This module is designed to provide a critical introduction to the political, economic, social and cultural history of India from the beginnings of religious based identities and the rise of nationalism in the late nineteenth century to the gaining of independence in 1947. The module follows a broadly chronological framework along major themes which include – the rebellion and resistance by Indians including subordinated groups; the emergence of the colonial economy; changes in the role and status of women; socio-religious and revivalist movements; the nationalist movement; and the growth of communal identities and partition.  The module also introduces students to various historiographical schools on various topics of relevance to the course.  The study of the Indian economy, politics and society will be useful for students planning an in-depth study of the sub-continent.  No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed.

·         To provide a critical account of the interaction between Britain and India from the Great Rebellion in 1857 to independence in 1947.

·         To study the major historiographical trends that have influenced the writing of Indian history in the colonial period and discuss their validity.

·         To allow students to develop a more nuanced understanding of the history of peoples in a non-European society through the adoption of an India-centred approach.

·         To show how indigenous forces of change were as crucial as the changes introduced by the British government in the formation of colonial and present-day India.

A programme of lectures which will introduce students to the main factual and conceptual issues to be discussed and analysed during the module.

Seminars related to lectures, in which key issues and topics are analysed and discussed further.

On completion of the module a student should be able to:
analyse key themes and events in the history of British Raj 1857-1947

-       discuss, with reference to modern historical scholarship, selected topics in the history of British Raj 1857-1947

-       critically evaluate the transformation of the British Raj in the period 1857-1947

-       demonstrate a critical understanding of the history of peoples in a non-European society through the adoption of an India-centred approach

-       demonstrate a critical understanding of how indigenous forces of change were as crucial as the changes introduced by the British government in the formation of colonial and present-day India.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Upon the completion of the option the typical student will be able to:

-       demonstrate a broad and systematic knowledge of the history of the British Raj

-       critically identify different trends in the transformation of the British Raj in the period 1857-1947

-       demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of concepts of gender, class, protest, nationalism and identity and how these concepts have been deployed in historical and historiographical writing on the British Raj

-       analyse key themes and issues in the history of the British Raj in the light of these ideas, contexts and frameworks.

Intellectual Skills:

Upon the completion of the option the typical student will be able to:

-       identify the nature and scope of the issues raised by the history of the British Raj

-       summarise and critically evaluate the relative merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations of the history of the British Raj and evaluate their significance

-       identify problems, assess evidence, and reach independent conclusions on the history of the British Raj

-       devise and sustain arguments about the nature of the history of the British Raj

-       Present accurately, succinctly and lucidly, and in written or oral form their arguments in accordance with appropriate scholarly conventions

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Upon the completion of the option the typical student will be able to:

-       Express their ideas on and assessments of the history of the British Raj

-       Discuss in a critical and informed manner the history of the British Raj

-       Identify strengths, weaknesses, problems, and/or peculiarities of alternative historical/historiographical interpretations

-       Demonstrate an awareness of a range of relevant primary sources and an appreciation of how historians have approached them

Transferable Skills:

Upon the completion of the option the typical student will be able to:

-       Communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in speech or in writing in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner.

-       Formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions about a range of issues.

-       Demonstrate an ability to modify as well as to defend their own positions.

-       Possess a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval.

-       Organise their own study methods and workload.

-       Work is part of the team in seminar and/or tutorial discussions.

-       Independently organise their own study methods and workload.

Summative assessment takes the form of one 3,000 - 4,000 word essay (excluding empirical appendices and references).

Topics to be covered include:

1. the impact of socio-religious reform movements;
2. the Indian economy during colonial rule with special emphasis on the de-industrialisation debates;
3. changes in the role and status of women;
4. the early Congress and the nationalist movement under Gandhi’s leadership;
5. the rise of communalism and partition of India.

Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund, A History of India (1992), chapters 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Judith Brown, Modern India (1990)

Stanley Wolpert, A New History of India (1997)

Jim Masselos, Indian Nationalism (1990)

Sumit Sarkar, Modern India 1885-1947 (1992) [seen from the Indian angle]

Burton Stein, A History of India (19980