Vision:

To empower student’s alignment with NEP-2020, through historical knowledge that enlightens minds and promoting critical inquiry, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning.

Mission:

To provide inclusive and student-centric education in history, promote regionally and nationally relevant research, and experiential learning, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives to develop skilled, responsible, and socially committed citizens.

Established in June 1963, the Department of History has emerged as a distinguished center for historical education and research in the region. The Postgraduate Department and Research Centre holds a unique distinction as the only grant-in-aid postgraduate facility in History since its inception, playing a pivotal role in the advancement of higher education and scholarly inquiry.

The department aligns its academic vision and practices with the objectives of the National Education Policy - 2020, emphasizing holistic, multidisciplinary, skill-based, and student-centric education. It promotes overall student development through seminars, workshops, study tours, heritage visits, and research-oriented activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of History, the department actively engages with allied disciplines such as Archaeology, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and Cultural Studies, thereby fostering a flexible and integrated learning environment.

The department adopts experiential and skill-based learning approaches through practices such as museum-based learning, numismatic studies (coin collections), archival and documentation work, photography, and field visits. These initiatives enhance students’ analytical abilities, critical thinking, and research aptitude in alignment with NEP-2020’s focus on employability and practical knowledge. The department is well-supported by academic development schemes including the University Grants Commission (UGC), CPE, COHSSIP, and PM-USHA, under which it has developed a dedicated photography section and a rich collection of visual and material historical resources. It also houses a departmental museum, featuring art objects made of plaster of Paris received from the National Museum New Delhi, along with a valuable collection of ancient, medieval, and modern coins, facilitating object-based and experiential learning.

The department maintains a vibrant research culture, having guided numerous Ph.D. and M.Phil. scholars and regularly organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops that promote innovation, academic inquiry, and knowledge creation. The integration of ICT tools, digital resources, and e-learning platforms further strengthens teaching-learning processes through blended and digital pedagogy, in line with National Education Policy - 2020. By emphasizing Indian history, heritage, and cultural traditions, the department contributes meaningfully to the promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems.

The Department of History proudly acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its former Heads and distinguished faculty members, including Shri D. S. Pawar, Prof. John Alexander, Dr. P. R. Deo, Dr. B. S. Dhengle (former Principal of Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded) played key roles in strengthening postgraduate and research activities. Shri P. L. Bilolikar, Dr. K. A. Lohgaonkar, Prof. Dr. U. S. Sawant, Dr. Sangita Shinde, and Dr. N. A. Salunke, whose vision and dedication laid a strong academic foundation and enriched the department’s scholarly tradition. Their contributions have been instrumental in establishing the department as a reputed center for historical studies and research.

At present, the department is led by Dr. Shivraj Bokade, who continues to uphold and advance its legacy through academic innovation, research excellence, and student-centric initiatives. The Department of History & Research Centre thus remains committed to academic excellence, research advancement, and the holistic development of students, while continuously adapting to contemporary educational reforms.