BHUM 12A17 - Heritage and Identity in South Asia

This course explores the rich and multifaceted history of South Asia through the lens of its iconic archaeological and historical landmarks, highlighting their relevance to contemporary societies.

Each session focuses on a different heritage site. With the help of pictures and curated readings, students are invited to learn about associated events, people, and the broader historical context. The course also examines how these landmarks were (re)discovered and their place in past and ongoing historiographical debates. Lastly, it addresses the socio-political significance of heritage, emphasizing its role in shaping collective identities. These sites, often serving as places of recreation, pilgrimage, or cultural pride, carry profound symbolic importance at local, communal, and national levels. However, they can also become flashpoints for political controversies and contestation.

By the end of the course, students will not only have acquired foundational knowledge of South Asian history but also developed a critical understanding of how historical narratives are constructed and their implications in contemporary identity formation, as well as refined their grasp on academic research methodology and writing.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to :

1°) Acquire general knowledge about South Asia’s precolonial history through the study of heritage sites and reading assignments.

2°) Become acquainted with key historiographical debates and their relevance for contemporary identity narratives and heritage politics in South Asia.

3°) Develop a critical approach to history by understanding the process by which historical knowledge is constructed and mobilised.

4°) Acquire the basics of academic research methodology and writing.

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments

1°)A research paper : 2500 to 3500 words (40% of the final grade)

2°) A written exam in the last session (30% of the final grade);

3°) A participation mark which includes the discussion in class of the reading assignments for each session (20% of the final grade);

4°) Knowledge quizzes during the semester (10% of the final grade).