An overview of key courses in History (EHI), covering the vast expanse of Indian, East Asian, and European history.
EHI-01: Modern India (1857-1964)
This course offers a comprehensive study of a pivotal period in Indian history, beginning with the Great Revolt of 1857 and culminating in the consolidation of the Indian nation-state in the post-independence era under Jawaharlal Nehru. Key themes include:
The Revolt of 1857: A detailed analysis of the causes, nature, course, and consequences of the uprising, which marked a major turning point in the history of British rule in India.
Colonial State and its Impact: Examination of the administrative, economic, and social policies of the British Raj after 1858, including the restructuring of the government, economic exploitation, and the impact on Indian society.
The Rise of Nationalism: Tracing the emergence and growth of the Indian nationalist movement, from the early associations and the formation of the Indian National Congress to the development of different political ideologies.
The Gandhian Era and Freedom Struggle: A focus on the mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, including the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements, as well as the role of other revolutionary and political groups.
Partition and Independence: An exploration of the political developments leading to the partition of India and the dawn of independence.
Consolidation of the Nation (1947-1964): Analysis of the challenges faced by the newly independent nation, including the integration of princely states, the framing of the Constitution, and the path of planned development under Nehru.
EHI-02: India: Earliest Times to the 8th Century A.D.
This course provides a foundational understanding of ancient Indian history, covering the period from the prehistoric era to the end of the early historical period. It delves into the origins of Indian civilization and the formation of its classical cultures. Core topics include:
Prehistoric and Proto-historic Cultures: A study of the Stone Age cultures and the rise and fall of the Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization).
The Vedic Period: An analysis of the society, economy, polity, and religion as reflected in the Vedic texts, including the transition from the Rigvedic to the Later Vedic period.
The Age of Mahajanapadas: The emergence of early states and urbanization in the 6th century B.C., with a focus on the rise of Magadha.
Jainism and Buddhism: An examination of the origins, doctrines, and social impact of these new religious movements.
The Mauryan Empire: A detailed study of the first great Indian empire, its administration under Chandragupta and Ashoka, and the significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma.
Post-Mauryan Period: The era of invasions and the rule of various dynasties such as the Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, Kushanas, and Sakas, highlighting the cultural and economic exchanges of the period.
The Gupta and Post-Gupta Period: Analysis of the Gupta Empire, often considered the “Golden Age,” and the subsequent political landscape under rulers like Harshavardhana, followed by the rise of regional kingdoms in the Deccan and South India (Chalukyas, Pallavas, Pandyas).
EHI-03: India from 8th to 15th Century
This course focuses on the early medieval period of Indian history, a time of significant political, social, and cultural transformations. It bridges the gap between ancient and medieval India. Key areas of study include:
Major Political Formations in North India: The era of the “tripartite struggle” for control over Kannauj among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas.
The Cholas: A detailed examination of the Chola empire in the South, its powerful navy, extensive trade networks, and unique system of local self-government.
The Rise of the Turks and the Delhi Sultanate: The invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad of Ghori, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. The course covers the five dynasties of the Sultanate: the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
Sultanate Polity and Economy: An analysis of the administrative and military structures, agrarian systems (iqta system), and economic policies of the Delhi Sultanate.
Bhakti and Sufi Movements: A study of the socio-religious reform movements that emerged during this period, emphasizing love, devotion, and social equality.
The Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms: The rise and consolidation of two major kingdoms in the Deccan, their political rivalry, and their rich cultural contributions.
EHI-04: India from 16th to Mid-18th Century
This course covers the period of the mighty Mughal Empire, its consolidation, zenith, and subsequent decline, alongside the emergence of powerful regional states. The curriculum includes:
Establishment of the Mughal Empire: The invasions of Babur and the subsequent consolidation of the empire under Humayun and Akbar.
The Age of Akbar: A detailed study of Akbar’s administrative policies (mansabdari and jagirdari systems), religious policies (Din-i-Ilahi and Sulh-i-Kul), and territorial expansion.
Mughal Empire at its Zenith: The reigns of Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, focusing on political developments, architectural achievements (like the Taj Mahal), and the empire’s territorial peak.
Mughal Society, Economy, and Culture: An analysis of the social structure, agrarian economy, trade and commerce, and the development of art, architecture, and literature under the Mughals.
Decline of the Mughal Empire: Examination of the various factors contributing to the disintegration of the empire after Aurangzeb.
Rise of Regional Powers: The emergence of successor states like Awadh, Bengal, and Hyderabad, and the rise of new powers such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats.
EHI-05: India from Mid-18th to Mid-19th Century
This course focuses on the critical century of transition in Indian history, marked by the decline of Mughal authority and the aggressive expansion and consolidation of British power under the East India Company.
The Disintegration of the Mughal Empire: A deeper look into the internal weaknesses and external challenges that led to the collapse of central authority.
The Rise of the British East India Company: Tracing the transformation of the Company from a trading entity to a territorial power through key battles like Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764).
British Expansion and Consolidation: An analysis of the various policies used to expand British control, including subsidiary alliances, the Doctrine of Lapse, and direct warfare (Anglo-Maratha and Anglo-Sikh Wars).
Colonial Economy: A study of the British economic policies, such as the new land revenue settlements (Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari), the de-industrialization of India, and the commercialization of agriculture.
Social and Cultural Impact: Examination of the introduction of Western education, the activities of Christian missionaries, and the socio-religious reform movements within Indian society.
Popular Resistance: A look at the various peasant and tribal uprisings that occurred in response to British policies, culminating in the run-up to the 1857 Revolt.
EHI-06: History of China and Japan (1840-1949)
This course shifts the focus to East Asia, providing a comparative history of China and Japan during a period of immense internal turmoil and external pressure from Western imperialist powers.
China in the 19th Century: The impact of the Opium Wars, the unequal treaties, the Taiping Rebellion, and the attempts at self-strengthening and reform.
Japan’s Transformation: The decline of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the arrival of Commodore Perry, the Meiji Restoration of 1868, and Japan’s subsequent rapid industrialization and modernization.
Imperialism and Nationalism: The Sino-Japanese War (1894-95), the Boxer Rebellion in China, the rise of nationalism under Sun Yat-sen, and the emergence of Japan as an imperial power.
China in the Republican Era: The 1911 Revolution, the Warlord Era, the rise of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the Japanese invasion, and the long civil war.
Japan from Taisho to Showa: Japan’s political developments in the 1920s, the rise of militarism in the 1930s, its role in World War II, and the American occupation after 1945. The course concludes with the victory of the communists and the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
EHI-07: Modern Europe (Mid-18th to Mid-20th Centuries)
This course surveys the major political, economic, and intellectual transformations that shaped modern Europe and had a profound impact on the rest of the world.
The Enlightenment and Political Revolutions: The intellectual currents of the Enlightenment and their influence on the American and, most significantly, the French Revolution of 1789. The course also covers the Napoleonic Era and its consequences.
The Industrial Revolution: The origins of industrialization in Britain and its spread across Europe, leading to profound social and economic changes, including the rise of new classes and urbanization.
The Age of Nationalism and Unification: The emergence of nationalism as a powerful political force, leading to the unification of Italy and Germany in the 19th century.
Imperialism and the ‘Scramble for Africa’: An analysis of the motives and methods of European colonialism in the late 19th century.
The World Wars: A study of the causes, course, and consequences of World War I and World War II, which devastated Europe and led to a new global order.
The Russian Revolution: The causes and impact of the 1t Revolution, which led to the establishment of the first communist state.
Post-War Europe: The beginning of the Cold War, the division of Europe into two blocs, and the initial steps towards European integration.