BA History Syllabus DU SOL – Semester-Wise Subjects
If you are planning to study History through DU SOL, the first thing you should understand clearly is the ba history syllabus. Many students join the course with interest, but later feel confused because they don’t know which papers come in which semester, what the subjects include, and how the syllabus is structured semester-wise.
This blog will help you understand the complete ba history syllabus in a simple and clean way. You will also get a semester-wise list of ba history subjects, so you can plan your study properly and prepare confidently for exams. The information shared here is based on the official University of Delhi CBCS syllabus document for B.A. Programme History.
About BA History in DU SOL
DU SOL students follow the same University of Delhi syllabus framework. For History, the structure includes:
Core Courses (CC)
Discipline Specific Electives (DSE)
Generic Electives (GE)
Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC)
This structure is part of the CBCS system for B.A. Programme History, as per the University of Delhi syllabus document.
So, when someone searches ba history, they are generally referring to this academic path—learning Indian History from ancient to modern times, plus world history themes and skill-based courses.
BA History Syllabus: Course Structure (CBCS)
According to the official CBCS syllabus for B.A. Programme History, the following papers are included:
Core Courses (CC)
- CC I: History of India from earliest times up to c. 300 CE
- CC II: History of India, c. 300 to 1200
- CC III: History of India, c. 1200–1700
- CC IV: History of India, c. 1700–1950
Discipline Specific Electives (DSE)
- DSE I: Cultural Transformations in Early Modern Europe-I (1500–1800)
- DSE II: Capitalism and Colonialism-I (16th to mid 19th Century)
- DSE III: Issues in World History-I (20th Century)
- DSE IV: Cultural Transformations in Early Modern Europe-II (1500–1800)
- DSE V: Capitalism and Colonialism-II (mid 19th to 20th Century)
- DSE VI: Issues in World History-II (20th Century)
Generic Electives (GE)
- GE I: Women in Indian History
- GE II: Gender in the Modern World
- GE III: Cultural Diversity in India
- GE IV: Environmental Issues in India
- GE V: Inequality and Difference
- GE VI: Delhi through the Ages
Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC)
- SEC I: History and Tourism
- SEC II: Introducing Indian Art
- SEC III: An Introduction to Archaeology
- SEC IV: Archives and Museums
- SEC V: Crafts and Artisans: Living Traditions
- SEC VI: Popular Culture
- SEC VII: Body and Healing in India
This is the official base list of ba history subjects offered under B.A. Programme History.
BA History Syllabus Semester-Wise Subjects (DU SOL)
Now let’s come to the part students search the most—semester-wise subjects.
Here is the official semester-wise sequence for B.A. (Programme) History under CBCS.
Semester 1
Core Course 1
- History of India from earliest times to c. 300 CE
Semester 2
Core Course 2
- History of India, c. 300–1200
Semester 3
Core Course 3
- History of India, c. 1200–1700
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC)
- Paper 1: History and Tourism
Semester 4
Core Course 4
- History of India, c. 1700–1950
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) (Choose one)
- Paper 2: Introducing Indian Art OR
- Paper 3: An Introduction to Archaeology
Semester 5
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) (Choose one)
- Cultural Transformations in Early Modern Europe-I (1500–1800) OR
- Capitalism and Colonialism-I (16th to mid 19th Century) OR
- Issues in World History-I (20th Century)
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) (Choose one)
- Archives and Museums OR
- Crafts and Artisans: Living Traditions
Generic Elective (GE) (Choose one)
- Women in Indian History OR
- Gender in the Modern World OR
- Cultural Diversity in India
Semester 6
Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) (Choose one)
- Cultural Transformations in Early Modern Europe-II (1500–1800) OR
- Capitalism and Colonialism-II (mid 19th to 20th Century) OR
- Issues in World History-II (20th Century)
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) (Choose one)
- Popular Culture OR
- Body and Healing in India
Generic Elective (GE) (Choose one)
- Environmental Issues in India OR
- Inequality and Difference OR
- Delhi through the Ages
Semester 1 Core: History of India (Earliest Times to 300 CE)
This paper focuses on early India and how we understand ancient history. As per the syllabus, it includes:
Interpreting ancient India and sources
Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic cultures
Harappan Civilization
Vedic culture and early iron age
Mahajanapadas and Magadhan expansion
Buddhism and Jainism
Mauryan Empire and Ashoka
Post-Mauryan period (Satavahanas, Kushanas)
Sangam Age
This builds your base in ba history and prepares you to understand later periods.
Semester 2 Core: History of India (300 to 1200)
This subject covers the classical and early medieval period. It includes:
- Gupta and Vakataka rule and developments
- Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Vardhanas
- Political structures of Rashtrakutas, Palas, Pratiharas
- Rajput states
- Cholas
- Arab and Ghaznavid expansion
- Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate
- Trade routes (land and sea)
This semester helps you understand political shifts and cultural change over time.
Semester 3 Core: History of India (1200–1700)
This paper focuses on medieval India including major political, administrative, and cultural developments.
Since this is a core subject, it plays a major role in your overall ba history syllabus preparation, especially for exam answers.
Semester 4 Core: History of India (1700–1950)
This paper takes you from the late Mughal period to modern India. It is one of the most important parts of the ba history syllabus, because it connects directly with colonial history, freedom movement, and social change.
Electives in Semester 5 & 6 (What You Can Choose)
From semester 5 onwards, you get options. That means students may not have the exact same papers. Your subjects depend on what you choose.
DSE (Discipline Specific Electives)
These focus more on world history and global themes like:
- Europe’s transformation (1500–1800)
- Capitalism and colonialism (16th–20th century)
- Key world history issues of the 20th century
SEC (Skill Enhancement Courses)
These are practical and skill-based. Students like these because they are easier to score when prepared well, and they also add real-life knowledge such as:
- Tourism
- Indian art
- Archaeology
- Museums and archives
- Living traditions
- Popular culture and healing traditions
GE (Generic Electives)
These papers give broader understanding and also support writing stronger answers in other subjects.
Why Understanding BA History Subjects Semester-Wise Helps
When you know the semester-wise ba history subjects, you can:
- Study without confusion
- Build notes in the right order
- Understand the time period flow (Ancient → Medieval → Modern)
- Choose electives wisely based on your interest
- Prepare better for exams
This is one of the best ways to score well in ba history.
Quick Study Tips for BA History (DU SOL Students)
Here are practical tips that actually work:
- Start every unit with a timeline
History becomes easier when you know the sequence of events. - Use headings in your answers
Your marks improve when your answer is structured properly. - Prepare short notes for every topic
Especially for core courses. - Don’t skip SEC and GE
These can help you score better and improve your overall result.
Conclusion
The ba history syllabus for DU SOL is well-structured and covers Indian history in a clear timeline—from earliest times to 1950. Along with this, you also study electives and skill-based papers that add value to your degree.
If you are serious about scoring well, your first step should be knowing the semester-wise ba history subjects and preparing each paper with a simple plan. Once your basics are strong, the rest of ba history becomes much easier and more interesting.
