The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Master of Arts in History (MAH) program, one of its most popular postgraduate courses un

IGNOU MA History Syllabus

History is not just about the past; it is about understanding how the past shapes our present and future. With every dynasty, revolution, war, and reform, the story of human civilization unfolds new lessons. For students who are passionate about exploring ancient civilizations, medieval societies, modern revolutions, and India’s freedom struggle, a postgraduate degree in history provides both knowledge and career opportunities.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Master of Arts in History (MAH) program, one of its most popular postgraduate courses under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). This program is designed to help learners gain in-depth knowledge of Indian and world history, historiography, social and economic systems, and cultural studies.

In this blog, we’ll give you the complete IGNOU MA History syllabus, semester-wise structure, subjects, credits, and career scope in detail.

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About the IGNOU MA History Program

• Program Name: Master of Arts in History

• Program Code: MAH

• School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS)

• Medium of Instruction: English & Hindi

• Learning Mode: Distance + Online Learning

• Minimum Duration: 2 Years

• Maximum Duration: 4 Years

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (preferably History background)

• Total Credits: 64 (32 credits per year)

• Fee Structure: Around ₹7,300 per year (subject to revision)

• Admission Cycles: January & July sessions

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Semester-Wise IGNOU MA History Syllabus

The MAH program is divided into two years (four semesters). The first year covers foundational courses in historiography, world history, and ancient India, while the second year offers a wide range of electives focusing on medieval, modern Indian, and world history.

The MA in History (MAH) at IGNOU is divided into two years (four semesters). The first year covers core compulsory papers that provide strong foundations in historiography, world history, and ancient India. The second year allows students to choose elective courses in Indian and world history for specialization.

Total Credits: 64 (32 in first year + 32 in second year).

IGNOU MA History Syllabus: Semester 1 – First Year

1. MHI-1: Ancient and Medieval Societies (8 Credits)

• Human evolution and prehistoric cultures

• Neolithic revolution and rise of agriculture

• Bronze Age civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, China

• Greek city-states and Roman Empire

• Feudalism in Europe

• Rise of Islam and Islamic society

• Medieval Europe and social changes

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2. MHI-2: Modern World (8 Credits)

• Renaissance and Humanism in Europe

• Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation

• Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

• Industrial Revolution and its social, economic, political consequences

• American Revolution (1776) and French Revolution (1789)

• Nationalism, liberalism, socialism, Marxism

• Russian Revolution (1917)

• World War I and II

• Decolonization and Cold War

• Globalization and new world order

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IGNOU MA History Syllabus: Semester 2 – First Year

3. MHI-3: Historiography (8 Credits)

• Meaning, nature, and scope of history

• Sources and methods of historical research

• Greco-Roman historians: Herodotus, Thucydides

• Ancient Indian historians: Kalhana, Bana, Vishakhadatta

• Medieval historians: Ibn Khaldun, Al-Biruni

• European historians: Leopold von Ranke, Karl Marx, Toynbee, E.H. Carr

• Indian historiography: Colonial, Nationalist, Marxist, Subaltern studies

• Feminist historiography and oral history

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4. MHI-4: Political Structures in India (from Early Times to 1206 CE) (8 Credits)

• Harappan political organization

• Vedic polity and Mahajanapadas

• Mauryan state and administration (Arthashastra, Ashoka’s Dhamma)

• Gupta Empire and post-Gupta political formations

• Regional kingdoms in early medieval India (Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas)

• State formation and polity up to the Delhi Sultanate (1206)

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5. MHI-5: History of Indian Economy (up to 1206 CE) (8 Credits)

• Agriculture in ancient and early medieval India

• Irrigation systems and rural economy

• Trade and commerce: internal and external (Silk Route, Roman trade, Southeast Asia)

• Guilds and craft production

• Coinage and monetary economy

• Urban centers in ancient India (Pataliputra, Mathura, Ujjain)

• Economic transition from ancient to early medieval period

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👉 Total credits in Year 1 = 32

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IGNOU MA History Syllabus: Semester 3 – Second Year 

1. MHI-6: Evolution of Social Structures in India (1200–1800 CE) (8 Credits)

• Caste system and social mobility

• Family, marriage, and kinship patterns

• Bhakti and Sufi movements

• Role of women in medieval society

• Interaction of different communities

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2. MHI-8: History of Ecology and Environment: India (8 Credits)

• Human-nature interaction in ancient India

• Forests, agriculture, and irrigation systems

• Water management in medieval India

• Colonial forestry and environmental policies

• Environmental movements in modern India

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3. MHI-9: Indian National Movement (1857–1947) (8 Credits)

• Revolt of 1857 – causes, nature, significance

• Rise of Indian National Congress – Moderates and Extremists

• Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Movement

• Gandhian mass movements – Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India

• Role of Subhas Chandra Bose and INA

• Partition and independence

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4. MHI-10: Urbanization in India (8 Credits)

• Ancient urban centers: Taxila, Pataliputra

• Medieval towns: Delhi, Agra, Lahore

• Growth of trade centers under Mughals

• Colonial cities: Calcutta, Bombay, Madras

• Post-independence urbanization and challenges

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👉 Students select electives totaling 16 credits in Semester 3.

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IGNOU MA History Syllabus: Semester 4 – Second Year 

1. MHI-11: Modern India (1757–1857) (8 Credits)

• British conquest of Bengal and expansion

• Administrative reforms under Cornwallis, Wellesley, Bentinck

• Social reforms – Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

• Economic changes under colonial rule

• Revolt of 1857 – causes, nature, consequences

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2. MHI-12: Medieval India – Political Structures (8 Credits)

• Delhi Sultanate – Iqta system, kingship, administration

• Mughal Empire – Mansabdari, Jagirdari, land revenue system

• Mughal political ideas and institutions

• Decline of Mughals and rise of regional states

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3. MHI-13: Medieval India – Social and Economic Structures (8 Credits)

• Agrarian economy – peasantry, zamindars

• Trade, commerce, crafts, markets in medieval India

• Currency and monetization

• Urbanization under Delhi Sultanate and Mughals

• Social stratification and caste relations

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4. MHI-14: India from 1857 to 1964 (8 Credits)

• Revolt of 1857 and its aftermath

• Growth of Indian nationalism

• Gandhian movements and independence struggle

• Partition and integration of princely states

• Nehru’s leadership, foreign policy, and economic reforms (1947–1964)

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5. MHI-15: History of Indian Science and Technology (8 Credits)

• Mathematics, astronomy, and medicine in ancient India

• Metallurgy, irrigation, and agriculture

• Innovations during medieval India

• Impact of colonialism on science and technology

• Modern developments post-independence

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6. MHI-16: History of the United States of America (1776–1945) (8 Credits)

• American Revolution and Constitution

• Civil War and abolition of slavery

• Rise of capitalism and industrialization

• U.S. foreign policy and role in World Wars

• Growth of U.S. as a world power

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7. MHI-17: History of China and Japan (1840–1949) (8 Credits)

• Opium Wars and decline of Qing dynasty in China

• Taiping and Boxer rebellions

• Modernization of Japan under Meiji reforms

• Sino-Japanese conflicts

• Role of China and Japan in World War II

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8. MPSE-3: Western Political Thought (4 Credits)

• Thinkers from Plato and Aristotle to Marx

• Political philosophy of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau

9. MPSE-4: Social and Political Thought in Modern India (4 Credits)

• Ideas of Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, Vivekananda, Tagore

10. MPSE-7: Social Movements and Politics in India (4 Credits)

• Peasant and workers’ movements

• Dalit and women’s movements

• Social justice and political mobilization

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👉 Students must complete 16 credits in Semester 4 by selecting electives.

Summary of Credits

• Semester 1: 16 credits (Core)

• Semester 2: 16 credits (Core)

• Semester 3: 16 credits (Electives)

• Semester 4: 16 credits (Electives)

• Total: 64 Credits

IGNOU Evaluation System

The evaluation process is simple and balanced:

• Assignments (30%) – Written assignments for each course, must be submitted online or at study centres before exams.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Conducted in June & December.

• Project Work – Some electives allow dissertation or field-based projects.

To pass a course, students must secure the minimum marks in both assignments + exams.

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Why Choose IGNOU MA History?

1. Flexibility – Study at your pace (2–4 years).

2. Affordable Fees – Cheaper than regular PG programs.

3. Civil Services Edge – Highly useful for UPSC/SSC aspirants.

4. Wide Range of Electives – Choose Indian or World history specialization.

5. Digital Support – eGyankosh, SWAYAM, and IGNOU mobile app provide free materials.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU MA History (MAH) is a well-structured program for anyone who loves history or wants to build a career in academics, civil services, research, museums, or writing. With its balanced syllabus, low cost, flexibility, and national recognition, it is one of the best options for students across India.

👉 If you want to specialize in Indian & world history, prepare for UPSC, or pursue a career in teaching and research, the IGNOU MAH program is your best choice.

📌 Download the latest IGNOU MA History Prospectus PDF at www.ignou.ac.in.