About the Department of History

The Department of History, founded in 1995, runs Undergraduate Honours and General Courses under the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) introduced in 2018-19 session and ongoing 1+1+1 system. As per the Syllabi of the courses, approved by the University of Calcutta, the dept. offers both Core Courses and General Elective Courses. History enables us to develop better understanding of the people and society we find ourselves in. Understanding of historical events and trends helps us to develop a much greater appreciation for current events. Data from the past often guide us to figure out why complex societies behave in a particular fashion. Past paves the way for present and future. Students are expected to acquire sound knowledge of multiple cultures, general chronology of human existence, and be able to recognise the diversity, complexity and moral dilemmas inherent in the study of History which will enable them to better judge current day scenarios. Field excursions and tours provide better understanding of the subject topics. Areas of employment include civil service, all kinds of NGOs, research and the media, tourism, heritage consultancy and preservation, museum, libraries and archives etc. It will also stimulate interest in further higher education including research. Many of our ex-students have completed Masters degree, a few have cleared NET/SET and are engaged in research, while many others have enrolled in B.Ed. and are serving in schools, colleges or in public or private sectors. On a special note, it should be mentioned that in collaboration with Jadavpur University, the dept. plans to initiate Sundarban Study Centre to engage in a research-based academic journey to better understand and appreciate the cultural and social history of this region, with involvement of faculty and students of the college.