Introduction


IndiaResized0393.jpgKathakali dancers, Kerala, India

Course Introduction

 

The central theme of the course is the historic formation and transformation of imperial systems of power and authority with their associated patterns of economic development, social inequality, cultural order, and political conflict. This course focuses on historical process of social change, including cultural, social, economic and political aspects. This course examines major innovations in society, culture, religion, politics, in each period of time that most clearly indicate how change occurred in social conditions that ordinary South Asians experienced in everyday life. The focus of this course is to develop an understanding and appreciation for the divergent people and cultures of South Asia, as well as to acquaint the students to the craft of history by providing a basic understanding of primary and secondary sources, chronological and spatial thinking, historical interpretation and content and comparative analysis. 

This social history covers the part of the world that now includes the nation states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It offers an introduction to the history and culture of the people inhabiting this region from prehistory to the present times.