Explore the richness of Indian history and archaeology at UPES School of Liberal Studies

Imagine stepping into the past—wandering through the bustling streets of Pataliputra during Emperor Ashoka’s reign, engaging in philosophical debates at Nalanda, or sailing on a Chola ship bound for Srivijaya. While a time machine may still be out of reach, the closest way to relive these moments is through the study of history. At UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media, the History program goes beyond textbooks, offering regular field trips to significant sites, museums, and historical landmarks, bringing the past to life in ways that no classroom alone can.
India’s history and archaeology are as vast and diverse as the country itself, offering fascinating stories that span thousands of years. For students with a passion for reading about the past, the B.A. (Hons.) in History program at UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media is an exceptional opportunity to delve into the rich diversity of societies and cultures ranging from the earliest days of human history, i.e., the stone ages, all the way up to contemporary times, including the rise and fall of great empires, the development of regional kingdoms, diversity of religious beliefs and practices and the rich contributions of various dynasties — thereby bringing the Indian subcontinent in conversation with the rest of the world. At UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media, we offer a comprehensive B.A. (Hons.) in History programme that takes you through the extensive chronicles of the ancient past.
Uncovering lost histories and narratives
You will be pleasantly surprised to see how quickly ‘boring’ common ceramics, beads, terracottas or bones become your windows to a completely different world!
Archaeology is essential to understanding the history of ancient civilisations, as it offers tangible evidence of human life that complements historical records. Dedicated courses on archaeology makes our History curriculum a perfect blend for students interested in uncovering the material evidence of India’s past. You will acquire knowledge about examining architectural ruins, interpreting inscriptis, and evaluating ancient objects.
Beyond the classroom
Students get a glimpse of how the past of the place they are studying in looked like too! The history and archaeology of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas will help you gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of its role in shaping both the spiritual and political landscape of India. To further enhance the learning experience beyond the classroom, the History programme offers regular field trips to significant sites, museums and historical landmarks in and around Uttarakhand. These trips provide the students with direct access to the locations where history unfolded, allowing them to immerse themselves in the surroundings that form a part of their everyday experience of student life.

Students also have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects, gaining valuable insights into both academic and practical aspects of historical and archaeological research. Whether you are studying ancient artifacts, examining inscriptions, or analysing historical documents, you’ll be contributing to ongoing scholarly efforts to reconstruct India’s past.
Nurturing budding historians
Needless to say, History does not only entail reading history books. In fact, one of the key focus areas of the B.A. (Hons.) in History programme at UPES — and perhaps the most important one which sets it apart is to train students to think like historians. The ability to analyse primary and secondary sources critically is a core aspect of historical scholarship, and our program places strong emphasis on developing these skills. You will be taught how to engage with diverse historical materials – from ancient texts, inscriptions, and manuscripts to archaeological findings and oral histories.
Through rigorous training in source analysis, you will learn how to critically assess historical documents, weigh different interpretations, and recognise bias or gaps in evidence. The faculty, who are leading experts in their fields, will guide you in making evidence-based arguments and constructing well-supported historical narratives. This not only develops your ability to think critically but also equips you with the skills to create persuasive, fact-driven historical arguments.
The path ahead
Graduating with a degree in History also opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The skills you will develop in research, analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving are highly valued in a variety of fields. Graduates can pursue careers in academic research, museums, archives, tourism, heritage conservation, and even public policy. Additionally, the ability to work with historical data and archaeological evidence is an asset in fields such as journalism, media, and international relations.
At an age when history is one of the most contested disciplines in public discourse, whether you are eager to contribute to the preservation of India’s heritage, wish to engage in research, or gain a deep understanding of historical events, the interdisciplinary approach of the History program ensures that students gain a well-rounded education while developing specialised knowledge in their chosen field.
Contributed by Dr. Debdutta Sanyal. She teaches B.A. (Hons.) in History at UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of UPES by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.