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A Brief History of India.

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 169 ratings
see reviews
Balaji Viswanathan

Have you ever wondered how one-sixth of humanity lives in India?

Have you ever wondered the story behind India's immense diversity?

Have you ever been curious about various events that changed India?

Whether you are an Indian trying to understand your own country or a foreigner trying to get a handle of India, this course would be apt.

You can finish this course in a couple of hours. The course is predominantly video based and a lot of effort is put into making the 170 slides for this course.

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What's inside

Learning objective

By the end of this course you will have strong understanding of indian history.

Syllabus

Geography and stone age.
How India's geography shaped the history.
Migration of humans from Africa to India.
Ancient India
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a chronological exploration of India's past, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, which is ideal for learners seeking a broad understanding
Examines the influence of geography on India's historical trajectory, which is a crucial aspect of understanding the nation's development and its interactions with the world
Covers the Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic Era, which are foundational periods that shaped the cultural and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent
Explores the Hindu-Islamic Era, which is a period of significant cultural exchange and synthesis that profoundly influenced Indian society, art, and architecture
Discusses the age of colonialism and the Indian independence movement, which are pivotal events that shaped the nation's political identity and its place in the world
Requires learners to have access to a slide deck, which may require additional software or a specific device to view, potentially creating a barrier for some learners

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Reviews summary

Concise overview of indian history

According to learners, this course serves as a positive excellent starting point and provides a positive good overview of a vast and complex topic. Many appreciate how the course covers the entire history of India in a neutral brief format, making it positive accessible and positive easy to digest for beginners or those seeking a quick introduction. However, some students note that due to its brevity, the course naturally warning lacks depth in certain periods or topics, and is best viewed as a warning high-level summary rather than a comprehensive study.
Utilizes video lectures and slides.
"The course is predominantly video based and uses a lot of slides."
"I liked the visual approach with the slides accompanying the videos."
"The video format made it easy to watch and learn."
"Relies heavily on the spoken lecture and accompanying slides."
Covers vast history quickly.
"You can finish this course in a short amount of time, which is great for busy people."
"It covers the entire history from ancient to modern in just a couple of hours."
"The brevity is a key feature - it's meant to be a quick look."
"Perfect if you need a rapid run-through of the key points."
Easy to follow for newcomers.
"Great for someone like me who had very little prior knowledge."
"The way the information is presented makes it easy to follow for beginners."
"As a foreigner, this course was an excellent way to get a handle on the basics."
"I found it very easy to digest the information, even without a history background."
Provides an accessible introduction.
"This course provides a good overview of Indian history..."
"A very concise and well-structured overview of India's rich history."
"Excellent course for a quick introduction to the major periods and events."
"I got a great summary of Indian history from this course."
Too brief for detailed understanding.
"While it was a good overview, it is very brief and doesn't go into much detail."
"The course covers a huge timespan very quickly, so don't expect deep dives."
"Good for a summary, but I'd need more resources for in-depth knowledge."
"Felt a bit rushed through certain complex periods."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Brief History of India. with these activities:
Read 'India: A History' by John Keay
Gain a deeper understanding of Indian history by reading a comprehensive and well-regarded book on the subject.
View Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'India: A History' by John Keay.
  • Read the book, focusing on key periods and events covered in the course.
  • Take notes on important concepts and figures.
Review World History Timelines
Establish a broader historical context for Indian history by reviewing world history timelines.
Browse courses on World History
Show steps
  • Find reliable online resources with world history timelines.
  • Review timelines, paying attention to events concurrent with Indian history.
  • Note any connections or influences between world events and Indian history.
Create a Timeline of Indian Dynasties
Solidify your understanding of the chronological order of Indian dynasties by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
  • Research the major dynasties of Indian history.
  • Create a timeline using online tools or presentation software.
  • Add key events and figures for each dynasty.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Key Events with Peers
Reinforce your understanding and gain new perspectives by discussing key events in Indian history with other students.
Show steps
  • Organize a virtual or in-person study group with other students.
  • Choose specific events or periods to discuss.
  • Share your understanding and listen to others' perspectives.
Write a Short Essay on the Impact of Colonialism
Deepen your understanding of the impact of colonialism on India by writing a short essay exploring its various facets.
Show steps
  • Research the impact of colonialism on India's economy, society, and culture.
  • Develop a thesis statement outlining your main argument.
  • Write a well-structured essay with supporting evidence.
Explore 'The Argumentative Indian' by Amartya Sen
Expand your understanding of Indian culture and intellectual traditions by reading a thought-provoking book by a Nobel laureate.
View Home in the World on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Argumentative Indian' by Amartya Sen.
  • Read the book, focusing on the historical and cultural context of argumentation in India.
  • Reflect on how these traditions have shaped modern India.
Research and Present on a Specific Historical Figure
Further your knowledge by researching and presenting on a significant figure from Indian history.
Show steps
  • Choose a historical figure from Indian history that interests you.
  • Conduct thorough research using reliable sources.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing their life, achievements, and impact.
  • Present your findings to a group or online forum.

Career center

Learners who complete A Brief History of India. will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A historian studies the past, often focusing on specific regions or time periods. This course, with its coverage of Indian history from ancient times to the modern era, provides a broad overview that can be helpful for a historian interested in understanding India's development. It can help build a foundation in the subject, providing a helpful context that a historian may use to explore particular topics in greater detail. This course's exploration of the Mauryan Empire, the Hindu-Islamic era, and the age of colonialism can help a historian. The video-based format and visual aids can allow for a more engaging overview of this complex topic, helping to keep a historian more motivated to learn about Indian history.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Teacher
A teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. For a teacher focusing on history, this course covering Indian history may be helpful. The historical overview, from the stone age to modern India, can be used to create lesson plans and to give a broad view of history. The course provides a view of the Vedic era to the post-colonial period that can be woven into a more detailed course on any of these periods. The video format and visual aids may help a teacher to think about how to present complex historical information in engaging ways. This course may be helpful to a teacher who seeks a broad view of the history of India.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher conducts scholarly investigations in a specific field, and for those researching India, this course may be useful. The course's historical overview may help develop a foundation for research into Indian civilizations. The content of the course, including the Indus Valley civilization, the Vedic era, the Mauryan empire, the colonial period, and post-independence India, can be used as a foundation for research. The course's emphasis on various eras and their influence on Indian society may be useful for focusing research inquiries. Those who plan to do further research into Indian history may find this course helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher
Documentary Filmmaker
A documentary filmmaker researches and produces films on real events and people. This course's overview of Indian history may be helpful for those who may wish to make documentaries about India. This course can provide a helpful historical context. A filmmaker may find that the course's focus on various historical eras can provide inspiration for possible topics and stories. The visual emphasis may provide inspiration for how to present historical material in an engaging manner. A documentary filmmaker might find that this course helps them to develop a deeper understanding of Indian history and culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Filmmaker
Political Scientist
A political scientist studies political systems, theories, and behaviors. This course, which provides a broad overview of Indian history, may be helpful to a political scientist seeking to understand the development of politics in India over time. The course may be helpful in providing background on India's political development from its ancient kingdoms to its modern form. The study of the colonial period and the independence movement is highly relevant to political scientists who wish to understand the origins of India's modern political structures. A political scientist might find it useful to understand the history behind the Indian political system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist
Content Creator
A content creator develops written, visual, or audio content for various platforms. This course, which provides an overview of Indian history, may be helpful for a content creator wanting to make content about India, its culture, and its history. The course's outline of major historical events and eras can be helpful for creating accurate and informative content. A content creator working on materials about India will appreciate the course's timeline from the Indus Valley Civilization to modern India. The course's format, which is video-based with visual aids, may help inspire ideas on how to create engaging content of their own. This course might be helpful for exploring many different options for content creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and collections. A deep understanding of the historical context is vital, and this course's focus on Indian history may be useful, providing important background. A museum curator working with Indian artifacts would benefit from the course's overview of India's historical eras, from the Indus Valley Civilization to the modern era. The course's attention to the sequence of historical events and its emphasis on visuals through 170 slides can aid in planning educational exhibitions that are chronologically ordered and visually compelling. A strong understanding of Indian history can lead to thoughtful and informative displays.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
International Relations Specialist
An international relations specialist analyzes political, economic, and social issues to understand relationships between countries. This course, with its focus on Indian history, may be useful for an international relations specialist who needs to understand India's development from ancient times to the modern era. The course's overview of the age of colonialism and India's struggle for independence may be helpful in providing context for India's modern political and economic stance. A broad understanding of Indian history, as provided by this course, can help an international relations specialist to better analyze India's relations with other countries. This course may be useful for those who wish to understand the historical context of international relations with India.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and evaluates policies and programs. Knowledge of India's history, as offered by this course, may be useful when analyzing and developing policies that concern India. A policy analyst may need to understand the background and development of policies, and this course may be helpful by outlining key periods of Indian history from ancient times to the modern era. The course's information on the colonial period and India's post-independence era may help with an understanding of how present-day policies evolved. This course may be useful for anyone requiring a solid overview of Indian history for their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Journalist
A journalist researches and reports on current events and matters of public interest. For a journalist covering issues concerning India, a background in that country's history may be useful, and this course may be helpful in providing this. The course's sweep of Indian history, from the stone age to post-independence India, can provide important context for understanding present issues. The course's coverage of the colonial period, the struggle for independence, and post-independence India may be especially helpful for a journalist reporting on political and social developments in the country. This course may be useful to a journalist who seeks a deeper understanding of Indian history.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager works to preserve and promote cultural heritage sites. A thorough background in history is essential for this role. This course's survey of Indian history may be helpful to those who plan to manage heritage sites in India. The historical sweep, from the Indus Valley Civilization to modern India, would help a cultural heritage manager to contextualize and interpret various sites. The course's coverage of the Mauryan Empire, the Classical era, and the colonial period may be helpful when managing sites dating from these periods. The emphasis on visual and geographical context can allow for more thoughtful approaches to preservation and promotion, which a cultural heritage manager can use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Heritage Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the planning and execution of programs for nonprofit organizations. For a program manager working on issues related to India, this course may be useful. A program manager may find that information about the Indian historical context will aid in program design and implementation. The course's coverage of India from ancient to modern times may be useful for a program manager seeking to understand the background context of their work. The video format and slides may help this program manager think about different ways to present information and educate communities. This course may be useful for gaining a deeper appreciation of Indian history.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager
Travel Writer
A travel writer researches and creates content about travel destinations. This course, which provides an overview of Indian history, may be helpful to a travel writer who wishes to create well-informed content regarding India, its diverse cultures and heritage. The course's mention of key historical periods and events can help a travel writer to add context to travel guides and articles. In particular, the course's details regarding the geography of India and its influence on human migration and civilization can be helpful when describing the history of a particular place. A travel writer may find it useful to understand Indian history in order to create more substantive travel pieces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Writer
Archivist
An archivist assesses, collects, organizes, and preserves historical documents and records. This course's comprehensive overview of Indian history can provide a helpful foundation for an archivist who may be responsible for organizing and cataloging historical materials from India. An archivist needs to understand the context of materials they manage, and the knowledge of key periods and events from ancient India to the post-independence era, as presented in this course, may assist with this. The course's focus on the various time periods and events that changed India may be helpful in allowing the archivist to place documents within appropriate historical contexts. This course may be useful by providing a broad view of Indian history to supplement an archivist’s work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
Librarian
A librarian manages library resources and assists library users with their research. A background in history and culture can help a librarian to contextualize the books they manage, and this course's broad overview of Indian history may be helpful for those seeking to work with collections of Indian literature. In particular, the course's overview of the Vedic era, the Mauryan Empire, and the colonial period may be particularly useful for selecting and classifying books. A librarian may find the course's historical sweep, from the stone age to post-independence, helpful when assisting patrons with research on India. The video format and emphasis on visual learning can make understanding historical context accessible to those unfamiliar with it.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Brief History of India..
Cover image
Himalaya
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Indian history from ancient times to the present day. It offers a detailed narrative and insightful analysis of key events, dynasties, and cultural developments. Reading this book will significantly enhance your understanding of the historical context covered in the course. It widely respected and well-researched resource often used in academic settings.
Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World
Hardcover
$$
The Gilgit Game: The Explorers of the Western...
Hardcover
$$$
Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Home in the World
Save
Explores the history and traditions of argumentative reasoning in India. It provides insights into the intellectual and cultural heritage of the country. Reading this book will help you understand the diverse perspectives and debates that have shaped Indian society. It is valuable as additional reading to provide more depth to the course.
Home in the World
Paperback
Check
Home in the World
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
4.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Balaji Viswanathan
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a chronological exploration of India's past, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, which is ideal for learners seeking a broad understanding
Examines the influence of geography on India's historical trajectory, which is a crucial aspect of understanding the nation's development and its interactions with the world
Covers the Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic Era, which are foundational periods that shaped the cultural and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent
Explores the Hindu-Islamic Era, which is a period of significant cultural exchange and synthesis that profoundly influenced Indian society, art, and architecture
Discusses the age of colonialism and the Indian independence movement, which are pivotal events that shaped the nation's political identity and its place in the world
Requires learners to have access to a slide deck, which may require additional software or a specific device to view, potentially creating a barrier for some learners
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