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 mysterious Indus Valley civilization, to the ancient India that birthed great religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, to the power and might of Islamic rule during the Mughal Empire, to when India became the jewel in the crown of the British Empire, ending with the stormy politics and rising global influence of contemporary India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These battles between gods, empires, and nations produced the astonishing diversity we see today 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 Indian subcontinent exerts ever increasing influence on world politics and a globalized economy, understanding it is essential.