The University of Delhi (DU) has removed the Delhi Sultanate paper from its postgraduate History program. The syllabus revision impacts students entering the third semester. The change aligns with the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework (PGCF) 2024, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This revised syllabus takes effect from July 2026. The official revised syllabus for MA in History was released on August 7, 2026.
Syllabus Changes Detailed
The removed paper was titled 'The Delhi Sultanate: Structures of Authority in Medieval North India (13th-14th Centuries).' This course was a core component of Medieval India studies for decades. It focused on the formation of the medieval state. It also covered political authority structures and power dynamics in North India during the 13th and 14th centuries. The postgraduate paper offered specialized depth for research-oriented study.
The decision to remove the paper was made as part of a broader syllabus overhaul. This overhaul follows guidelines from the PGCF 2024 and NEP 2020.
Other Papers Removed
Several other papers have also been removed from the third-semester postgraduate History syllabus. These include:
- 'History of North India, c. 1400-1550'
- 'Gender and Women in Early India: 1500 BCE to 1000 CE'
- 'Political Processes and Structure of Polities in Ancient India'
- 'Religion and Society in Ancient Indian Literature'
These removals affect the core curriculum for students pursuing a Master of Arts in History at DU. The university has not announced any direct replacements for these specific historical periods or themes in the core syllabus for the third semester.
Implementation Timeline
The revised postgraduate curriculum, including these changes, will be implemented starting with the academic session that begins in July 2026 . Students admitted from this academic year onwards will follow the new syllabus. The University released the final revised syllabus on August 7, 2026 . This impacts incoming postgraduate students in the MA History program.
