Since ancient times, South Asia—comprising present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other neighboring countries—has been home to a large and diverse population. It has also been a crossroads for the global movement of people, goods, culture, and ideas. From the ancient era to the present day, the region has been united and divided multiple times, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and seen the emergence of the world’s most populous nation-state. This course introduces students to the history of South Asia as well the larger imperial, trans-regional, and global histories in which this region has played a central role.

CILO-1: Analyze and appraise the history of South Asia in wider contexts. CILO-2: Formulate a global, historical perspective on present-day issues relating to South Asia. CILO-3: Evaluate historical sources and construct coherent arguments about South Asia in a global context by through research and analytical writing.