Master in Historical Studies

The programme is offered by the School of Historical Studies (SHS). The School is a dynamic community of faculty members and graduate students, engaged in a systematic and rigorous enquiry into some of the fundamental questions that concern historical experiences within and beyond Asia. The School draws its inspiration from the glorious legacy of ancient Nālandā which served as a conduit of India’s vibrant intellectual linkages with the world for nearly a millennium. As is evident from the research profiles of its faculty, SHS is uniquely poised to train students in the cultural, religious and intellectual history of India and other regions of Asia from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective.

One of the salient features of the School is its pedagogical focus around critical thinking, leading to the creation of experiential knowledge through rigorous enquiry and debate, regular conduct of examinations, and writing of assignments.

Focus areas of the Programme

• World History
• Asian Interconnections
• Maritime History/ Indian Ocean Interconnections
• International Relations
• Historical Archaeology
• Ethnoarchaeology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Cultural History of India/Asia
• Economic History of Asia
• Contemplative Traditions
• Civilizational and Historical linkages between India and East Asian countries
• Oral Histories of India/Asia
• Sanskrit Cosmopolis
• Digital Humanities
• Performance Studies
• Trade and Knowledge Routes

The post-graduate programme in the School of Historical Studies at Nalanda University provides students with the opportunity to engage with a range of disciplines:

• Art History
• Archaeology
• Social Anthropology
• Religious Studies
• Classical and Modern Languages
• Critical Theory
• Philosophy
• Economic and Trade History
• Environmental History

In addition, students are led towards an in-depth understanding of the different regions of Asia like West, South, South-East and East, together with global history. As a whole, the programme fosters a deep understanding and analysis of issues and events that are of key importance to the world today. This knowledge can be applied in many fields.

Other crucial competencies and skills that students can look forward to developing include:

• Ability to frame well-structured arguments, both oral and written
• Putting forward ideas in a cogent manner
• Collecting, investigating and analyzing various kinds of material in a logical and coherent way
• Comprehending and synthesizing facts, ideas and information

Students are required to complete 64 hours of course work (16 credits per semester) and submit a thesis towards the fulfilment of a Master’s degree, all the courses have in-class written exams (Midterm and Finals).

Training in historical studies imparts transferable skills enabling one to pursue careers in many directions:

• Archivist
• Historical Researcher
• Museum Work
• Library and Information Work
• School Teachers
• University Professor
• International Organizations

Other occupations

Apart from these, students can also pursue their careers with the government, in private and corporate sectors, and international organizations such as the various bodies of the United Nations.

• Law
• Publishing
• Civil Services
• Journalism
• Corporate Sector

In conclusion, by engaging with historical contexts, debates and controversies, students develop a unique understanding of various problems along with ways to comprehend solutions. Using these skills and abilities, they can make a number of career choices depending on their interests and motivation.