The Department of History of St. Xavier’s College-Autonomous was set up under the guidance of the first Principal, Father Joseph Anthony Willy, who was also the institute’s first Professor of History. As one of the oldest departments of St. Xavier’s, History as a discipline has grown with the college itself.

Over the last 150 years, the Department of History has strived to go beyond the textbook; while academics is of utmost importance, the department always tries to incorporate contemporary consequences of history studied in its program. The department has turned out university toppers and merit rankers almost every year. Academic excellence is lauded and students are also encouraged to participate in various other activities that the department arranges for their benefit.