This course offers an introductory survey of modern South Asian history and society from the 18th century to the present. It traces the decline of the Mughal Empire, the advent of British colonialism and the struggles around decolonization and independence through the 20th century. Organized chronologically, the course acquaints students with significant developments, key actors and concepts in South Asian history. In addition, it introduces students to historical phenomena specific to the subcontinent, such as the caste system. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of major conceptual and theoretical issues that animate South Asian history as well as some of the key historiographical debates in the field.
