“The function of the historian is to neither love the past nor to emancipate himself from the past, but to master and understand it as the key to the understanding of the present” – Edward Hallett Carr.

Investigating our multiple pasts in a healthy, nuanced and critical manner is crucial to our perceptions of the present. The discipline of History in its institutionalised avatar presents an avenue for a dedicated and organised study of the past. Espousing this noble objective, the History department has been a constituent part of Bahona college since its inception in 1966. With the diligence and dedication of founding faculty Derajuddin Ahmed, it emerged as a leading department of the institution. With a singular focus on academic excellence and all-round development of the students’ potential, today History is one of most sought-after programmes in the college.

The primary emphasis of the department is in developing a holistic, inclusive and dialogical pedagogy for an enriching teaching-learning experience. In the two years of Higher Secondary and the three years BA (Honours) course, the students are exposed to a myriad of themes from Indian and World History. The crux of the exercise is to develop a healthy appreciation of collective human heritage, to develop a rational and inquisitive bent of mind, and to inculcate an understanding of historical causation.

The academic pursuits within the classroom ecosystem prepares the students to pursue higher studies in the discipline of history. As the college years constitute a formative phase for young adults, the students are encouraged to identify their own potential and strength, in order to devise their own career plans and future courses of action. Hence, the focus of the department is also on nurturing the cognitive and communication skills, critical thinking, creative imagination and logical reasoning of the students. In order to develop their teamwork and leadership capabilities, students are encouraged to participate in numerous extra-curricular activities of the college and to collaborate with other departments for inter-disciplinary exchanges.

Currently, the department comprises of one Associate Professor and two Assistant Professors. The faculty members were trained in prestigious universities across the country, and have careers dedicated to historical research behind them.

The department has a well-stocked library with many rare volumes and manuscripts. In addition, the department also manages its own museum, containing tangible cultural artefacts and a rich numismatic collection. The department also has its own workspace equipped with personal computers. The department enjoys a cordial and collaborative academic and cultural life. Students are encouraged to participate in healthy discussions within and outside the classroom, among themselves and with the faculty. The department also regularly collaborates with other departments of the college for academic exchanges.

Vision
The primary emphasis of the department is in developing a holistic, inclusive and dialogical pedagogy for an enriching teaching-learning experience. In the two years of Higher Secondary and the three years BA (Honours) course, the students are exposed to a myriad of themes from Indian and World History. The crux of the exercise is to develop a healthy appreciation of collective human heritage, to develop a rational and inquisitive bent of mind, and to inculcate an understanding of historical causation.

The academic pursuits within the classroom ecosystem prepares the students to pursue higher studies in the discipline of history. As the college years constitute a formative phase for young adults, the students are encouraged to identify their own potential and strength, in order to devise their own career plans and future courses of action. Hence, the focus of the department is also on nurturing the cognitive and communication skills, critical thinking, creative imagination and logical reasoning of the students. In order to develop their teamwork and leadership capabilities, students are encouraged to participate in numerous extra-curricular activities of the college and to collaborate with other departments for inter-disciplinary exchanges.