A short history of the Indian subcontinent
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
- Course Code: HWH109
- Dates: 16/04/24 - 14/05/24
- Time: 19:00 - 20:30
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Ketan Varia
Course Code: HWH109
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The India subcontinent is unique in its heritage and history. It has lasted through invasion, political change and assimilation. It is home to the one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the Indus Valley.
The subcontinent’s contribution to language (Sanskrit) and great philosophies (Vedic, Buddhism Jainism and Sikhism) is well known. From its land, has been the emergence of Sanskrit, the concept of the soul and liberation and the invention of the number ‘zero’ - a cornerstone in all mathematics.
Our course will cover the period from Pre-Aryans (c5000BC) to the start of the Mughal empire.
The course will be interactive with a chance for discussion on Indian history & politics and its impact on Indian culture and tradition.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- The pre-Aryan civilization (Indus Valley).
- Arrival of the Aryans, the Vedas
- The use of Sanskrit and its development
- The rise of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism
- The Ashoka, Chola and Gupta empires
- The Delhi sultanate, Sikhism and the rise of the Mughals.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- State the historical timeline of India
- Explain some of the philosophical ideas that emerge from India
- Reflect on Indian history and its connection to modern culture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. The course will appeal to all of those who would like to find out about Indian history.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentation, group exercises and discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for note taking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH182 Key Figures in Indian History
HWH186 Ancient India: The Harappan Civilisation in the Indus Valley
HWH176 South Asia after independence
HWH177 From independence to the present: Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Ketan teaches courses in Business Skills and Indian Philosophy/History at CityLit. In his career Ketan has worked with over 30 large and complex organisations in helping them with Operational Excellence and Change Management. He is the author of the book ‘The Art of Transformational Change – a handbook for leaders and managers’, published in October 2015. Ketan is of indian hertitage and has visited many places of pilgrimage and history in India over the last 25 years. He has learnt Sanskrit to foundation level and studied several Indian sutras. He has delivered courses in Jain Philosophy for over 15 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
