The History Colleges in India aim at dispersing the popular belief that history is the study of past, for those who do not want to live in present, and is of no significance as compared to science and commerce. History is the study of time – past and present, that aims at educating us about what went by and what is to come can be made better; how to minimize the follies of humankind. It is the story of evolution form apes to homo sapiens sapiens; from hunters to industrialists; from four legged beings living in caves to two legged humans dwelling in mansions.
For pagans mocking history, it should be noted that in India there are innumerable colleges dedicated to teaching history. It is interesting to note by this that history is a much sought after course by students. Students opting for humanities want to do their graduation in history; and many science and commerce students also end up taking up history because it interests them and is a significant subject. Delhi has ten history colleges, West Bengal around 100, Andhra Pradesh has 45 while Karnataka has 75. Tamil Nadu has approximately 47, Kerala sixteen, Maharashtra 30, Punjab fifteen, Gujrat six and Uttar Pradesh four. The rest of the states each have a couple of colleges for history studies.
St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, affiliated to Delhi University, has the best faculty and method of study for history. The cut off percentage is not quite high, but the interview is difficult. The annual history festival is an informative and interactive event which enriches the course of study. It follows the syllabus set by the university but what sets it apart is the way it is taught. So it is ranked the best.
Lady Shri Ram College for Women. New Delhi, is a component college of the University of Delhi. Admission is on the basis of marks. The number of students for history is quite large in this college. And so are the number of reference books in the library. The faculty is an eminent one. Presentations all round the year, talks on history and regular classes with importance to attendance, makes it a coveted institute for history interested students.
The Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU), offers post graduate and doctorate degree in history. Admission is tough here. There are a number of optional subjects to choose from for the course. The scope of study is immense.
Presidency College, Kolkata, is a dedicated history college. It has a history department that includes eminent professors. There are student activities, seminars and sessions on history apart from the regular classes.
St. Xavier’s College of Mumbai is one of the top ranking Arts colleges in India. The history department contributes to this status. The hard working students and research in history are an asset.
Benares Hindu University (BHU), conducts an all India entrance test for admission. The course has been structured to provide students with the opportunity to study other subjects as well and then graduate in history. Students opt for history in their final year. BHU is a university that promotes all round development and student interaction.
Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, is a good option for the dedicated humanity students. The college has a history department that is very deeply involved in its study.
Stella Maris College in Chennai is a viable option for those living in South India and wanting to study near home. It is a good college for pursuing history.
Sophia College in Mumbai is a known college for humanities. It is a women college and a pioneer in its field of education.
Jadavpur University in Kolkata is a premier educational institution in the country. It is an autonomous university offering varied courses. The syllabus for history is also varied and designed in a way trying to encompass the vastness of it.
The study of history has no end. It provides its followers a scope much larger than that provided by any other discipline of study. After a degree in history, you can pursue studies in any desired filed of study. And the research topics are never ending. Those interested in doing a PhD in history will always have an original topic. Such is the significance and gamut of history which the History Colleges in India try to capture and present.
