MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY OF SOUTH ASIA

Introduction to advanced notions of the contemporary history of the Indian subcontinent and of the main historical and political events of South Asia.

The course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to do scientific research in the field of history of South Asia. Therefore the students completing the semester are expected to possess the knowledge of the state of the art of this subject, particularly in the perspective of contemporary history, social and anthropological studies . It is also considered necessary that they achieve mastery on methodological and critical tools to develop their own personal view on the topic and to possibly plan further research projects.

None. However, a general knowledge of South Asia's society and culture is desirable.
Furthermore, students are expected to have a good working knowledge of English language (and possibly some basic notions of Hindi) in order to independently access texts and sources related to the subject.

The course aims to provide students with an overview of the history of contemporary India through a series of lessons focusing on key moments and periods of these last decades. An attempt will be made of singling out and analyzing the determining factors and peculiar characteristic of each chosen topic and/or historical period.
Main topics: Colonialism and Indian nationalist movements; Gandhi, Tagore, Bose, Savarkar and other political leaders and 'freedom fighters'; India after Independence, the period from Nehru to Indira; Crisis of the years 90-91 and opening of the markets: The Indian economic boom; Diaspora and gender studies in South Asia; the Environmental Issue: resources, sustainability and Forest Policy; Adivasi Studies: indigeneity and the tribal issue; the rise of Modi and crucial moments in BJP politics; geopolitical elements for South Asia: the strategic role of India in the South Asian quadrant

Articles and selections from books will be provided by the teacher during the course or in any case the materials of the course will be uploaded on the related Moodle Digital Learning Platform

written and oral.
The exam will consist of an oral discussion of ca. 30 minutes, during which the student is expected to show his ability in exposing and critically debating the topics treated during classes; hence, utmost importance will be given to the notes taken during classes, which will significantly complement the texts listed in the selected bibliography.
Alternatively, it will be possible to prepare a written essay (possibly preparatory to the final MA thesis) on a subject relevant to the course chosen in agreement with the teacher.

Conventional class; seminars; workshops; participation of guests scholars from foreign universities; screening of audio-video material.

Italian

Teaching Language: Italian.
Students are advised to attend classes regularly.

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development