M.A. (Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology)

(This programme will be conducted in offline mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2026-2027

Commencement Date: 13th July 2026
Days: Monday to Saturday
Timing: 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm (depending upon the timetable)

This program fosters analytical and critical thinking through the study of ancient Indian culture, covering historical, philosophical, anthropological, and archaeological perspectives. Students explore themes like trade, rock-cut architecture, iconography, Indian aesthetics, and archaeological methods, deepening their understanding of India's cultural traditions over two years.

A key strength is its experiential and research-oriented learning, involving field visits, study tours, and archaeological excavations, connecting classroom learning with practical experience. Research skills are further developed through compulsory audit courses and the opportunity to study classical languages such as Prakrit, Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan, enabling engagement with original sources. In their final two semesters, students complete an independent dissertation project, applying their knowledge and research training to an original area of inquiry under faculty guidance.

 

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

1. B. A. in AIHC & Arch. or Graduate in any other discipline with Diploma in AIHC & Arch. 

2. Students from disciplines other than Ancient Indian History & Archaeology or History  must have cleared the Diploma in Ancient Indian History & Archaeology or History. Candidates with self-study of the domain will have to take an entrance exam.

3. Exceptional candidates with a score lower than 55% may be considered, based on an interview. In case selected, they will have to undergo the entrance exam.

4. A score of minimum 40% is required in the entrance exam.

Pedagogy

This multidisciplinary program combines lecture and seminar formats with experiential learning, including site-based exploration for courses like Rock-cut or Temple Architecture, and extensive field visits, archaeological site explorations, excavation training, and museum visits for Archaeology and Museum Studies. Students gain hands-on experience in documenting, interpreting, preserving, and presenting cultural heritage, while also having the opportunity to select electives from other Master's programs to broaden their understanding of ancient languages, comparative religion, Indian history, and heritage studies. The program emphasizes independent inquiry, critical thinking, and research skills through continuous assessment, often involving essays, research projects, presentations, or field-based assignments instead of traditional examinations.

Curriculum

 
 
 
Semester I Semester II
Cultural History of Ancient India - I Cultural History of Ancient India - II
Fundamentals of Archiving and Museoloyg - I Archiving and Museoloyg - II
Archaeological (Methodology/Material Culture) Aesthetics
Art History - I Art History - II 
Research Methodology Research Methods and Approaches 
  OJT (On the Job training)/FP (Field Project)
 Elective - Group - I   Elective - Group - I
Introdution to selected Indian Classical Languages Travelling Stories
Indian Philosophical Systems  Ancient India Through Foreigners Account
Rock-cut Architecture  Prehistory 
Elective - Group - II  Elective - Group - II
Ancient Literary Traditions: A Ancient Literary Traditions: B
Ancient Educational Tradition Ancient Painting 
Epigraphy Numismatics 
Semester III Semester IV
Historical and Medieval Archaeology Historiography
Proto History Temple Architecture
Ethnography Ancient Geography of India
Feminist approach in Ancient India Epigraphy and Numismatics
Dissertation- Field work Dissertation - writing and submission
 Elective - Group - I   Elective - Group - I
Shaivism & Vaishnavism  Maritime History
War in Ancient and Medieval India Performing Arts
Ancient Mumbai: History & Archaeology  Abrahamic religions in India (J.C.I.B)
Elective - Group - II Elective - Group - II
Shaktism Popular Culture and Heritage of India
Analysis of Ancient Indian Literary Traditions: B State Wealth Kingship
Ancient Indian Iconography Forts and Fortification

Differentiators

The Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology adopts an innovative and flexible learning approach that caters to both full-time students and those pursuing their academic interests at their own pace. Drawing on the diverse expertise of its faculty, the curriculum offers interdisciplinary perspectives and a rich range of specialised courses. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on hands-on learning. This blend of academic rigour and experiential learning enables students to engage directly with historical sources and material culture, developing both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

The Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology places strong emphasis on experiential learning, enabling students to engage directly with the material and cultural heritage they study. Learning extends beyond the classroom through a variety of immersive academic experiences, including:

Internship opportunities with museums, heritage organisations, archaeological projects, and research institutions, allowing students to apply their knowledge in professional settings.
Hands-on training in archaeological methods, artefact analysis, epigraphy, numismatics, heritage documentation, and research practices.
Research projects and field-based assignments that encourage critical inquiry, observation, and engagement with primary sources and material culture.


 

The Department benefits from the extensive library resources of the K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, which houses a collection of over 30,000 books and serves as a valuable academic resource for students and researchers. The library includes a substantial collection of works on archaeology, ancient Indian history, art, architecture, epigraphy, numismatics, heritage studies, religion, philosophy, and other allied disciplines, providing students with access to a wide range of scholarly perspectives and research materials.

The Department enriches student learning through dynamic environment that includes seminars, workshops, conferences, and field-based activities that complement classroom teaching. An annual field trip provides first-hand exposure to archaeological sites, museums, monuments, and cultural landscapes, enabling students to engage directly with the material evidence of the past. Regular workshops and interactions with scholars, researchers, and heritage professionals offer practical training and insights into contemporary developments in the field. Students are encouraged to present their work at conferences and academic forums, helping them develop research, communication, and professional skills. Additionally, opportunities to volunteer in the planning and execution of academic events, workshops, and conferences allow students to gain valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, event management, and professional collaboration.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, a student will:

  • Be equipped with methodological tools that are key to future research in this discipline.
  • Be able to link narrative literature to art as well as to transmission of ideas across cultures, thus learning on a wider canvas that questions ideas of authenticity and purity of the “original”.

Activity

Annual study tour at Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal in Karnataka

Every year, the students undertake an annual study tour to complement classroom learning with direct engagement at heritage sites. In January 2026, the students of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology visited the remarkable temple complexes of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal in Karnataka to understand these important centres in the development of early Indian temple architecture. Through guided site visits, students examined Chalukyan art, architecture, iconography, and ancient inscriptions, gaining firsthand insight into the evolution of sacred spaces. The trip included exploring rock-cut caves, structural temples and museums. Such immersive field experiences allow students to connect theory with practice and deepen their understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the glimpses of the tour.

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