B.A.

History Syllabus

BA History Syllabus and Subjects 2025

BA History syllabus 2025 encompasses a wide range of historical events, civilisations, and sociopolitical processes from ancient to present. Bachelor of Arts in
History (BA History) is a three-year undergraduate degree that explores historical events, civilisations, cultures, and societies from ancient to modern times. It
develops analytical, research, and critical thinking skills while deepening an understanding of historical processes and their impact on the present. Students must
have completed their Class 12 board examination from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate of 50% to be eligible for a Bachelor's degree in History.

BA History syllabus 2025 covers a broad range of historical events, civilizations, and socio-political developments from ancient to modern times. It includes core
subjects like Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, World History, and European History (1450-1945). Students explore topics like economic history,
political movements, and cultural transformations. Electives may include archaeology, gender history, military history, and environmental history. The course
emphasises research, critical analysis, and historical interpretation. By studying various historical sources, students develop a deep understanding of past
societies and their influence on contemporary issues, preparing them for careers in education, research, administration, and heritage management.

BA history syllabus has the following subjects in the first year including BAHS 1911: Concepts and Approaches BAHS 1912: An Introduction to Archaeology, and
Introduction to Tourism Studies. BAHS 1913, Introduction to Ancient Civilizations. BAHS 1914, First Year BAHS 1915: History of India to 650 CE. The second
year of the BA History subjects includes BAHS 1921: Indian Art and Architecture; India's Environmental History, and BAHS 1922: Introduction to Numismatics.
BAHS 1923 History of India, 650–1526 C.E. European History, 1453-1789 (BAHS 1925).

Bachelor of Arts in History Syllabus & Subjects 2025 Highlights

Here are the highlights of the BA History syllabus and subjects:

Particulars Details
Course Name BA History
Course Duration 3 years
Total Semesters 6
• Reconstructing Ancient Indian History
• Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World
• History of Early India (1500 BC. to 2nd Century AD.)
• English
• Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
• Introducing Prehistory and Proto-history
• Europe Transformed – from 1350 onwards to the 17th century
BA History Core Subjects
• History of India III (750 – 1206)
• History Of Southeast Asia – The 19th Century
• Rise of Modern West-II
• The Indus Valley Civilization
• Socio-cultural and political developments in 19th and 20th century Bengal
• Medieval Bengal from the 13th to the 18th Centuries: Politics, Economy,
Society and Culture
• History of the Marathas: (1630- 1707)
• Environmental Science
BA History Elective Subjects • MIL
• Foreign Language

BA History Year Wise Syllabus

The syllabus for the first year of BA History is outlined in the table below. It includes various core subjects that form the foundation of the curriculum.

BA History First Year Syllabus (Semester 1 & 2)

BA History Syllabus - Semester 1

The Idea of Bharat History of World Civilization
Delhi: Ancient or Environmental Issues in India English
BA History Syllabus - Semester 2
History of India: Earliest time to 550 CE History of Europe: 13th Century to 1789
Delhi: Medieval or Research Methodology in History Environmental Science

BA History Second Year Syllabus (Semester 3 & 4)

Candidates can check the second year BA History syllabus in the table provided below along with the some of the important BA History Second Year subjects.

BA History Syllabus - Semester 3

History of India: 550 CE- 1200 CE History of Europe: 1789-1919
History of India: 1200- 1707 Understanding Heritage or Archives and Museum
Delhi: Modern or Making Contemporary India -
BA History Syllabus - Semester 4
History of Modern World: 1919-1945 History of India: 1707- 1857
Indian National Movement 1857-1947 Art Appreciation: An introduction to Indian Art Or Understanding popular culture
Issues in Contemporary World -

BA History Third Year Syllabus (Semester 5 & 6)

The last two semesters of the BA History syllabus deal with some of the very important topics of the subject. Aspirants can check the third year BA History
Syllabus, which is provided below.

BA History Syllabus - Semester 5

History of Modern India: 1947-2000 Cultural Heritage of India
History of United States of America -I (C. 1776 -1945) or History of Africa (c. History of Southeast Asia-The 19TH Century or History of Modern East Asia-I
1500 - 1960s) or History of the USSR-I (c. 1917- 1964) (c.1840-1919)
BA History Syllabus - Semester 6
Asian Resurgence History of Communication
History of Southeast Asia-The 20TH Century or History of Modern East Asia-II (c.History of United States of America -II (C. 1776 - 1945) or History of the USSR-II
1868-1945) (c. 1917- 1964) or History of Latin America (c. 1500 - 1960s)

Note: The syllabus may differ from University to University.

Core Subjects in BA History

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History typically covers a wide range of subjects that explore historical events, civilizations, and cultural transformations across time.
While the core subjects may vary slightly depending on the university, the following are common core subjects in a BA History program:

1. Ancient History – Study of early civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, Greece, and Rome.
2. Medieval History – Covers the medieval period, including feudalism, the rise of Islam, European Renaissance, and Indian medieval empires (Delhi Sultanate,
Mughal Empire).
3. Modern History – Examines global transformations, industrial revolutions, colonialism, and world wars.
4. Indian History – A chronological study from ancient, medieval, to modern India, including British rule and the freedom struggle.
5. World History – Major events such as the French Revolution, American Revolution, World Wars, Cold War, and globalization.
6. Historiography – The study of historical methods, sources, and perspectives in writing history.
7. Economic and Social History – Focuses on economic structures, trade, agriculture, and social reforms across different periods.
8. Political History – Evolution of political systems, governance, and leadership in different countries.
9. Cultural and Religious History – Study of art, architecture, literature, and religious movements.
10. History of Science & Technology – The impact of scientific and technological advancements on civilizations.

BA History Subject-wise Topics Covered

The following table consists of the BA History syllabus and subjects that are taught during the duration of course. The table also indicates the particular topics that
are taught under the specific BA History course subjects.

BA History Subjects Topics Covered

· Religious Development

· Aspects of Society

· Age of the Guptas

· Mauryan and Post Mauryan Era

History of India (from Ancient up to 600 AD)
· Vedic Corpus and Transition to Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

· Harappan Civilization

· Pre – Historic Hunter-Gatherers

· Reconstructing Ancient Indian History

 · Institutional Structure (Varna System)

· Cave Architecture Polity

· Sanskrit Literature Temple

· Indian & Oceanic Trade

History of India (from 600 AD to 1500 AD) · Urban Centres

· Agricultural Expansion

· Ghaznavi & Ghori’s Invasion of India

· The Emergence of Major Political Centres – Peninsular India Arab, Bengal

and Kannauj
· Society, Religion and Culture in Mughal India

· The Mughal Empire

History of India (1500 AD to 1800 AD)
· Economy In Mughal India

· Crisis of the Mughal EmpireIdeology and State in Mughal India

· Partition of India

· Communal Politics

· Post War Upsurges

· Pre-War Political Developments

· New Trends in National Movements

· The Gandhian Era

History of India (1800 AD to Modern times) · Indian Nationalism

· Colonial Intervention and Growth of Modern Education

· Revolt of 1857

· Early Resistance to Colonial Rule

· Rural Economy & Society

· Socio-Religious Movements in India

· East India Company – Theory of Rent

· Political, Sociological and Cultural History of Rome

· Macedonia Expansion

· Political History of Greece

· Major Centres of Ancient Mediterranean World – Persia Egypt and

Mesopotamia
Ancient World History
· Polis in Ancient Greece

· Slave Society in Ancient Greece

· Nomadic groups in Ancient and Central Asia

· Bronze Age Civilization

· Paleolithic & Mesolithic Cultures

 · English Civil war of the 17th Century

· Europe Scientific Revolution

· Renaissance Humanism Economy of 17th Century

· Proto Industrialization Renaissance

· Economic Expansion of Europe in the 16th Century

Transformation of Europe · The economy in the 15th Century

· Development of the National Monarchy

· Fall of Constantinople

· Economic Crisis of the 14th Century

· Crisis of Feudalism

· Nature of Feudal Society

· Anglo – German Antagonism

· Age of Imperialism

· The Third Republic, German Reich and Paris Commune

· Rise of Working Class Movement and Socialist through Arts and Culture,
Religion and Science of 18th Century Europe

· Industrialization of Europe

· France Under the IInd Empire

European History
· Russian Modernization

· Unification of Italy and Germany

· The Emergence of Non-Nation States in Central Europe

· The Vienna Congress

· French Revolution of Napoleon Bonaparte

· Understanding the 18th Century Europe, Social Economic and Political

Background to French Revolution
· Truman Doctrine

· Cold War

· United Nations Organization

· US Foreign Policy
World Politics
· The Great Depression

· Reunification of Germany

· Indo-Pakistan Relations

· The League of Nations

· The emergence of Japan as an Imperial Power

· Economic Modernization

· Popular and Democratic Movements

· Meiji Restoration
History of East Asia
· Japan – Pre-Restoration Period

· Nationalism and Communism in China

· Colonial Penetration in China

· China and Pre Colonial China

 · Making of the Republic

· Religious, Cultural and Intellectual Trends

· Women’s Movement

· Afro-American Movements
History of the United States of America
· US Imperialism

· Civil War and Industrial America

· Early Capitalism

· Evolution of American Democracy

· Economic Transformations

History of Latin America · Assertion of the US Hegemony Bolivar’s Vision

· Conquest of America and its Repercussions

BA History Discipline Specific Elective Subjects

Candidates can have a glance at the discipline specific electives of BA History course, which are provided here.

· History of United States of America -I (C. 1776 -1945)

· History of United States of America -II (C. 1776 - 1945)

· History of the USSR-I (c. 1917- 1964)

· History of the USSR-II (c. 1917- 1964)

· History of Africa (c. 1500 - 1960s)

· History of Latin America (c. 1500 - 1960s)

· History of Southeast Asia-The 19TH Century

· History of Southeast Asia-The 20TH Century

· History of Modern East Asia-I (c.1840-1919)

· History of Modern East Asia-II (c. 1868-1945)

BA History General Elective Subjects

The general elective papers of BA History are provided here.

· Environmental Issues in India

· Research methodology in History

· Making contemporary India

· Delhi: Ancient

· Delhi: Medieval

· Delhi: Modern

· Issues in Contemporary World

Ability Enhancement Papers offered in BA History

As per the UGC, the following are the two Ability Enhancement Papers offered in BA History.

· English

· Environmental Science

Skill Enhancement Courses

BA History offers also some of the courses under Skill Enhancement. Listed below are the Skill Enhancement Courses of BA History.

· Understanding Heritage
· Art Appreciation: An introduction to Indian Art

· Archives and Museum

· Understanding popular culture

Also Read: Top BA History Colleges in India 2025

BA History Syllabus for Distance Course

The following table contains the BA History Distance Education Course Syllabus.

BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 1

Language English
History of India upto A.D.1206 History of Tamilnadu upto A.D.1565
Geography of India -
BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 2
English Language
History of Early Medieval India (A.D.1206-1526) History of Tamilnadu (A.D.1565-1806)
Tourism: Principles and Practices -
BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 3
Language English
History of Later Medieval India (A.D.1526-1707) History of Madras
Basic Principles of Indian Constitution -
BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 4
Language English
History of Modern India (A.D.1707-1858) History of Modern Tamilnadu (A.D.1806-2016)
Performing Arts in Tamilnadu -
BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 5
History of Modern India (A.D.1858-1947) History of Europe(A.D.1815-1945)
History of World Civilizations (Excluding India) Archives Keeping
Environmental Studies -
BA History Syllabus for Distance Course - Semester 6
History of Contemporary India (A.D.1947- 2014) History of China and Japan (A.D.1900-1990)
History of South-East Asia (A.D.1900-2000) Studies in Human Rights
Value Education -

BA History Entrance Exam Syllabus

Candidates who would like to pursue a BA History programme, must have knowledge about various entrance exams and their syllabus in order to secure
admission. Listed below are some of the popular BA History entrance examination along with their syllabus.

BA History Entrance Exam About BA History Entrance Exam BA History Entrance Exam Syllabus
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an
all-India examination administered by the National
CUET Testing Agency (NTA) for students seeking admission CUET Syllabus 2025
to various programmes at participating Central
Universities.

BA History Important Books

Candidates can explore BA History books used by prestigious universities for teaching the course. Regularly referring to these books will help students effectively
acquire knowledge and understand the subject in depth.

Book Name Author/Publisher

Prehistory and Protohistory of India VK Jain
Ancient India RC Majumdar
Ancient History of India Charles J. Naegele
A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations Noboru Karashima
A Textbook of Medieval Indian History Sailendra Nath Sen
A History of Medieval India Satish Chandra
Jainism - History, Society, Philosophy and Practice Agustin Paniker
Post-Mauryan India 200BC - AD300: A Political and Economic History Irfan Habib
South India Under the Cholas Y. Subbarayalu
A History of Assam Edward Albert Gait

BA History Course Structure 2025

The BA History syllabus is structured across six semesters, with each academic year divided into two semesters. The program incorporates both theory-based
lectures and tutorial classes for effective learning. It consists of six and four-credit courses, requiring students to complete 14 Core Courses to earn the degree.

• First Year (Semesters I & II): Four core courses (two per semester).
• Second Year (Semesters III & IV): Six core courses (three per semester).
• Final Year (Semesters V & VI): Four core courses (two per semester).

Additionally, students must complete:

• Four multidisciplinary general elective courses from related fields.

• Two Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) offered by the History Department in semesters III and IV.

University-wise BA History Syllabus & Subjects 2025

BA History Syllabus in Delhi University

The Delhi University (DU) BA History Syllabus is mentioned below.

BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 1

History of India-I Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World
Concurrent – Qualifying Language -
BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 2
History of India-II Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
Concurrent – Credit Language -
BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 3
History of India-III (c. 750-1206 Rise of Modern West
History Of United States of America (C. 1776 – 1945) History Of the USSR (c. 1917- 1964)
History Of Africa (c. 1500 – 1960s) History Of Southeast Asia – The 19th Century
BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 4
History of India-IV (c. 1206-1550) Rise of Modern West-II
History Of the United States of America (C. 1776 – 1945) History Of the USSR (c. 1917 – 1964s)
History Of Latin America (c. 1500 – 1960s) History Of Southeast Asia - The 20th Century
BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 5
History of Modern India: 1947-2000 History of India-VI (c. 1750-1857)
History of China & Japan – I (c. 1840-1949) History of Modern Europe I (c. 1780-1939)
BA History Syllabus Delhi University - Semester 6
History of India-VII (c. 1605-1750) History of China & Japan – II (c. 1840-1949)
History of India-VIII (c. 1857-1950) History of Modern Europe –II (1780-1939)

BHU BA History Syllabus

The BHU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 1

History of India from earliest times till the Mauryan period History of Europe: 1453-1648
History of Ancient India British Rule in India (up to Partition of Bengal)
BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 2
History of India – From Shunga to Gupta Dynasty History of India – From Shunga to Gupta Dynasty
Indo-Islamic Culture in Medieval India History of Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development
BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 3
History of North India (600A.D. to 1200 A.D.) History of India (1200 A.D. to 1320 A.D)
Glimpses of Modern European History (1453-1945) -
BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 4
History of South India (600 A.D. to 1200 A.D.) History of India (1320 A.D. to 1526 A.D.)
Social-Religious Reform Movements of the 19th and mid-20th Centuries -
BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 5
History of India (1526 A.D. to 1627 A.D.) History of India (1740 A.D. to 1805 A.D.)
History of India (1857 A.D. to 1909 A.D.) History of Europe (Late 18th Century to 19th Century)
History of West Asia from Mid-19th Century to 1945 A.D History of Modern China (1839 A.D. to 1969 A.D.)
An Introduction to Historical Research Method -
BA History Syllabus BHU - Semester 6
History of India (1628 A.D. to 1740 A.D.) History of India (1805 A.D. to 1857 A.D.)
History of India (1909 A.D. to 1947 A.D.) History of Europe (Late 19th Century to Middle of the 20th Century)
History of West Asia (Beginning of the Twentieth Century to 1967 A.D.) History of Modern Japan (1850 A.D. to 1952 A.D.)
Contemporary India -

IGNOU BA History Syllabus

The IGNOU BA History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 1
History of India Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World
BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 2
History of India –II Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 3
History of India –III (C. 750 – 1206) Rise of the Modern West – I
History of India – IV (C. 1206 – 1550) -
BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 4
Rise of the Modern West – II History of India –V (C. 1550 – 1605)
History of India –VI (C. 1750 – 1857) -
BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 5
History of Modern Europe (C. 1780 - 1939) History of India –VII (C. 1605 – 1750)
BA History Syllabus IGNOU - Semester 6
History of India –VIII (C. 1857 – 1950) History of Modern Europe -II (C. 1780 – 1939)

BA History Syllabus Kerala University

The Kerala University BA History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 1

Language Course I (English-1) Language Course II (Addl. Language)
Foundation Course I Core I-Methodology and Perspectives of Social Sciences
Complementary I-History of Modern India (1857-1900), For Economics, Islamic Complementary II- History of Modern World, (1789-1900), For English & Political
History and Sociology Science
BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 2
Language Course III (English II) Language Course IV (English III)
Language Course V (Addl. Language II) Core II-Cultural Formation of the Premodern World
Complementary III- History of Modern India
Complementary 1V- History of Modern World (1901-1920)
(1901-1920), For Economics, Islamic History and Sociology
BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 3
Language Course V1 (English) Language Course VII (Addl. Language III)
Foundation Course II- Informatics Core 111-Evolution of the early Indian society &Culture
Complementary V-History of Modern India Complementary V1- History of Modern World, (1921-1945)
BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 4
Language Course VIII (English V) Language Course 1X (Addl. Language 1V)
Core IV- Medieval India: Socio-Cultural Processes. Core V-History Modern World – Part 1
Complementary VII-History of Modern India (after1948), For Economics, Islamic
Complementary VIII- History of Modern World, (after1946)
History and Sociology
BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 5
Core V1-Major trends in Historical thoughts and writings Core V11-Colonialism and Resistance movements in India
CoreV111-History of Modern World – Part II Core 1X-History of Pre- Modern Kerala
Core X-Making of Indian Nation Empowerment of Women with special reference to India
An Introduction to Archaeology History of Human Rights Movement
BA History Syllabus Kerala University - Semester 6
Core XI - Making of Modern Kerala Core XII - Major trends in Indian Historical thought & writings
Core X1V - Twentieth Century Revolutions
Core XIII - Contemporary India
Historical Tourism
Heritage Studies Contemporary World
Empowerment of Women with special reference to India An Introduction to Archaeology
History of Human Rights Movement Environmental History of Modern India

BA History Syllabus in Calcutta University

The Calcutta University History Syllabus is listed below.

BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 1

History of India (From the Earliest times to C 300 BCE) Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World other than India
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 2
History of India (c 300 BCE to c.750 CE) Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World other than India
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 3
History of India (c.750 – 1206) Rise of the Modern West –I
History of India (c.1206 – 1526) -
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 4
Rise of the Modern West History of India (c.1526-1605)
History of India (c.1605 – 1750s) -
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 5
History of Modern Europe (c.1780-1939) History of India (c.1750s– 1857)
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Semester 6
History of India (c. 1857 – 1964) History of World Politics: (1945-1994)
BA History Syllabus Calcutta University - Electives
History of Bengal (c.1757-1905) History of Bengal (c.1905-1947)
History of Southeast Asia – The 19th Century History of Southeast Asia – The 20th Century
History of Modern East Asia – I China (c.1840 – 1949) History of Modern East Asia – II Japan (c.1868 – 1945)
History of United States of America – I (c.1776 – 1945) History of United States of America – II (c.1776-1945)