History 386, Modern India

Prof. McGowen Office: 365 McKenzie

Summer, 2006 Wed. 9-10

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.

Please be aware that this course is as rigorous as that offered during the normal school year. You will be doing the same amount of work as I assign during a normal quarter. This means that you should be prepared to devote several hours every day to completing reading assignments. The course grade will be determined on the basis of a midterm exam (30% of grade) and a final exam (50% of 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).

Required readings:

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

Metcalf & Metcalf, A Concise History of India

W & C Wiser, Behind Mud Walls (2000 edition)

Course Outline:

June 26 Consolidation of British rule after 1857 Hay, 173-95;

Metcalf, chap. 4

June 27 Rise of Hindu reform Hay, 36-82

June 28 Character of British rule Metcalf, chap. 5

June 29 Indian opposition Hay, 84-127

July 3 Radical nationalism Hay, 128-71

July 5 Idealism and prejudice in British rule

First Debate: What is the goal and what are the best means for achieving Indian independence (Moderates vs. Extremists)?

July 6 Living under British rule Wiser, 1-134

July 10 The crisis of 1914-20 Metcalf, chap. 6

MIDTERM EXAM (first half of class period)

July 11 Indian loyalties and identities Metcalf, chap. 7

July 12 The rise of Muslim communalism Hay, 195-241

July 13 Gandhi in his own words Hay, 243-73

Metcalf, chap. 8

July 17 Indian village life in the 20 th century Wiser, 135-235

Second Debate: Can Muslims and Hindus live together in a united India (same boundaries as British India ) after independence?

July 18 Other voices of opposition Hay, 275-333

July 19 The Nehru dynasty Metcalf, chap. 9; Wiser, 238-338

July 20 Final exam (during class time) -- two-hour essay exam