Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology

(This programme will be conducted in online mode.)

Programme details for Academic year 2025-2026

Commencement Date: 19th July 2025
Days and Timing: Fridays,  3 pm to 5 pm 
                               Saturdays,   11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm

 

This Diploma is a bridge programme for those who wish to pursue the M.A. (Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology) later. It is also open to those who seek an introduction to the rich tapestry that is ancient Indian culture, particularly through the medium of archaeology and literature.

The programme is an intensive one, with students required to take three courses of 2 credits each semester. The first semester is common to the Diploma in Buddhist Studies, and introduces students to the pre-Buddhist historical context, development of religious thought and the cultural interactions that have shaped Indian civilisation, through the medium of art, narratives and records of pilgrims and travellers.

In the second semester, students engage with principles of archaeology, a field that is crucial to uncovering our heritage. In addition, they get an overview of classical Indian literature and the historical context up to 500 A.D.

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Key Information

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Admission Details

Eligibility

HSC or equivalent examination (e.g. 10+2)

Pedagogy

Teaching-learning occurs primarily in lecture format, but workshops add a practical dimension, with one of them being offered in the site-based learning mode. Selections from canonical literature form an integral part of the learning process, so that students become familiar with the different genres and styles, even as they hone their language skills.

Curriculum

 
 
 
Semester I Semester II
India upto 500 BC India from 500 BC to 500 AD
Development of Religious Thought Introduction to Archaeology
India and the World Glimpses of Literature
Workshop 1: Rock cut Architecture: Kanheri Workshop 1: Manuscriptology
Workshop 2:  Brahmi Script Workshop 2: Meditation

Differentiators

The Centre for Buddhist Studies has led the field in innovative curriculum design that addresses the learning needs of students who can engage full time, as well as those who pursue their passion part-time, at their own pace.

The Diploma in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology programme provides a good foundation, based on which a student who has a Bachelor’s degree can pursue an M. A. (Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology) at our institution.

The K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies has a library with over 30,000 books, which is an important resource.

In addition to the workshops that are an integral part of this programme, students can attend seminars, workshops and field trips that are offered by the institution across the various disciplines. This creates opportunities of learning beyond the classroom and permits interaction with students pursuing different interests: this is a key feature of the learning experience on our campus.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the programme, a student will:

  • Have a good foundation in the historical context of ancient India, with the impact of cultural exchanges and wide-ranging developments in religious thought.
  • Along with the fundamentals of archaeological methods, they will also be introduced to ancient literature in different genres, in multiple languages.
  • Have gained an appreciation of how multidisciplinary approaches are essential for an in-depth understanding of our ancient heritage.

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