0000182 - history of ancient and medieval India

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Acquisition of a structured understanding of the political, economic, and cultural history of South Asia from antiquity through the Sultanate and Vijayanagara periods;
• Familiarity with key issues of periodization and historiographic definition, including conceptual categories such as “Ancient,” “Medieval,” and “Early Modern” India;
• Critical understanding of political and urban transformations, interregional connections, and long-term economic dynamics.

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The course equips students with theoretical and methodological tools to:

• critically analyse major sources for the history of South Asia (inscriptions, coins, historical texts);
• discuss state formation and patterns of urbanization at the regional level;
• interpret historical developments through comparative and transregional perspectives, with particular attention to Southeast Asian connections;
• reflect on the use of historiographic categories and their impact on historical narratives.

FURTHER EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Independent judgment:

Students will develop the ability to assess historical sources and interpretations critically, identifying patterns of continuity and change in political and cultural processes.

Communication skills:

Students will be able to present complex historical arguments clearly, both orally and in writing, using appropriate disciplinary terminology.

Learning skills:

Students will acquire the tools to pursue independent study of complex historical issues, including through the consultation of primary sources and scholarly literature in foreign languages.