Overview

Course No. 8350

Embark on a captivating journey through South Asia, tracing its rich tapestry from ancient societies to contemporary challenges. This course, taught by an award-winning professor, explores India’s historical development, cultural diversity, and the influence of major events and figures.

Course Outline

1. Earliest History of the Indian Subcontinent (33 min)
   • Explore the geological and geographical foundations that shaped the early societies.

• Migration and the Adivasi (34 min)
  • Study the Adivasi, the first inhabitants, and their significance in ancient India.

3. Indus Valley Civilization (31 min)
   • Discover the mysteries of the urban civilization that thrived in the Indus Valley.

4. Indo-European Vedic Culture (31 min)
   • Delve into the origins of Hinduism and the significance of the Vedas in early Indian civilization.

5. Caste: Varna and Jati (30 min)
   • Understand the Vedic caste system and its impact on Indian society.

6. Epic Literature: Ramayana (31 min)
   • Analyze the Ramayana, its themes, and its historical context.

7. Epic History: Mahabharata (30 min)
   • Explore the Mahabharata’s plot and its cultural significance in India.

8. Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita (28 min)
   • Investigate the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and their relevance in Hindu philosophy.

9. The Origins and Rise of Jainism (30 min)
   • Learn about Jainism’s roots and philosophy as alternatives to Vedic traditions.

10. The Origins and Rise of Buddhism (29 min)
    • Study the tenets of Buddhism and its founder, Siddhartha Gautama.

11. The Mauryan Empire (31 min)
    • Explore the establishment of India’s first major empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

12. Ashoka’s Imperial Buddhism (30 min)
    • Examine Ashoka’s influence and conversion to Buddhism, promoting peace and welfare.

13. Deccani and Southern States (31 min)
    • Discover the diverse kingdoms in Southern India and their unique characteristics.

14. Northwest and North India (31 min)
    • Analyze the dynasties that emerged in northern India after the Mauryan Empire’s decline.

15. Brahmanic Synthesis (30 min)
    • Explore the development of Hinduism through the Brahmanic revival and its key texts.

16. Indian Parsis, Jews, and Christians (30 min)
    • Investigate the diverse communities in India and their interactions with Hindu society.

• Islam Comes to India (30 min)
  • Understand the historical spread of Islam and its integration into Indian culture.

18. Indian Sultans (30 min)
    • Meet influential Muslim rulers and explore their impact on Indian history.

19. The Early Mughal Empire (33 min)
    • Trace the rise of the Mughal Empire and its founder, Babur.

• The Reign of Emperor Akbar (35 min)
  • Explore Akbar’s policies that shaped the Mughal Empire and promoted inclusivity.

• Later Mughal Emperors (33 min)
  • Examine the succession of emperors following Akbar and their contributions.

• The Mughals and the Marathas (32 min)
  • Understand the conflict between the Mughal Empire and rising Maratha power.

23. Competing European Empires (29 min)
    • Review the arrival of European traders and their impact on Indian trade dynamics.

24. The British East India Company (32 min)
    • Study the rise of the British East India Company and its influence on Indian politics.

25. The Issues and Events of 1857 (29 min)
    • Analyze the events leading to the 1857 uprising and its historical significance.

• The British Raj and Early Nationalism (31 min)
  • Understand the British colonial period and the emergence of Indian nationalism.

27. India and Indians in the World (31 min)
    • Explore the global impact of the Indian diaspora in various countries.

• Mahatma Gandhi (29 min)
  • Follow Gandhi’s life journey and his role in India’s struggle for independence.

29. Nationalists Ambedkar, Bose, and Jinnah (30 min)
    • Meet influential leaders and their diverse approaches to achieving independence.

30. The Partition of 1947 (30 min)
    • Investigate the causes and consequences of the partition of India and Pakistan.

• West and East Pakistan (28 min)
  • Review the challenges faced by Pakistan after the partition and the rise of regional identities.

32. The New Pakistan (30 min)
    • Explore the political history of Pakistan from its independence to present day.

33. Independent Bangladesh (29 min)
    • Learn about Bangladesh’s turbulent history and its journey to independence.

34. India under Nehru (31 min)
    • Examine Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for a secular India post-independence.

35. Modernizing India (29 min)
    • Review the challenges and changes India faced in the late 20th century.

36. South Asia into the 21st Century (34 min)
    • Conclude with an overview of South Asia’s current status and future prospects.