M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology is the course offered at postgraduate level. The course deals with the study of archaeology and ancient history of various institutions, antiquities, concepts, and culture from Pre-historic period to thirteenth century A.D. The course duration is two academic years.

Advantages or Benefits of M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

The Master of Arts in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology is suitable for the students having analytical and critical reasoning abilities. The students are required to have the ability in solving problems and need creative thinking. This course is also applicable for those who have the skills to conduct research using information and communication technology.

This course is a prerequisite for the higher courses like M. Phil and Ph.D in related subjects. The course helps the students to make an in depth study into the culture and history of ancient India.

Eligibility required for M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

Many of the colleges demand candidates with graduation in any discipline for pursuing M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology. However, certain colleges require the candidates to complete graduation in History or graduation with Archeology and History as main subjects. Only a few colleges demand at least 50% marks in the qualifying exam and also conduct entrance exam to get admission to postgraduate course.

Admission Procedure of M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

The aspirants have to visit the official website of the respective college for getting the course and admission details. The application form can be collected from the website of the corresponding institution. The application form has to be filled carefully following the instructions given. The completed application has to be send on time.

Higher studies after M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

• Master of Arts in (Hons) in History
• Master of Arts in History of Indian Art and Culture
• Master of Arts in Islamic History and Culture
• Master of Visual Arts in History of Art
• Master of Arts in History
• Master of Theology in History of Christianity
• Master of Philosophy in History
• Master of Philosophy in History and Archeology
• Master of Philosophy in Ancient Indian History Culture & Archaeology
• Ph.D in Ancient History
• Ph.D in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology
• Ph.D in History
• Ph.D in History (Medieval & Modern)
• Ph.D in History and Archeology
• Ph.D in History of Arts

Colleges/Universities offering M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

• University of Calcutta
• Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management (D.I.H.R.M.)
• Osmania University
• Nagpur University
• University of Madras
• University of Pune
• Panjab University
• Andhra University
• Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University
• Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

Course Curriculum of M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

Semester I

• Principles & Methods of Archaeology-I
• Principles & Methods of Archaeology-II
• Archaeology & Applied Sciences-I
• Political History of India from 6th century B.C. to A.D. 300
• Social and Cultural History of India up to AD 1200

Semester II

• Prehistory
• Protohistory
• Archaeology & Applied Sciences-II
• Political History of India from A.D. 301 to 1200

Semester III

• History of Indian Art & Architecture from the earliest time to A.D. 300
• History of Orissa from the earliest time to A.D. 700

Special Paper (Choose any one Group)

Group - A

• Art and Architecture of Orissa
• Architecture of Orissa-I
• Sculptures of Orissa

Group - B

• Epigraphy and Numismatics
• Indian Epigraphy - I
• Indian Numismtics - I

Group - C

• Religious History of India & Iconography
• Religious History of India - I
• Religious History of India - II

Group-D

• Art and Architecture of Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka
• Art and Architecture of Southeast Asia - I
• Art and Architecture of Southeast Asia - II
• Economic History of India up to A.D 1200

Semester IV

• History of Indian Art and Architecture from A.D. 300 to 1200
• History of Orissa from A.D. 700 to 1435

Special Paper (Choose any one Group)

Group - A

• Art and Architecture of Orissa
• Architecture of Orissa-II
• Sculptures and Paintings of Orissa

Group - B

• Epigraphy and Numismatics
• Indian Epigraphy - II
• Indian Numismtics - II

Group - C

• Religious History of India & Iconography
• Indian Iconography - I
• Indian Iconography - II

Group-D

• Art and Archeology of Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka
• Art and Archeology of Sri Lanka - I
• Art and Archeology of Sri Lanka - II
• Fieldwork and project report

Text Books on M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

• The Age of Imperial Unity by R.C. & Pusalkar
• Asoka & Decline of the Mauryan Empire by Thapar, Romila
• Early Chauhan Dynasties by Sharma D
• Early History of Bengal,Vol. I by Majumdar, R.C
• History of Pallavas of Kanchi by Gopalchari, R.S
• Vedic Age by Majumdar, R.C. & Pusalkar, A.D
• Indian Epigraphy by Sircar
• Development of Nagari Script by Singh
• Indian Paleography by Buhler
• History its Purpose and Methods by Reiaier
• Itihasa, Svarupa Evam Siddhanta by Pandey
• The Social organization in north East India from Buddhas times by Fick
• Samaja Arthvyavastha, Dharma by Sushmita
• Some aspects of Mahayan Buddhism and its evolution Vajrayan by Datt
• Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum Vol .I & II by Hultzsch
• Dynastic History of Northern India by Ray,
• Decline of Magadha Empire by Sinha
• Political History of Ancient India by Chaudhary
• The Classical Age by Majumdar
• The Age of Imperial Kanauj by R.C. & Pusalkar
• History of Historical Thinking Social science Research Council by Thompson
• Education in Ancient India by Altekar
• Corporate life in Ancient India by Majumdar,
• Studies in the Religious life of Ancient India by Sircar
• Outline of Indian Philosophy by Hiriyanna
• Coinage of the Satavahanas by Sharma

Jobs or Career after M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

Those who have completed postgraduate degree in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology can find jobs in law, information management, teaching, journalism, research, administration, accountancy, media, etc. They also have opportunity to work in schools. After qualifying in the NET exam conducted by UGC, they can apply for the faculty post in various colleges.

Employment areas

• Tourism
• Archaeology
• Civil Services
• Epigraphy and Numismatics
• Archives
• Museums
• Survey
• Historical Parks
• Research
• Journalism

Remuneration after M.A. in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology

A junior research fellow in this field can earn a starting salary of Rs. 8,000/- per month. The remuneration of faculty members will be about Rs. 20,000/- per month. In government Colleges, these candidates can expect salary package of around Rs. 40,000/- per month. Professors can earn more than this. The salary scale of an assistant archeologist ranges between Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- per month.