Indian Business History Course | IIT Guwahati | Prof. Vipul Dutta
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 759 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unraveling the Epic Saga of Indian Business: A Comprehensive Course
How did India transform from a colony to a global economic powerhouse? What forces shaped the titans of Indian industry? The course Indian Business History, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, provides a fascinating deep dive into these very questions. Designed and instructed by Prof. Vipul Dutta, this 8-week journey explores the multifaceted evolution of businesses in the Indian subcontinent throughout the turbulent and transformative twentieth century.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Vipul Dutta
Leading this intellectual exploration is Dr. Vipul Dutta, Assistant Professor at the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Guwahati. With a PhD from King's College London, Prof. Dutta brings scholarly rigor and deep expertise to the subject. His research interests in Diplomatic and Economic History, and modern South Asian Foreign Policy, perfectly align with the course's focus on the intersection of business, policy, and global relations. His publications in renowned journals like Economic and Political Weekly and the Journal of Strategic Studies attest to the academic excellence he brings to the classroom.
Course Overview and Objectives
This course is designed to familiarise students with the modern history of business evolution in India. It moves beyond dry economic data to present a dynamic narrative filled with case studies of pioneering businesses and industries. Students will examine the rich tapestry of Indian entrepreneurship, from the Swadeshi era to the post-liberalization boom. A key highlight is the exploration of how financial diplomacy became a tool for India's foreign policy after independence. Ultimately, the course illuminates the historical policies that forged contemporary Indian business culture within its wider socio-political landscape.
Who Should Enroll?
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Management and Human Resource students
- Engineering students interested in the economic and historical context of industry
- Any learner curious about the roots of modern India's economy and corporate landscape
Weekly Course Layout: A Journey Through Time
The 8-week curriculum is meticulously structured to provide a chronological and thematic understanding of Indian business history.
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Indian Business History | Foundational concepts and historical frameworks. |
| Week 2 | The arrival and Impact of the East India Company, 1700-1800 | Early colonial trade and its disruptive economic impact. |
| Week 3 | Rise of Indian Cities and Industrial Houses, 1750-1850 | Indigenous capital and the birth of early industrial clusters. |
| Week 4 | Swadeshi Movement and Indian entrepreneurs, 1850-1900 | Nationalism as a catalyst for indigenous business growth. |
| Week 5 | Indian Business and Economy during the World Wars, 1914-1945 | War economies, opportunities, and case studies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). |
| Week 6 | Independence & Industrial Planning, 1947-1960 | The Nehruvian vision, Five-Year Plans, and the origin of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). |
| Week 7 | “License Raj” and Its Impact, 1960-1980 | Regulatory regime, nationalisation of banks and key industries. |
| Week 8 | Liberalization and Contemporary Trends | 1991 reforms, global integration, and case studies like ONGC's oil diplomacy. |
Essential Reading and References
The course draws upon a rich body of scholarly work. Key texts include:
- Medha Kudaisya (ed): The Oxford India Anthology of Business History
- Gita Piramal: Business Maharajas
- Atul Kohli: Democracy and Development in India: From Socialism to Pro-Business
- D. Tripathi and J. Jumani: The Concise Oxford History of Indian Business
- Douglas Haynes: Small Town Capitalism in Western India
- Claude Markovits: Merchants, Traders, Entrepreneurs: Indian Business in the Colonial Era
Why Study Indian Business History?
Understanding the past is crucial to navigating the present and future of business. This course offers more than just historical facts; it provides critical insights into the resilience and adaptability of Indian entrepreneurship, the profound impact of policy, and the intricate link between economic development and national strategy. For students and professionals alike, it builds an essential framework for understanding the complex forces that drive India's economic engine today.
Join Prof. Vipul Dutta in this academic expedition to decode the epic story of Indian business, from colonial roots to global ambitions.
Enroll Now →