One of the most authentic depictions of South Asian history. I am a Poli Sci & IDS major so History isn't my strongest suit, but I loved this class and found it very easy to follow despite not having a history background. Professor is incredibly funny and his lectures are fun and engaging. Would love to take a class with him again before graduating.

I am a grad student who attended this class on the recommendation of a friend and enrolled immediately after the first lecture. I admit to generally being uninterested in history, yet this class is one of the best that I have taken hands down. The lectures were always engaging, often challenged/changed my opinion on beliefs I previously held, and every argument made by prof. Lal held solid ground. I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in South Asia or is of South Asian descent as the class sheds light on a lot of intertwined history and culture that makes the region, and its people, what it is today.

Teacher is completely unhelpful in creating and turning in assignments. His grading was completely arbitrary and he only gives good grades for those who agree with his personal beliefs, which is not what a professional professor should do. So if you want a good grade in his class find out whatever his personal beliefs are stuck to that!! His readings were all over the spectrum and often full of opinions backed by little evidence. He even assigns you his own personal book for you to buy, which I think is unethical! Long story short I’m so happy to never take any of this teachers classes again. Good luck!

Professor Vinay Lal is a genius! His class was so interesting! It was honestly one of my favorite courses that ive taken at UCLA. He is a truly gifted teacher and i attended all of his classes and many of his office hours. dont get me wrong, his class is challenging...he assigns about 100-125 pages of reading per week...however, the information is engaging. i ended up getting an A in his class, so my advice to you is to do the readings and attend the lectures, and some office hours if you can, and u'll do fine. p.s. he was listed as one of the most dangerous academics in the united states in a book written by a guy named dan horowitz...c'mon, how much more baller can u get?!