History is an interesting subject that helps us understand how societies and cultures have changed over time. There are different branches of history like political history, cultural history, ancient history, medieval history, etc. Political history looks at how governments and political systems have developed. Social history explores the lives of everyday people and how societies have evolved. Economic history examines trade, industries, and financial systems, while cultural history focuses on art, beliefs, and traditions.
Other important areas are medieval history, which covers the time from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, and modern history, which looks at changes from the late 18th century to today. Ancient history studies early civilizations, while world history provides a global view of how different cultures have interacted.
In India, you can study history through various courses, from short-term certificates to advanced degrees at top colleges. Studying history not only helps you learn about the past but also prepares you for careers in teaching, research, and other fields.
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Types of History to Study
History has been an important topic for the arts students. They teach us about the events that have happened in the past followed by their present effects. There are several types/branches of history that you need to know about.
- Political History
- Social History
- Economic History
- Cultural History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
- Ancient History
- World History
- Art History
- Environmental History
Each of these branches of history offers unique insights and perspectives on the past, helping us understand how societies have evolved over time. You can also choose a Career as a Historian if you are interested in history.
Political History
Political History teaches the development of political systems, institutions, and leaders over time. It focuses on significant events such as elections, revolutions, and policy changes, and explores the impact of political ideologies and movements.
By studying political history, we gain insights into how power dynamics and governance have shaped societies and influenced global events. Some of the important topics for the Indian Political History are:
- Ancient Political Systems
- Indian Independent Movement
- Constitutional Development
- Post-Independence Politics
Social History
Social History explores the lives of ordinary people and societal structures over time. It examines aspects like family life, education, work, and social movements, providing insights into how societies function and evolve.
By studying social history, we understand the everyday experiences and cultural practices that shape communities. Here are some of the important topics for the Indian Social History:
- Caste System
- Social Reform Movements
- Colonial Impact
- Women’s Rights
Economic History
Economic history is among one of the major branches of history. It studies the economic aspects of societies, including trade, industry, and economic policies over time. It explores how economies develop, the impact of economic events, and the evolution of financial systems.
Some of the important topics for the Indian Economic History are listed below:
- Ancient Trade Routes
- Maurya and Gupta Economics
- Post-Independence Economic Policies
- Green Revolution
Cultural History
Cultural history examines the ways in which societies express their values, beliefs, and practices through art, literature, rituals, and everyday life. It explores how cultural norms and traditions shape and are shaped by historical events.
This branch of history often intersects with anthropology and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of human experiences. In the Indian context, important topics include:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic Period
- Maurya and Gupta Empires
- Bhakti and Sufi Movements
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Medieval History
Medieval history focuses on the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance, roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century. This era is marked by feudalism, the rise of kingdoms, and significant cultural and religious transformations.
It includes the study of the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic Caliphates, and the Crusades. Some of the important topics for medieval history in the Indian context are:
- Delhi Sultanate
- Vijaynagara Empire
- Mughal Empire
- Maratha Empire
Modern History
Modern history covers the period from the late 18th century to the present, focusing on significant political, social, and economic changes. This era includes the rise of industrialization, colonialism, and the development of modern nation-states.
It examines the impact of revolutions, wars, and global interactions on contemporary society. In the Indian context, important topics include:
- British Colonial Rule
- Indian Independence Movement
- Partition of India
- Post-Independence India
Ancient History
Ancient history is for sure among the top branches of history. It explores the earliest periods of human civilization, from the dawn of writing systems to the fall of major empires. It covers the development of early societies, cultures, and technologies.
This branch of history provides insights into the origins of human civilization and the foundational aspects of modern societies. In the Indian context, important topics include:
- Indus Valley Civilization
- Maurya Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Buddhism and Jainism
World History
World history examines the global past, focusing on the interactions and connections between different civilizations over time. It covers major events, movements, and transformations that have shaped human societies across continents.
This branch of history provides a comprehensive understanding of how diverse cultures and regions have influenced each other.In the Indian context, important topics include:
- Maurya and Gupta Empires
- Spread of Buddhism
- Colonial Rule
- Indian Independence Movement
Art History
Art History is a branch of history that studies the development, significance, and context of visual arts. It explores various art forms, styles, and movements across different cultures and periods.
Art historians analyze artworks to understand their cultural, social, and political implications, providing insights into the human experience through visual expression. Some of the important topics include:
- Mauryan Art
- Gupta Period
- Mughal Art
- Modern Indian Art
Environmental History
Environmental History is among the few branches of history that deals with humans and their environment over time. It explores how human activities have impacted nature and how environmental changes have influenced societies.
This field covers topics like deforestation, pollution, conservation, and climate change, providing insights into sustainable practices and policies. Some of the important topics regarding the environmental history include:
- Indian Valley Civilization
- Chipko Movement
- Green Revolution
- Contemporary Issues
These were some of the prominent branches of history that deals with different aspects of the history. Now, let’s look at the popular courses in History that you can pursue in India.
Branches of History – Popular History Courses in India
In India, history courses are offered at various levels, from certificate programs to doctoral degrees. Here are some popular history courses:
- Certificate Courses: Cover topics like Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. Available online through platforms like Udemy and Coursera.
- Undergraduate Courses: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, a 3-year program.
- Postgraduate Courses: Master of Arts (MA) in History, usually a 2-year program.
- Doctoral Courses: PhD in History, which can take 3-6 years to complete.
Now you must be wondering – what about the colleges? Well, don’t worry! We have got your concern addressed.
Top Colleges for Studying History in India
There are several arts colleges in India that offer courses in different subjects including History. These colleges are often listed as one of the best colleges in the country consistently in the NIRF rankings. The top colleges for pursuing history courses in India are mentioned in the table below.
| Name of the College | Location | NIRF Rankings |
| Hindu College | New Delhi | 01 |
| Miranda House | New Delhi | 02 |
| St. Stephens College | New Delhi | 03 |
| Loyola College (Autonomous) | Chennai | 08 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | New Delhi | 10 |
| Presidency College | Chennai | 13 |
| Rajgiri College of Social Sciences | Ernakulam | 20 |
| St Joseph College | Tiruchirappalli | 25 |
| Pachhunga Uniiversity College | Aizwal | 35 |
| Christ University | Bengaluru | N/A |
Conclusion
History is a broad field that helps us understand how societies, cultures, economies, and political systems have evolved over time. Different branches of history offer unique perspectives on past events and their impact on the present and future.
Students can choose from various courses, from short-term certificates to advanced degrees, at top colleges such as Hindu College and Miranda House. Studying history not only deepens our knowledge of human development but also leads to career opportunities in teaching, research, and more.
FAQs
The four main types of history are political, social, economic, and cultural history. Political history focuses on governance and political events, social history on everyday life and societal structures, economic history on economic systems and trade, and cultural history on art, beliefs, and traditions.
History is commonly divided into ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods. Ancient history covers early civilizations, medieval history spans from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, modern history begins with the late 18th century, and contemporary history deals with recent events.
Subfields of history include political, social, economic, cultural, environmental, art, and world history. Each subfield examines different aspects of the past, such as governance, daily life, economic systems, cultural practices, environmental changes, art movements, and global interactions.
In a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, students usually study various types including political, social, economic, cultural, and art history. The program often covers different historical periods such as ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary history, providing a broad understanding of historical events and themes.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
