STANDARD COMPETENCIES

 

 

 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of Indian subcontinent as it has developed over time, and specific understanding of the

    cultural, environmental, religious, and gender-based nuances of the nation’s past.

 2. Summarize and analyze the development of the Indian subcontinent as a unified territory over time.

 3. Formulate models and patterns of how Indian cultures and civilization have contributed to and interacted with other cultures

    and civilizations, with a focus on the association with western cultures.

 4. Develop narrative structures and arguments based on evidence  from many sources, including libraries, databases,

    bibliographies and archives, in order to gain a perspective on how these are broken down and understood, and formatting these sources in proper documentation style.

 5. Communicate orally and compose substantive writing samples about the subject of the course; and select and apply contemporary

    forms of technology to solve problems and to compile information.

 6. Analyze secondary sources and recognize differences in historical interpretation in opposition to primary sources.

 7. Build upon structures of the discipline of history, synthesizing historical narratives and timelines from primary and secondary sources;

    maps; artifacts; museum visits; place-based visits; special event attendances; and/or guest speakers; and critically analyze,

    interpret, and evaluate many different points of view to construct historical arguments.

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE

 

 

 I. Prehistoric cultures of Indian regions.

 II. Early Indus Civilization.

 III. Neolithic to Early Iron Phases – Geographical distribution and characteristics of pastoral and farming communities.

 IV. Vedic society and Upanishadic thought. Monarchy and Varna systems. State formation and urbanization – Mahajanapadas,

    Nandas, Jainism, and the spread of Buddhism.

 V. The Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta, Megasthenes, Asoka, the Arthasastra. Post-Mauryan India, BC 200- AD 300.

 VI. The Guptas and their successors (to circa 750 AD). Early Medieval India. Major dynasties.

 VII. Cultural trends, 750-1200.

 VIII. 13th and 14th centuries: Growth of commerce and urbanization, and associated environmental changes. Mystic movements in

    Hinduism and Islam.  Rise of the Delhi Sultanate.

 IX. 15th  and early 16th centuries: Major provincial dynasties. The Mughal Empire, 1556-1707. Peasants and artisans, growth in trade;

    commerce with Europe. Social stratification and status of women.

 X. Decline of Mughal Empire, 1707-61. Rise of Urdu language. British expansion, 18th century – Impact of the British Raj. Introduction of

    western education and modern ideas. Indian Renaissance.

 XI. Resistance to British rule: Early uprisings; The 1857 Revolt- causes, nature, course and consequences.

 XII. Indian Freedom struggle, Gandhi, National Movement-Revolutionaries, the Left, Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army.

 XIII. Separatist Trends in Indian nationalist politics- the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha; The post -1945 developments; Partition and Independence.

 XIV. Contemporary History of India.