History 386, Modern India

Prof. McGowen Office: 365 McKenzie x-4831

Winter 2006 hours – tu-th 10-11

This course introduces students to the history of India from 1857 to the present. In the wake of the great revolt of 1857, the British transformed the methods and goals of their rule. We will study the character of that regime and of the many and varied responses of Indian peoples to that empire. Of particular concern to us will be the transmission of ideas and institutions between the British and Indians. We will also examine the rise, development, and the ultimate success of the independence movement of the twentieth century, as well as the background to the tragic conflict between Hindus and Muslims that tore apart the sub-continent. The course concludes with a study of India in the fifty years since independence.

The course grade will be determined on the basis of a midterm exam (30% of the grade) and a final exam (50% of the grade). Class discussion is also an important part of the course, and students are expected to complete reading assignments on time and to participate in discussion. (Please bring the Hay volume to every class.) Twice during the term students will participate in a debate over an issue arising from the readings. Each student should prepare a two-page summary of his or her position, supported with quotes taken from the Hay volume (to be handed in on the day of the debate). These papers will receive a satisfactory or unsatisfactory mark (and this grade will be figured into the discussion grade – 20% of the final grade).

I will be using Blackboard in this course to manage assignments. You will find study questions for the readings, as well as for the exams, at the Blackboard site.

Required Readings :

B & T Metcalf, A Concise History of India

ed. Stephen Hay, Sources of Indian Tradition , vol. 2

•  Kipling, Kim

•  Tandon, Punjabi Century

W & C Wiser, Behind Mud Walls

Course Outline:

Jan. 9 Consolidation of British rule after 1857 Hay, 173-95

Jan. 11 Rise of Hindu reform Hay, 36-82

Jan. 16 Character of British rule Metcalf, chap. 4

Jan. 18 The ambiguities of empire Kim (entire)

Jan. 23 Early Indian political movements Hay, 84-127

Jan. 25 Radical nationalism Metcalf, chap.5 Hay, 128-71

Jan. 30 First debate: What is the goal and what are the best

means for achieving Indian independence (Moderates vs. Extremists)?

Feb. 1 Idealism and prejudice Tandon, 7-123

Feb. 6 Living under British rule Tandon, 124-256.

Feb. 8 The crisis of the early 20 th century

Feb. 13 midterm exam (essay and short answer)

Feb. 15 The rise of Muslim communalism Hay, 195-222

Metcalf, chap. 6

Feb. 20 Gandhi in his own words Hay, 243-73

Feb. 22 Other voices of opposition Hay, 222-41,

275-333

Feb. 27 Second debate: Can Muslims and Hindus live together in a

united India (in the same boundaries as British India ) after

independence? Metcalf, chap. 7

Mar. 1 Indian village life in the 20 th century Wiser, 1-134

Mar. 6 The politics of independent India Wiser, 135-275

Metcalf, chap. 8

Mar. 8 The Nehru dynasty Metcalf, chap. 9

Hay, 334-78

Mar. 13 Village India since independence Wiser, 279-346

Mar. 15 The rebirth of communal politics