Archaeology is an important way to learn about many ancient civilizations, the history of a particular place and nation and many more. It can reveal some great information about the social structure, beliefs, environmental effects and economic organization of the past societies. The word archeology has been derived from the Greek words ‘archaios’ meaning ancient things and ‘logos’ meaning theory of science. Roan first made use of Archaeology in about 18th century.
Archaeology makes us aware of the tradition, culture and heritage of our country. It is the systematic and scientific study of the past by way of revival, investigation and documentation of the remains and other environmental data such as artifacts, features, architecture, landscapes and biofacts. It is concerned with the protection and conservation the old monuments, inscriptions, architectural relics etc. It helps us in getting a clear picture of our past.
In India, General Alexander Cunningham was the person who initiated the importance and need for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the nation by establishing the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 1862 with the aim to maintain, conserve and preserve the archeological sites and monuments in India.
Those engaged in the study of archaeological discoveries are known as Archaeologists. The important works of the Archaeologists consist of fieldwork, the excavation of different sites, their periodical classification and interpretation of the excavated materials. The findings and researches of the archaeologists are maintained and conserved for future studies and learning.
Eligibility and Courses
You have an interest in the History and Culture? Then Archaeology is the career for you! In order to go for a career in Archaeology, it is preferable that the candidates are from a history background. The minimum eligibility criterion for pursuing a Bachelor degree in Archaeology is 10+2 or its equivalent.
Students having a graduation degree in History or any other stream with at least 55% marks can go for post graduation, diploma, postgraduate Diploma in various fields of Archaeology. The course duration ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Those who desire to go for higher studies in Archaeology such as M. Phil and PhD must complete their post graduation.
Epigraphy, Numismatics, archives and museology are the major branches in Archaeology. Theory and Methods in Archaeology, Applied Sciences, Protohistory, Museology, Chemical Preservation, Art, and Antiquarian Laws etc. are among the many subjects that are covered by different courses in Archaeology. Detailed study of fossils, inscriptions, illustrated manuscripts and coins are also there in the study of Archaeology.
Archaeology also consists of several specializations and sub-disciplines such as Ethno archaeology, Experimental archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Archaeometry, Isotope analysis, Geoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Computational Archaeology etc. In their higher studies students can specialize in any of these disciplines.
Some of the courses in Archaeology are:
- Advance Diploma in Archaeology and Museology
- Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology
- B.A. Museology and Archaeology
- B.A. Indian History, Culture and Archaeology (IHC)
- M.A. Archaeology
- M.A. Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
- Master in Archaeology and Heritage Management
- M.Phil. Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
- Ph.D. Archaeology
- Ph.D. Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
Personal Attributes
- Should have a probing mind and must be perceptive
- Should be analytical and must think logically
- Must have a keen observation ability
- Should possess creativity
- Must recognize and also appreciate arts
- Should have accuracy
- Should have dedication towards work and most importantly patience
- Must be able to adapt to physical stress and strain
- Must be familiar with the different Geo-physical conditions
Career Prospects
Those who get fascinated by the past, have some interesting opportunities in the field of archeology. They can work as Numismatists and Epigraphists. Epigraphy happens to be the discipline that deals with inscriptions on different ancient monuments, temples, copper plates, rocks etc. While Numismatics concerns the study of tokens, old coins, etc. Those passing out from the Institute of Archaeology have brilliant prospects waiting for them as they are directly absorbed by ASI that is Archaeological Survey of India. Archaeologists can also work in government sectors as well as private organizations. There are very good job opportunities for them in museums, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Defense services, cultural centers and historical divisions under Ministry of External Affairs.
If you have a degree in archaeology, you can also work as heritage managers, interpreters, tourist guides, and resource persons in the tourism industry. The profession of teaching or research work can also be taken up. Archaeologists have scopes as linguists, historians and surveyors, heritage conservators, curators and archivists.
Institutes in India
- Allahabad University, Allahabad – 211 002
- AP Singh University, Rewa-486 003
- Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam – 530 003
- BHU, Varanasi – 221 005
- Bangalore University, Bangalore – 560 056
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur – 208 024
- Deccan College of Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Yervada, Pune – 411 006
- Dr.Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar-470 003, MP
- Dr.B.S.Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur – 9
- Gujarat University, Ahmedabad – 380 009
- Kurushetra University, Kurukshetra – 136 119
- HN Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar – 246 174
- MS University of Baroda, Vadodara – 390 002
- Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri – 574 199
- Nagpur University, Nagpur – 440 001
- Osmania University, Hyderabad – 500 007
- North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon – 425 002
- Punjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014
- Patna University, Patna – 800 005
- Purvanchal University, Jaunpur – 222 002
- Rani Durgavati Vishva vidyalaya, Jabalpur – 482 001
- University of Madras, Chennai – 600 005
- University of Calcutta, Calcutta – 700 073
- University of Mysore, Nagarjuna Nagar – 522 510
- Visva Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235
- University of Pune, Pune-411 007
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