This course aims to introduce the major issues in the history of modern South Asia from the mid 19th century. The focus is the interaction of religion, culture and history in the formation and development of the nations of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Students will develop the critical tools to understand how cultural identities relate to contemporary issues in South Asia and to analyse current political events in their historical contexts. We will explore the events, people and ideas that shaped modern South Asia from the mid 19th century to the present. The course will also discuss the evolution of Indian diasporic communities in the late 20th century and their relations with the Indian sub-continent.

Tutorial participation (20%) Essay (50%) Exam (30%)

32 contact hours per semester

6 university courses (36 units).

AREL2161 Indian Religions and Cultures

Metcalf, Barbara D. and Thomas R., A Concise History of Modern India, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2002

Khilnani, Sunil, The Idea of India, updated edition, New Delhi: Penguin, 2004.