The discipline of History has been taught at Fergusson College right from the very foundation of the college in 1885, and thus the History Department dates back from that period. It has been our proud privilege to have as our staff members, giants of the Indian political and social scene. Principal Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, the great rationalist and social reformer, was among the first staff members of our department. Another illustrious member of the staff from the early days has been none other than Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Their immense contribution to the freedom struggle and the social renaissance of the nineteenth century hardly needs to be recounted. They serve as a source of profound inspiration to our students.

Past students of the department have distinguished themselves in various fields. The erudition of scholars like G. S. Sardesai is well known to all. His path-breaking and painstaking research has left an indelible impression on our understanding of Maratha History. Others who have made an immeasurable contribution to the study of history, and have shone in other fields as well, include D. V. Potdar, N.C. Kelkar, Acharya Kirpalani, D.V. Apte, to name but a few. Many of our students have passed the UPSC and MPSC examinations and are now in government service. A number of our students have excelled in sports as well the most prominent among them being Nazneen Madrasswala, who has represented India at the Hockey Olympics on two occasions.

In today’s times History as a discipline is getting immensely popular in public sphere. Students wishing to appear for the competitive Examinations often opt for History as their major for graduation. Apart from that, those who want to opt for career in history, archaeology, museology, conservation, archival studies also choose history as a subject for their graduation.

Department of History conducts various curricular activities so that students can get a chance to showcase and nurture their natural talents other than academics. The department also gives encouragement and administrative aid to students who wish to take part in internships, research activities, during the course of three-year degree. The department has always prioritized the activities which will help students for realising their full potential as an ideal citizen. Department conducts the activities as study tours and field visits to various historical sites in and around the city of Pune. Department also conducts heritage walk of Fergusson College Campus and also trains students for the heritage walks. Various guest lectures on historical topics are also organised regularly.