Govt. Victoria college, which was started in January 1888, as a second grade college affiliated to the Madras University, was raised to the status of first grade college in 1925, by starting two degree courses, one of which was in History. History was taught at the intermediate level under Group III. Ancient History, Modern History and Logic were the papers of study for the intermediate classes. Then, both the intermediate and degree courses were of two years’ duration.  General Indian History, Constitutional History of Great Britain and Ireland, Outlines of European History, Elements of Economics and Political Science were the papers to be studied for the B A degree course. The intermediate course was later renamed pre-degree and the same pattern of course continued till the pre-degree was separated from colleges in 2000. After a prolonged demand from the student community, MA course in History was sanctioned to the college in 1979. The department has acquired a name of its own through its achievements in the academic field.