communicative skill.
C. Ethical Awareness and Reasoning: The research project and methodology,
dissertation courses in the programme will enhance the graduate’s ability to identify
the key ethical issues like intellectual property rights, plagiarism, data falsification,
social media, environmental issues, artificial intelligence, privacy rights and
enhance the reasoning capacity of the graduates.
D. Information Technology and Digital Literacy: Aware knowledge of ICT,
enhance ability to access various information sources and evaluate them critically
and effectively.
E. Reflective and Critical thinking: The programme will enhance the level of
analytical and critical thinking in investigating any given event or research related
work. It will develop the capacity to evaluate evidence, arguments, policies and
theories related to the discipline.
F. Research-Related Skill: Programme includes courses on research
methodology and projects which will enhance the aptitude and analytical aspects of
the graduates to a level that help to identify the problems, research gaps,
methodology, procuring data, formulate hypothesis, analyse data, interpret and
draw conclusive findings followed by the preparation of reports.

Programme Leaning outcomes for Four Year Undergraduate Programme

(FYUGP) in History:
Firstly, a graduate in History will acquire profound knowledge on Indian
civilization, culture, socio-economic, political, environment, science and
technology of India’s past. A graduate will acquire broad information on the
historical geography of Indian sub-continent and the contemporary world.
Secondly, the programme imbibes broad skills pertaining to discipline of history
including manuscript reading, decipher script, epigraphy and numismatic, develop
archiving skill, commentary on declassified government/non-government
documents, reports and dispatch.
Thirdly, a graduate of history will develop competency on various academic
writings like essays, research project, newspapers editorial, participate debate on
several burning issues having historical antecedent and implications.
Fourthly, the programme enriches competency level by introducing canvas of
courses which enrich the capacity for human resource development in various
government and non-government sectors. The program ensures graduates
placement in competitive examinations conducted by state and union commissions
every year for different categories of government job.
Fifthly, the programme structured courses in a way that gives avenue for further
research and teaching in various academic and research institutions across
discipline.
Teaching Learning Process

The programme allows to use varied pedagogical methods and techniques both
within classroom and beyond.
 Lecture
 Tutorial
 Power point presentation
 Documentary film on related topic
 Project Work/Dissertation
 Group Discussion and debate
 Seminars/workshops/conferences
 Field visits and Report/Excursions
 Mentor/Mentee

Teaching Leaning Tools

 Projector
 Smart Television for Documentary related topic
 LCD Monitor
 WLAN
 White/Green/Black Board

Assessment
 Home assignment
 Project Report
 Class Presentation: Oral/Poster/Power point
 Group Discussions
 In semester examinations
 End Semester examinations
Course Structure for Under-Graduate Programme in History, 2023

Year Semester Course Type Courses Credit

1 1st Major HISC1 - History of India-I (Prehistory to 4

c.300 BCE)

Minor MINHIS1- History of Ancient India 4

Open Elective GECHIS1- Introduction to Culture and 3

Course/GEC Heritage of Ancient India

AEC language 4

VAC Understanding India 2

VAC Health 2
Skill 3
Total Credit 22

2nd Major HISC2 -Social Formation and Cultural 4

Patterns of Ancient and Medieval World
Minor MINHIS2- History of Medieval India 4

Open Elective GECHIS2 Introduction to Cultural 3

Course/GEC Heritage of Assam

AEC-Language II 4
Environmental 2
Education
Yoga 2
Vocational 3
Total Credit 22

2 3rd Major HISC3- History of India II (c. 300 BCE 4

to 500 CE)

HISC4 -History of India III (post-Gupta- 4

1206 CE)

Minor MINHIS3 -History of Modern India 4

 Open Elective GECHIS3- Introduction to Indian 3
Course/GEC Freedom Struggle

Digital Solutions 2
Vocational 3
Mathematical and 2
Reasoning Ability
Total Credit 22
th
4 Major HISC5- History of India-IV (1206- 1526) 4

HISC6- Rise of Modern West 4

HISC7- History of India-V (1526-1750s) 4

HISC8- History of India-VI (1757-1857) 4

Minor MINHIS4-Early and Medieval Assam 4

Community 2
Engagement
Total Credit 22

3 5th Major HISC9- History of Modern Europe(1789- 4

1945)

HISC10- History of India-VII (1857- 4

1964)

HISC11- History of Early and Medieval 4

Assam

HISC12- Historiography 4
Minor MINHIS5- Modern Assam 4
Internship 2
Total Credit 22

6th Major HISC13- Social and Economic History of 4

Assam
HISC14- Contemporary World 4
HISC15- History of Modern Assam 4
HISC16A- History of China and Japan 4
or
HISC16B History of Modern South East
Asia
Minor MINHIS6A- Rise of Modern West 4
or
MINHIS6B – History of Modern Europe
(1789-1945)
Project 2
Total Credit 22
 Semester I

Course Code: HISC1

Course Title: HISTORY OF INDIA-I (Prehistory to c.300BCE)
Nature of the Course: Major Core
Credit: 4
Objective: The objective of the paper is to have a thorough understanding of the history of
India. The paper deals with the early history of the Indian subcontinent starting from the age
of prehistory to the post-Vedic Civilization. The paper will help the students in understanding
the history of our earliest hominid ancestors along with the cultural transitions that happened
in due course of time.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1: Introduction to Indian Lecture Tutorial

Prehistory

Marks Distribution: 20

1.1 Defining Prehistory and Proto- 3 1

history

1.2 Environmental factors and 3

human evolution in Indian
prehistory

1.3 Sources of Indian prehistory- 3 1

Stone tools, bones, potsherds,
artefacts

1.4 Introduction to dating 3 1

techniques (Radiocarbon dating,
TL dating, K-AR dating,
Paleomagnetic dating)
Unit- 2: Prehistoric India- Hunter- Marks Distribution: 20
gatherers to Food producers

2.1 Paleolithic cultures-distribution 3 1

of sites- tools, techniques and
subsistence pattern
 2.2 Mesolithic cultures-distribution 3
of sites-tools, technique and
subsistence pattern
3 1
2.3 Neolithic cultures in India-
distribution of sites-tools,
techniques and subsistence
pattern
3 1
2.4 Chalcolithic cultures in India
(Non-Harappan)- Megalithic
cultures- distribution of sites

Unit- 3: TheHarappan civilization Marks Distribution: 20

3.1 Phases of Harappan 3 1

Civilization-Geography and
Chronology
3 1
3.2 Urban features of Harappan
civilization
3 1
3.3 Harappan art and architecture

3.4 Urban decline and the late/post- 3

Harappan traditions.

Unit-4: Cultures in transition Marks Distribution: 20

4.1 Northern India (c.1500-600 3 1

BCE)- Vedic and post-Vedic
period- society, religion,
polity and economy

4.2 Early Territorial states (c. 600- 3

300 BCE)-Trade and Urban
centers

4.3 Philosophical traditions- 3 1

Buddhism and Jainism,
Ajivika, Carvakas

4.4 South India (c. 300 BCE -CE 3 1

300)
Learning outcome:

 To have an understanding on prehistory and sources of Indian prehistory.

 To acquaint with the prehistoric period and prehistoric cultures, distribution of sites,
tools and technologies, economic, and socio-cultural developments of the period
concerned.
 To acquaint the students with The Indus valley civilization
 To acquaint the students with the Vedic period and the state formation in Early India
Suggested Reading List:

 V.K. Jain, Prehistory and Protohistory of India-An Appraisal, DK Printwood, 2006

 R.S. Sharma, India’s Ancient Past, NewDelhi, OUP,2007
 R.S. Sharma, Material Culture and Social FormationsinAncientIndia,1983
 R.S. Sharma, Looking for the Aryans, Delhi,Orient Longman Publishers,1995
 Bridget &F. Raymond Allchin,The Rise of Civilization in India and Pakistan,1983.
 A.L. Basham,The Wonder that Was India,1971.
 D.K. Chakrabarti, The Archaeology of Ancient Indian Cities, 1997, Paperback.
 D.K. Chakrabarti, The Oxford Companion to Indian Archaeology, New Delhi,2006.
 H.C. Raychaudhuri, ed. Political History of Ancient India, Rev.
 K.A. N. Sastri, ed. History of South India, OUP, 1966.
 Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, 2008.Romila Thapar,
Early India from the Beginnings to 1300, Penguin, 2002
 Irfan Habib, A People’s History of India -Vol. -1, Prehistory
 R. Chakrabarti, Exploring Early India, Macmillan,2013
 Uma Chakravarti, The Social Dimensions of Early Buddhism. 1997.RajanGurukkal,
Social Formations of Early South India, 2010.
 R. Champakalakshmi, Trade, Ideology and urbanization: South India300 BC-AD
1300,1996
 Semester: I

Course Code: MINHIS1

Course Title: History of Ancient India
Nature of Course: Minor
Credit: 4
Objectives: The objective to the paper is to have a thorough understanding of the Ancient
Indian History. The paper deals with the various sources that helps to reconstruct the Ancient
Indian History, along with the histories starting from the Harappan Civilization to the Turkish
and the Arab invasion of India.
Course contents:

Topic Credit

Unit-1: Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Sources –Literary, 3 1
archaeological and numismatics
1.2 Harappan Civilization –Origin 3
and Extent, Major sites, Salient
features, decline and
transformation

1.3 Vedic Civilization- Society, 3 1

Economy and Polity
3 1
1.4 Rise of the Territorial States –
Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

Unit:2 Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Ascendancy of Magadha- 3 1
Haryanka and Nandas

2.2 Alexander’s Invasion of India.

2.3 Rise of the Mauryan Empire 3 1
under Asoka, Asoka’s Dhamma
3 1

2.4 Mauryan System of 3

Administration and decline
 Unit- 3: Marks Distribution: 20

3.1 Political and economic 3 1

Developments in the Post-
Mauryan period - the Sungas,
Kanvas, Kushanas and
Satavahanas
3 1
3.2 The Tamils and Sangam Age.

3.3 The Sakas, Parthians and the 3 1

Indo-Greeks in India

3.4 The Guptas and the Vakatakas 3

Unit-4: Marks Distribution: 20

4.1 Developments in the post-Gupta 3 1

period- Vardhanas, Palas and
Pratiharas
4.2 The Pallavas, the Rashtrakutas 3
and the Chalukyas

4.3 The Imperial Cholas 3 1

4.4 The Arabs and the Turks in 3 1
Indian politics –Ghaznivids
and the Ghorid Invasions

Learning outcome:

 To understand the history of ancient and early medieval India.

 The students will have knowledge on the sources of ancient India as well as the
political history and dynastic chronology of the sub-continent up to 1200 C.E.

Suggested Readings Lists:

 Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, Pearson

 RanabirChakravarti, Exploring Early India, Macmillan
 R.S.Sharma, India’s Ancient India, Oxford
 Semester: I

Course Code: GECHIS1

Course Title: Introduction to Culture and Heritage of Ancient India
Nature of Course: GEC
Credit: 4
Objectives: The objective of the paper is to have a thorough as well as a comprehensive
understanding of the cultural heritage of Ancient India. The paper will deal with an
introduction to Ancient Indian Literature, Ancient Indian Religion and Philosophy, and
Ancient Indian Art and Literature.
Course Contents:

Topic Credit

Unit-1: Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20

1.1 Sanskrit literature (Vedic, Epic, 3 1

Puranas, Smritis)

1.2 Sanskrit literature (drama, prose, 3 1

didactic, biographical)

1.3 Pali and Prakrit literature 3 1

(Jatakas, Nikayas, Pitakas)

Unit- 2: Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Vedic religion and philosophy, 3 1

Six schools of philosophy
(Astikadarshanas)

2.2 Origin of Buddhism and 3 1

Jainism; Buddhist and Jain
philosophy

2.3 Materialistic philosophy 3 1

 Unit- 3: Marks Distribution: 20

3.1 Schools of Sculptural art- 3 1

Gandhara, Mathura, Sarnath and
Amaravati
3.2 Rock cut architecture- Pillars, 3 1
Stupa, Chaitya, Vihara
3.3 Styles of Temple architecture- 3 1
Nagara, Dravida and Vesara

Unit-4: Marks Distribution: 20

4.1 Tamil literature (Tolkappiyam, 3 1
Manimekhalai, Silapadikaram)
4.2 Later developments of 3 1
Upanishadic philosophy-
Shankara, Madhava and
Ramanuja
4.3 Paintings –prehistoric rock art, 3 1
mural paintings of Ajanta and
Ellora

Learning Outcome:

 To have an understanding on culture and heritage of ancient India.

 The students will be acquainted with the literature, philosophy, art, architecture and
sculptural developments in India during the period concerned.
Suggested Reading List:

 V.K.Jain, Prehistory and Protohistory of India-An Appraisal, DK Printwood, 2006

 R.S.Sharma,India’sAncientPast, NewDelhi, OUP,2007
 Upinder Singh, The History of the Ancient and Early Medieval India, Pearson, 2008
 ParthaMitter, Indian Art, OUP, 2001
 Semester: I

Course Title: Understanding India

Nature of Course: VAC
Credit: 2
Assessment: 40+10=50
Objectives: The objective of the paper is to have a thorough as well as a comprehensive
understanding about India, its cultural development through art and architecture, religions
and philosophies of ancient India. The paper also deals with various constituent assembly
debates along with the formation of the Indian Constitution.
Course Contents:

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 15

1.1 Ancient Indian literature- 4 1

Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil

1.2 Scientific literature and 4 1

development of science in
Ancient India

1.3 Religions and philosophies of 4 1

ancient India-Vedic, Buddhism,
Jainism

1.4 Education and educational 4 1

Institutions in Ancient India

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 15

 2.1 Art and architecture of ancient 4 1
India

2.2 Art and architecture of Medieval 4 1

India
2.3 Medieval Bhakti Movement and 4 1
The Sufi Tradition

Unit- 3: Marks Distribution: 10

3.1 Constituent Assembly Debates 3 2

and the Making of the Indian
Constitution

3.2 Basic features of Indian

8 2
constitution: Basic Structure
Doctrine, Fundamental rights,
Directive principles, Federal
Structure, Independence of
Judiciary and the Parliamentary
system

Learning Outcome:

 To have an understanding on history and culture of ancient India.

 The students will be acquainted with the literature, philosophy, art and architectural
developments in India during the period concerned.
 The students will also get to know about their constitutional rights and duties.
Suggested Reading List:

 A.L. Basham,The Wonder that Was India, Picador India,1971

 R.S.Sharma,India’sAncientPast, NewDelhi, OUP, 2007
 Upinder Singh, The History of the Ancient and Early Medieval India, Pearson, 2008
 Satish Chandra, History of Medieval India, Arihant Publication, 2020
 Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India, Lexis Nexis, 2018
 Semester: II

Name of the Course: Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of Ancient and Medieval
World
Code: HISC2
Nature of the Course: Major Core
Credit: 4
Objective: To understand the historical development of human civilization around the world.
This course will make student understand various socio-cultural and economic developments
of early human societies. The students will also learn about the challenges and crisis faced by
these early civilizations and their responses to these crises.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Origin and growth Human 6 1
culture and Civilization-
Prehistoric culture:
Characteristic features of
Palaeolithic, Mesolithic,
Neolithic

1.2 Bronze and Iron age: Iron 6 1

Debate, Characteristic features,
important sites

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Mesopotamian Civilization: upto 4 1
Akkadian: Temple economy,
Law Codes.

2.2 Egyptian Civilization: Political

Developments, Art & 4 1
Architecture, Religion.

2.3 Chinese Civilization: Polity,

Society, Science &
Technological Developments
4 1

Unit- 3 Marks Distribution: 20

 3.1 Greek Civilization: Athenian 4 1
Democracy, Society and Culture.
Slavery

3.2 Roman Civilization: 4 1

Establishment of Republic,
Society and Cultures, trade and
urbanization

3.3 Europe in medieval age: 4 1

feudalism, Expansion of
Christianity.

Unit-4 Marks Distribution: 20

4.1 The Aztec and the Maya- The 4 1
Origin, Society, Religion,
Economy and Decline
4.2 The Incas: Origin, Polity, 4 1
Religion, Society and Economy,
Art and Architecture, Decline.
4 1
4.3 Central Islamic civilization
(Arab and Persia): Rise of Islam,
Ummah, Caliphate, Crusades

Learning Outcome:

 Learners will be acquainting with the historical developments of various civilizations

of ancient and medieval world.
 They will have a comprehensive view about various political, economic and cultural
developments of different human societies.
 The students will also learn the changes and crisis faced by early and medieval
societies.

Suggested Reading List:

 Burns and Ralph, World Civilizations

 Gordon Childe, What Happened in History
 UNESCO series, History of Mankind
 Amar Farooqui, Early Social Formations
 Rakesh Kumar, Ancient and Medieval World: From Evolution of Humans to the
Crisis of Feudalism
 Perry Anderson, Passages from Antiquity to Feudalism
 Charles Phillips, et al, Aztec and Maya: The Complete Illustrated History.
 Semester: II

Name of the Course: History of Medieval India

Code: MINHIS2
Nature of the Course: Minor
Credit: 4
Objective: To have a comprehensive knowledge about the polity-society- economy of India
in medieval period. The course will help the students to understand the chronological history
of India from the Turkish invasion to the advent of the British rule. This paper will also see the
developments in the major religious trends of the time and also give an idea of the art-
architecture and culture of medieval India.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Indian polity during11th and 12th 3 1
century: Background
1.2 Advent the Arabs and the Turks 3
in Indian politics– Ghaznivids
and the Ghorid Invasions
1.3 Establishment of The Delhi 3 1
Sultanate-
(a) The Slave dynasty
(b) The Khalijis
AlauddinKhaliji’s
Administration
(c) The Tughlaqs –Experiments
of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.

1.4 Disintegration of the Delhi 3 1

Sultanate and Rise of Provincial
Kingdoms: Vijayanagar and
Bahmani kingdom

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Establishment of Mughal rule: 4 1
(a) India on the eve of Babur’s
invasion and establishment of the
Mughal rule under Babur;
Military technology and warfare
(use of firearms)
(b) Humayun’s struggle for
empire
(c) Sher Shah, his administrative 4 1
and revenue reforms
2.2 Consolidation of Mughal rule
under Akbar:
(a) Campaigns and conquests:
Mughal- Rajput diplomacy,
annexations in North-West
frontier, Conquest of Bengal,
sulh-i-kul; Din-iIlahi 4 1

2.3 Evolution of administrative

institutions and apparatus: zabt,
mansab, jagir, madad-i-maash
grants, Zamindars and peasants
(Khudkasht and pahikasht)
Unit- 3 Marks Distribution: 20
3.1 Mughal empire under Jahangir 3 1
and Shahjahan: Important
campaigns and conquests,
peasant rebellions, wars of
succession
3 1
3.2 Mughal empire during the reign
of Aurangzeb: Military and
Religious policies. 3 1
3.3 Decline and disintegration of the
Mughal Empire: Various issues 3
3.4 Emergence of the regional
powers: Marathas, Nawabs of
Bengal
Unit-4 Marks Distribution: 20
4.1 Bhakti Movement: Saguna and 3 1
Nirguna Trends (Tulsi, Kabir,
Meerabai); Growth and
Development of Vernacular
literature
 4.2 Sufism in India: Basic 3
characteristics and important
Silsilahs (Chistis and
Suhrawardis)
3 1
4.3 Guru Nanak and emergence of
the Sikhs 3 1
4.4 Developments in art and
architecture: Important features
of Indo-Islamic style,
characteristics of miniature
paintings

Learning Outcome:

 The student will have an understanding of the history of medieval India.

 The students will have knowledge on the sources of medieval India as well as the
political history and dynastic chronology of the sub-continent from 1200 C.E.
 This paper will also give an understanding of socio-religious developments of
medieval period.

Suggested Reading List:

 Satish Chandra: Medieval India.

 Salma Ahmed Farooqui: A Comprehensive History of Medieval India
 Vipul Singh, Interpreting Medieval India: Early Medieval, Delhi Sultanate and
regions
 Meena Bhargava: Understanding Mughal India: 16th to 18th centuries
 Semester: II

Name of the Course: Introduction to Cultural Heritage of Assam

Course Code: GECHIS2
Nature of the Course: OPEN ELECTIVE COURSE (OEC)
Credit: 4
Objective: To make the students aware of the rich cultural heritage of ancient and Medieval
Assam. The students will make acquainted with the art and architecture of the period under
study with a focus on major archaeological sites and architectural remains. The students will
also study the neo-Vaishnavite traditions of Assam and its socio-religious context.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Archaeological remains: 4 1
Deopahar, Malini than, Madan
Kamdev, Daparbotiya, ,Doyang-
Dhansiri
4 1
1.2 Sculptures of Assam: Deopani
school, East India school of
Medieval Art
4 1
1.3 Stupas and rock cut caves: Surya
pahar, Jogighopa, Pancharatna

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Historical monuments of Ahom 4 1
period: monuments at Sivasagar,
and Dergaon, Maidams of
Charaideu

2.2 Monuments of Koch period: 4 1

Kamakhya and Hajo.

2.3 Literary traditions of Medieval

Assam: Buranjis, Vamsavalis
4 1
Unit- 3 Marks Distribution: 20
 3.1 Neo- Vaishnavism in Medieval 4 1
Assam: Socio-religious
background, Basic tenets
4 1
3.2 Satra institutions of Barpeta and
Majuli
4 1
3.3 Development of Vernacular
literature: Bhakti literature,
Caritputhis
Unit:4 Marks distribution: 20
4.1 Monuments Kachari period: 4 1
Kasomari and Dimapur
4.2 Art and Architecture of the 4 1
Ahoms
4.3 Manuscript tradition of medieval 4 1
Assam

Learning Outcome:

 This paper will acquaint the students about the rich cultural heritage of Ancient and
Medieval Assam.
 The students will understand the context and various stylistic traditions of
archaeological and architectural remains.
 The students will also have an understanding of neo-Vaishnavite traditions of Assam.

Suggested Reading List:

 MaheswarNeog, Cultural Heritage of Assam

---------------------Sankardeva and His Times
 H.K. Barpujari, The Comprehensive History of Assam Vol.I and III
 S. N. Sarma, A Socio-Economic and Cultural History of Medieval Assam
--------------, Neo- Vaishnavite Movement and Satra Institutions of Assam
 B.K.Baruah, A Cultural History of Assam
 S.L. Baruah, A Comprehensive History of Assam
 Semester: III

Name of the Course: History of India II (c.300 BCE-500 CE)

Code: HISC3
Nature of the Course: Major Core
Credit: 4
Objective: The goal of the paper is to comprehend the political development of India from the
Mauryan to the Gupta dynasties, the two most important dynasties in the early history of the
Indian subcontinent. It will cover the period from 300 BCE to 500 CE, during which various
native and foreign dynasties ruled the nation along with their socio-economic development.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Changing political formations-I: Marks Distribution: 20

1.1 The Mauryan Empire-Extent and 3 1

sources, Inscriptions
1.2 Asoka and His Dhamma, 3
Administration, Decline 3 1
1.3 Post-Mauryan politics- Sunga,
Kanva 3 1
1.4 Satavahanas

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 20

Changing political formations -II:
2.1 Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Pahlavas 3 1
2.2 Kushanas 3 1
2.3 Gupta Empire: Extent, sources, 3
administration, decline
2.4 Contemporaries of the Guptas 3

Unit- 3 Marks Distribution: 20

Economy and Society
3.1 Expansion of agrarian economy 3 1

3.2 Urban centres and C r a f t 3 1

p ro d u c t i o n ,
 3 1
3.3 Trade-internal and external,
metallic coinage.
3
3.4 Social Stratification: Varna, Jati,
Untouchability
Unit-4 Marks Distribution: 20
Cultural developments (circa300BCE-
CE750
4.1 Transformations in Buddhism 3 1
and Jainism, Puranic tradition
4.2 A brief survey of 3
Sanskrit,Pali,PrakritandTamil
literature,
Scientific and technical treatises
3 1
4.3 Art and architecture-Mauryan
and post-Mauryan (pillars,
sculptures, stupa, chaitya)
3 1
4.4 Art and architecture-Gupta and
Vakataka (temple, cave,
sculptures), Ajanta paintings

Learning Outcome:

 After the completion of the course, the students will have a very good
understanding about the rich part of Indian history specifically from the
Mauryan to the Gupta period.
 The students will be acquainted with the changing political formations, trade,
urbanism, coinage, religious and socio-cultural developments of the period
concerned.

Suggested Reading List

 Upinder Singh, The History of the Ancient and Early Medieval India, Pearson, 2008
 R.S. Sharma, India’s Ancient Past, OUP, 2007
 D.P.Chattopadhyaya, History of Science and Technology in Ancient India
 D.D. Kosambi, An Introduction to the Study of Indian History,
 S.K.Maity, Economic Life in Northern India in the Gupta Period,
 B.P. Sahu(ed), Land System and Rural Society in Early India,
 K.A. N. Sastri, A History of South India.
 Romila Thapar, Asoka and the Decline of the Maurya’s, 1997.
 Susan Huntington, The Art of Ancient India: Buddhist , Hindu ,and Jain
 R. Chakrabarti, Exploring Early India, Macmillan, 2013
 N.N.Bhattacharya, Ancient Indian Rituals and Their Social Contents
 J.C. Harle, The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent
 P. L.Gupta, Coins.
 KesavanVeluthat, The Early Medieval in South India
 Semester: III

Course Code: HISC4

Course Title: History of India –III (post-Gupta to 1206 CE)
Nature of Course: Major Core
Credit: 4
Objectives: To have a comprehensive and a thorough understanding of the History of India
right from the Post Gupta period to the year 1206. The students will get an understanding of
the society, polity and economy in the ancient and in the early medieval period. The paper deals
with mainly the Political Structures, Agrarian Structure, Trade, Social Change as well as
religious and cultural developments in the period of study.

Course Contents:

Topic Credit

Unit-1: Political Structures Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Sources: literary texts and others 3 1

1.2 Post-Gupta Polities: Vardhanas, 3

Palas,

1.3 Pratiharas 3 1

1.4 Rastrakuta 3 1

Unit- 2: Political Structures Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Chalukya, Pallava 3 1

2.2 Cholas 3 1

2.3 Arab conquest of Sindh 3 1

2.4 Early Turkish invasions

Unit- 3: Agrarian Structure, Trade and Marks Distribution: 20

Social Change:
 3.1 Land grant and Agricultural 3 1
Expansion
3.2 Feudal economy and polity in 3 1
early medieval India, Feudal
debate
3 1
3.3 Internal and External Trade,
Urban centers
3
3.4 Coinage and money economy,
Merchant guilds of South India

Unit-4: Religious and Cultural Marks Distribution: 20

Developments:

4.1 Growth of Bhakti philosophy- 3 1

Alvars and Nayanars
(d) Art and Architecture:
Nagara, Dravida and Vesara

4.2 Islamic intellectual traditions: 3

Al-Biruni;Al-Hujwiri
3 1
4.3 A survey of Literature (royal
biographies- charitas, technical
treatises, historical texts-
Rajatarangini) 3 1
4.4 Art and Architecture: Nagara,
Dravida and Vesara

Learning Outcome:
• This gives an idea about the political as well as religious structure of the post-Gupta period
of Indian history.
• The students will be acquainted with the changing political structures, agrarian structures,
social change, trade, urbanism, religious and cultural developments during the period
concerned.
Suggested Reading List:

 Upinder Singh, The History of the Ancient and Early Medieval India, Pearson, 2008
 R.S. Sharma, India’s Ancient Past, OUP, 2007
 Romila Thapar, Early India from origins upto 1300 AD, Penguin, 2002
 R. Chakrabarti,Exploring EarlyIndia,Macmillan,2013
 R.S. Sharma, Indian Feudalism(circa300-1200).
 B.D. Chattopadhyaya,TheMakingofEarlyMedievalIndia.
 R.S.Sharma and K.M. Shrimali,eds, Comprehensive History of India, Vol. IV(A&B).
 Mohammad Habib and K.A. Nizami, eds, Comprehensive History of India, Vol.V,
The Delhi Sultanate
 Hermann Kulke, ed.,The State in India(AD1000-AD1700).
 N. Karashima, South Indian History and Society (Studies from Inscriptions, AD 850-
1800 Derry lN. Maclean, Religion and Society in Arab Sindh
 Richard Davis Lives of Indian Images.
 Romila Thapar, Somanatha: The Many Voices of History.
 John S. Deyell, Living Without Silver: The Monetary History of Early Medieval
North India.Vijaya Ramaswamy, Walking Naked: Women, Society, and Spirituality
in South India.
 Burton Stein, Peasant State and Society in Medieval South India.
 R. Champakalakshmi, Trade, Ideology and Urbanization: SouthIndia, 300 BCto1300
AD. A l. Beruni’s India, NBT edition.
 Ali Hujwiri, Kashful Mahjoob, tr. R. Nicholson.
 SC Mishra, Rise of Muslim Communities in Gujarat.
 Semester: III

Name of the Course: History of Modern India (From 1757- 1947 A.D.)

Course Code: MINHIS3

Nature of the Course: Minor
Credit: 4
Objective: Understanding what transpired after the Mughal Empire's ages of decline led to the
development of local dynasties and the establishment of British rule in India is the paper's main
goal. Additionally, it will incorporate various expansionist measures taken by the British
government and the East India Company to maintain their superiority over the Indian states.
The revolts of various communities against British policies will also be made known to the
students.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1 Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 Decline and the Disintegration 3
of the Mughal Empire and the
Growth of Regional powers

1.2 The establishment of the British

3 2
Rule in India: The Battle of
Plassey and the battle of Buxar

1.3 Robert Clive and his Dual 3 1

administration in Bengal, Anglo-
French Rivalry 3
1.4 Expansion and Consolidation of
the British Rule under Warren
Hastings and Lord Cornwallis

Unit- 2 Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 British Relations with the 3 1
Marathas and Mysore, Lard
Wellesley and the Policy of
Subsidiary Alliance, Lord
Hastings and the Relations with
the Indian States.
2.2 Lord Bentinck and his Reforms; 3 1
Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the
Growth of Western Education in
India
3
2.3 The Growth and Expansion of
Sikh Power under Ranjit Singh;
Lord Dalhousie and his Policy of
3 1
Expansion- The Doctrine of
Lapse

2.4 The Revolt of 1857- Causes and

Consequences, The government
of India Act of 1858

Unit- 3 Marks Distribution: 20

3.1 The British Economic Policies in 3 1
India- Land Revenue, Trade,
Commercialization of
Agriculture, The Drain Theory
3
3.2 Socio-Religious Reform
Movements in the 19th century
2 1
3.3 Tribal Movements, Growth of
Nationalism and the
Establishment of the Indian
National Congress, Moderates
and Extremist Phase 2
3.4 Lord Curzon and the Partition of
Bengal- The Swadeshi
Movement in India, Home Rule
Movement- Growth of 2 1
Revolutionary Movement
3.5 Constitutional Reforms Acts of
1861, Act of 1891, Act of 1909
and Act of 1919

Unit 4 Marks Distribution: 20

4.1 Gandhi in Indian Politics- Kheda 3 1
and Champaran, The Khilafat
and the Non-Cooperation
Movement, the Civil
Disobedience Movement
 4.2 Peasants Movements, Labour 3
Movements and Depressed Class
Movements
4.3 The Growth of the Left, Muslim 3 1
League and Communal Politics
in India government of India Act
1935, Provincial Election in
1937 and the Congress Politics 3 1
4.4 The Quit India Movement, INA,
RIN Movement, Cabinet
Mission Plan and Partition of
India

Learning Outcome:

 The students will understand the major factors that led to the establishment and
consolidation of the British rule in India. The student will also acquaint with the socio-
economic impact of the policies introduced by the British.

 The students will understand the process of the growth of nationalist movement, its
different phases leading to Independence and partition.

Suggested Reading List:

 Bandyopadhya, Sekhar, From Plassey to Partition A History of Modern India, Orient

Longman Ltd. Hyderabad, 2004.
 Chandra, B, Mukherjee, M and et, al, India’s Struggle for Independence, Penguin
Books, New Delhi, 2003.
 Chandra, B, The Rise and Growth of Economic Nationalism in India, Peoples
Publication House, New Delhi, 1990.
 Dodewell, W (ed) The Cambridge History of India, Vol.V. S. Chand & Company, New
Delhi, 1990.
 Desai, A. R: Social Background of Indian Nationalism, Popular Publication, New
Delhi, 1990.
 Fisher, Micheal: The Politics of the British Annexation of India, 1757 – 1857, Oxford
University Press, New Delhi, 1999.

 Gopal, S: The British Policy in India, 1858-1905, Mc. Millan, New Delhi, 1992.
 Grewal, J. S: The Sikhs of the Punjab, Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 1999.
 Semester: III

Name of the Course: Introduction to Indian Freedom Struggle (1857-1947)

Course Code: GECHIS3
Nature of the Course: OPEN ELECTIVE COURSE (OEC)
Credit: 4
Objective: Understanding India's freedom struggle and its various phases of development
starting in 1857 is the paper's main goal. The student will also learn about the various Gandhian
policies that enabled this social movement to reach its pinnacle and return political power to
nationalists.
Course Contents

Topic Credit

Unit-1: Lecture Tutorial

Marks Distribution: 20
1.1 The Revolt of 1857, Tribal and 4 1
Peasant movements

1.2 Growth of Nationalism and 4 1

Political Associations before
1885, Foundation of Indian
National Congress: Ideology,
Moderates and Extremist

1.3 Economic Nationalism, Drain of 4 1

Wealth theory, Partition of
Bengal, Swadeshi Movement,
Revolutionary movements

Unit- 2: Marks Distribution: 20

2.1 Gandhi entry into Indian 4 1
Politics:Method and Struggle
:Champaram, Kheda, Rowlatt
Satyagraha
2.2 The Khilafat and Non-Co-
4 1
operation Movement, Civil
Disobedience Movement
2.3 The Rise of Socialist, Depressed
class Movements and Ambedkar,
Peasant and Workers struggle. 4 1
Unit- 3: Marks Distribution: 20
 3.1 The Rise of Muslim Leagues and 4 1
Politics of Jinnah.
3.2 Government of India Act 1935 4 1
and the Provincial Autonomy
3.3 The World War II and Quit India 4 1
Movement
Unit-4: Marks distribution: 20
4.1 The Indian National Army 4 1
4.2 Post-War Nationalist Upsurge- 4 1
Cabinet Mission and Grouping
controversy.
4.3 The Indian Independent Act, 4 1
Transfer of Power, and Partition.

Learning Outcome:

 The syllabus will help to understand the growth and development of Indian national
movement and the role of Gandhi and his impact on the Indian national movement
 It will also enumerate the students’ knowledge to understand the different phases
and ideologies of the Indian freedom movement and to understand the causes and
consequences of partition of India.

Suggested Reading List:

 R Desai: Social Background of Indian Nationalism, Sage Publication India,

Reprinted 2016.
 Biswamoy Pati, The 1857 Rebellion, New Delhi Oxford University, 2007
 Sumit Sarkar, The swadeshi Movement in India, New Delhi Permanent Black,1973.
-------------,Modern India,1887-1947, Macmillan India,1983.

 Bipan Chandra, India’s Struggle for Independence, Penguin India,

 Shekhar Bandyopadhyay, From Plassey to Partition, Orient Black-swan Pvt.
2009.
 Judith Brown, Gandhi Rise to Power, Cambridge University Press,1971.

 Irfan Habib, Indian Nationalism, the Essential Reading, Aleph Book

Company,2017
 David Hardiman, The non-Violent Struggle for Indian Freedom 1905-1919,
Penguine Vikings 2018.
 MK Gandhi, The Hind Swaraj Various Edition:Pare led.. and T.Surhud, S
Sharma ed. Etc
 Peter Hardy, The Muslim of British India, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge University Press, 1972.
 Ramchandra Guha Gandhi and the years that Change the World 1914-1948,
Penguin Indian 2018.