Archaeology is a multidisciplinary science, which involves the scientific study of the material remains of past human life and activities. Hence an archaeologist studies fossil relics, artefacts, monuments, manuscripts, coins and undertakes excavations to identify the period to which they belong and then to trace the stages of development of civilisations.

This requires not only the knowledge of Archaeology but also of fields such as Ecology, Anthropology, Chemistry etc. Archaeologists also need to have a knowledge of History and Sociology, to be conversant with the social and cultural influences, art and architecture of regions, and the geo-physical conditions in order to conduct archaeological research.

Archaeological studies cover a variety of specialisations that help one study the various facets of the past.

Consider Numismatics , for instance. Numismatics is a study of old coins, tokens, paper money and other related objects such as medals. Through the study of these objects, the numismatist provides important insights into the past and assists in restructuring it.

Epigraphy is the study of ancient inscriptions to decipher their meaning. The inscription could be on ancient monuments, rocks, stupas, copper plates, temples etc. The epigrapher takes ink impressions of the inscription and then deciphers and decodes them.

Archaeology could also cover the task of preservation and maintenance of ancient monuments and artefacts.

Entry

To enter into this field an individual needs to have specialised knowledge and a background of Ancient History and Culture. There are now several institutions which offer courses in Archaeology. Among the more prestigious is the Institute of Archaeology under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India in Delhi which offers a two-year post-graduate diploma in Archaeology. Candidates need to have a Master's degree in Ancient or Medieval Indian history or an MA/M.Sc. with Archaeology or Anthropology. A written exam and an interview is conducted on the basis of which the candidate is finally selected.

However, Archaeology is also offered as a three-year Bachelor's degree course at the MS University, Baroda, the Benares Hindu University, Varanasi, and at Patna University, and the University of Ajmer, where the course is a BA in Archival Science. Candidates are required to have History as a subject in their 10+2.

There are a number of universities offering a two-year Master's degree programme in Archaeology. These include the universities of Baroda, Calcutta, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, Poona, Madras, Allahabad, and Jiwaji University, Gwalior, among others.

The minimum qualification for a Master's degree programme is a BA in Archaeology or related fields. There are also diploma courses of 1-2 years duration in Archaeology, Museology and Archival Science being offered by several of the universities mentioned above.

As the Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi, is attached to the National Museum and the National Museum Institute of History of Art, students are provided the opportunity of spending at least half the period in the field training in excavation and exploration, conservation and study of monuments and also in surveying, drawing and photography. However, most other courses also cover excavation, and exploration, Geology, Anthropology, Vertebrate Zoology, Palaeobotany, Elementary Chemistry, a study of stone-age cultures, courses in Art and Iconography of Ancient and Medieval Periods, Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India, Museology and the preservation of monuments, among other subjects.

Career Prospects

Although it is not so well known, specialists in this field are in great demand. The Archaeological Survey of India employs a large number of people, as it is responsible for the exploration of ancient sites, and the preservation of ancient monuments, and archaeological material. The ASI also has several divisions and state departments in various parts of the country.

Employment opportunities are also provided by museums and educational and research institutions. There are also research and training opportunities at institutes such as the Indian Council of Historical Research, the National Archives of India, INTACH and others. Private collectors also require the services of archaeologists. Restoration and conservation specialisation is another area of opportunity for trained archaeologists.

With the growing interest in the past, and the need being felt to preserve, interpret and analyse archival material of the past, specialists in this field can look forward to a rewarding and satisfying career.