Gods, Empires, Nations: The Story of India

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The Indian subcontinent has shaped global history for thousands of years. This course will survey the last three millennia—from the still mysterious Indus Valley civilization, to the ancient India that birthed great religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, to the influence of Islamic rule during the powerful Mughal Empire, to when India became the jewel in the British Empire’s crown, ending with the stormy politics of contemporary India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These battles between gods, empires, and nations have produced the astonishing diversity that we see in the most populous part of the world. This course offers a guide through South Asia’s rich history, fractious politics, vibrant cultures, and globalized economies. As the countries of South Asia exert ever increasing influence on global politics and the world economy, understanding them is imperative. Their history offers us a way.