The College was started as a junior college in 1967 with only pre-degree classes.the department has been an integral part of the college's journey, playing a vital role in its growth and progression. With a rich academic heritage and a commitment to holistic development, our department stands as a premier academic centre within the college.
The growth and progression of the college is closely tied to the growth of the History Department. The upgrading of the College was done when an under-graduate course in History was started in 1978.Right from the days of its initiation the Department enjoys pride of place in the academic as well as other activities of our College. Metaphorically speaking, the whole scenario of the institution revolved around History Department. Hundreds of students took their bachelors degree from here In 1984 this institution assumed the status of a first grade college when a postgraduate programme in History was Introduced. This substantiates the significance of the department in the progression of the institution as a whole.
The Department of History is housed in a separate building spread over aprox. 200 sq meters The department is fully engaged in diverse programs that promote all round development of its students and there is constant interaction with the students to ensure that they remotivated and achieve academic success and knowledge to help them in their future endeavors. The Dept now has a teaching staff of seven catering to a student body of approximately 200 students and is a premier academic center of this college. Most of the students reached better positions in diverse spheres of the society.
Mission: Our mission is to provide quality education, foster a deep understanding of historical perspectives, and cultivate critical thinking skills among our students. We aim to empower them with knowledge, instil a passion for history, and prepare them for future endeavours.
Team Structure: Our department boasts a team of seven highly qualified and dedicated faculty members who are committed to academic excellence. Their expertise spans diverse historical periods and regions, enriching the learning experience of our students.
Achievements and Success Stories: Throughout our illustrious history, the PG Department of History has achieved several milestones and witnessed numerous success stories. Our alumni have excelled in various spheres of society, occupying prominent positions and contributing significantly to their respective fields. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the quality education and guidance they received from our department.
Collaboration and Partnerships: We actively seek collaborations with renowned historians, scholars, and academic institutions to foster a vibrant intellectual community. By engaging in fruitful partnerships, we enhance research opportunities, promote academic exchange, and broaden the horizons of our students.
COURSES OFFERED
B A HISTORY
M A HISTORY
Key Projects and Initiatives:
Core Values and Culture: Our department prides itself on upholding core values such as academic integrity, inclusivity, and intellectual curiosity. We foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and lifelong learning, encouraging students to explore diverse historical perspectives and think critically.
Training and Development: We are committed to the growth and development of our students beyond the classroom. We provide comprehensive training and guidance to enhance their research, analytical, and communication skills. Through workshops, seminars, and guest lectures, we expose students to emerging trends and methodologies in the field of history.
Future Goals and Objectives:
We invite you to join us on an enriching journey through time as we explore the depths of history and uncover the stories that have shaped our world.
DEPARTMENT LIBRARY
The Department of History takes great pride in maintaining a well-equipped and comprehensive department library. Our library serves as a valuable resource Centre for students, faculty members, and researchers, offering a wide range of books, journals, dissertations, and projects related to the field of history.
Collection and Resources: The library has diligently curated a diverse collection of books, covering various historical periods, regions, and themes. It includes both reference books and textbooks, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of resources for their academic pursuits. The collection also encompasses rare and specialized publications, providing an opportunity for in-depth research.
In addition to books, the library subscribes to a variety of journals and periodicals focused on history, enabling students to stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field. These journals offer valuable insights into historical methodologies, current debates, and emerging trends.
The library also houses dissertations and projects completed by countless students and staff who have passed through the college. This collection showcases the scholarly contributions of the college community, providing a valuable reference for future research and academic endeavours.
Heritage Museum
The PG Department of History takes great pride in maintaining an impressive Heritage and Archaeological Museum. Our museum serves as a repository of artifacts and historical remnants, preserving the rich cultural heritage of our locality and offering valuable insights into the past.
Museum Description: Spread over a dedicated area of approximately 200 square meters, our museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts from various historical periods. One notable feature of our museum is the significant collection of coins that spans different eras, providing a glimpse into the monetary systems and economic structures of the past. Additionally, the museum showcases a range of articles that shed light on the social, cultural, and political facets of Kerala's history.
Traverse through History: Traverse through History is an engaging exploration program organized by our museum. The program aims to introduce students to the historicity of our locality, fostering a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of our past. One of the main components of this program is the Museum Drive, which involves collecting valuable material remains from our local history. This initiative encourages students to actively participate in preserving and documenting the artifacts that shape our collective heritage.
Excavations and Discoveries: The Department of History has conducted excavations in the surrounding areas, unearthing significant historical artifacts. These findings include utensils and iron implements discovered at burial sites, offering invaluable insights into the lifestyles and traditions of Kerala's past. These discoveries contribute to ongoing research efforts and provide tangible evidence for the hidden stories that lie buried beneath the surface.
Programs and Activities: The museum at the PG Department of History is not just a space for preservation, but also an active hub for educational and cultural activities. Here are some of the programs and activities organized by the museum:
By actively engaging students and the wider community, our museum initiatives aim to promote historical awareness, cultural preservation, and a sense of pride in our collective heritage.
Centre for Local Knowledge
At the PG Department of History, we recognize the significance of local histories and local knowledge in understanding the past and preserving cultural heritage. As part of our commitment to promoting research in local history, we have established a Centre for Local Knowledge. This centre serves as a dedicated platform for students and researchers to explore and document the rich historical narratives and local traditions within our region.
Research Projects in Local History: Both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students are encouraged to undertake research projects in local history. These projects form a crucial component of their academic curriculum, allowing them to delve into specific aspects of our local heritage. Through these projects, students explore the unique historical events, cultural practices, and socio-economic transformations that have shaped our community.
Thesis and Research Methodology: Students engaged in local history projects are guided to develop their theses following a rigorous research methodology. They learn to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, and design research frameworks that incorporate both primary and secondary data sources. This ensures that their research is comprehensive, well-grounded, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge.
Collection of Primary and Secondary Data: To support the research endeavors of our students, we emphasize the collection of both primary and secondary data. Students are encouraged to engage with local communities, conduct interviews, gather oral histories, and document artifacts and other tangible sources of information. Additionally, they are guided to explore archives, libraries, and digital repositories to access secondary sources such as historical documents, books, and scholarly articles.
Collaboration with State Archives: Recognizing the importance of preserving local history, we actively promote our students to collect materials from state archives. State archives serve as valuable repositories of historical documents, manuscripts, photographs, and other records that offer unique insights into our local past. Through collaborations with state archives, our students gain access to these resources, enriching their research and contributing to the preservation of local history.
Department Library Collection: The department library plays a vital role in preserving and disseminating local knowledge. It houses a dedicated collection of materials related to local history, including books, research papers, dissertations, and other relevant publications. This collection serves as a valuable resource for students, faculty, and researchers interested in exploring our region's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Preserving Local History and Enriching Local Knowledge: The Centre for Local Knowledge aims to preserve our local history and enrich local knowledge by promoting rigorous research, documentation, and dissemination of findings. By encouraging students to engage in local history projects, we empower them to become custodians of our collective heritage and contribute to the broader understanding of our community's past.
We are proud of the research efforts undertaken by our students and their commitment to preserving local history. Through their dedicated work, we hope to create a lasting impact on our understanding of the region's heritage and foster a sense of pride and appreciation for our local culture.
Extension Lecture Series
The Extension Lecture Series invites experts to deliver engaging talks on various subjects, providing students with exposure and knowledge beyond the curriculum. It promotes academic and intellectual development, featuring diverse topics and renowned speakers. The series enriches students' understanding and fosters a culture of lifelong learning.
Sunder Lal Bahuguna Memorial Lecture
The Sunder lal Bahuguna Memorial Lecture is an annual event organized by the Department of History to honour environmentalist Sunder lal Bahuguna. The lecture series invites experts to discuss pressing environmental issues, promote sustainable solutions, and inspire students to engage in environmental stewardship. It commemorates Bahuguna's contributions and encourages students to become responsible global citizens. The lectures foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and a culture of environmental consciousness. The goal is to carry forward Bahuguna's vision and inspire students to actively contribute to environmental conservation and social justice. All students and faculty are invited to attend.
Our New Initiative:
"Mapping the Mind: Unravelling India's Intellectual Landscape" Lecture Series
The Department of History proudly presents the annual lecture series, "Mapping the Mind: Unravelling India's Intellectual Landscape." This captivating series invites participants on a remarkable journey through the rich and diverse tapestry of India's intellectual heritage. Delving into the vast expanse of knowledge systems that have flourished in India over millennia, this lecture series celebrates the profound contributions of Indian intellectuals in various fields, including philosophy, science, arts, literature, medicine, and more.
The lectures within the "Mapping the Mind" series unravel the intellectual journey of India, tracing the development of profound philosophies, revolutionary scientific discoveries, literary masterpieces, artistic expressions, and holistic healing traditions. Eminent scholars, renowned researchers, and experts in their respective fields are invited to share their insights, knowledge, and passion for India's intellectual heritage.
Through these captivating lectures, participants discover the interconnectedness of diverse intellectual traditions, their evolution over time, and their enduring relevance in contemporary society. From ancient texts to modern interpretations, the series provides a holistic view of India's intellectual landscape, fostering a deep understanding of the multidimensional legacy that continues to shape Indian society and influence global discourse.
The "Mapping the Mind" lecture series serves as a platform for engaging discussions, critical reflections, and the exchange of ideas. It encourages participants to explore the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation, continuity and change, and the transcendent nature of India's intellectual contributions. By mapping the mind, participants gain a broader perspective on the intellectual heritage of India and its significance in the global context.
HISTORY ASSOCIATION
The History Dept has organized this association as part of its vision to provide for the intellectual and cultural development of its students. The association has an elected body that has representations from the student body and is guided in its activities by a teacher. These elections are held at the beginning of the academic year.
The association is responsible for conducting seminars, debates, study tours and inter-collegiate quiz competitions throughout the year as part of its duties. Leading speakers and academics are often invited to these functions to share their knowledge and insights to the students through the course of these activities. Some of the luminaries that have graced these functions include Dr.K.N.Paniker, Dr. RajanGurukkal, Sri. P.GovindaPillai and Dr. M.G.S. Narayanan.
MANJU FOUNDATION
Charitable association of Degree (History) Batch: 1997-2000 in memory of Mrs Manju, who called the eternity in 2013.
The first meeting of the above batch has taken the decision to start an organised movement in the name “Our Manju Foundation”to extend support to financially backward students of S.S.V. College in their academic and health matters based on certain eligibility criteria.
The activities of the foundation will be supervised by Prof. T. Harilal and Prof. R. Krishana Kumar of the Department of History as patrons. It is decided to incorporate the service of Secretary of history Association every year as a member of the executive council along with six representatives from 1997-2000 Degree batch. The inauguration of the foundation held in the at the college on July 2014.
SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
The Dept of History celebrated its silver anniversary in 2004. It was an occasion of great joy and fanfare. It was also an occasion for the Department to remind the students of the vision that the Department stands for. As part of the celebrations, the students were introduced to some of the traditional art forms from the past of Kerala that were currently on the verge of fading away due to lack of support and appreciation it received from the modern day society.
The students and staff were treated to performances and presentations of “Kalamezhuthu”, “Koothu”, “Koodiyattom”and “Mudiyettu” all of which were well received and appreciated.
ALUMNI
The Alumni association ensures that there is an annual gathering of its Alumni. These gatherings are events of great joy and pride as students reconnect with old friends and share their experiences. It helps to develop a bond and kinship that is underpinned with their academic life in the college and specifically the History Dept.