Introduction
Archaeology is an interdisciplinary study in which historical human settlements or societies are studied. Historical human culture is known through surveys of historical places, excavated remains such as utensils, weapons, ornaments, everyday things, trees, plants, animals, human remains, architecture etc.
The artefacts and monuments from the excavation are analyzed. The archaeologist keeps this analysis on record, along with these artifacts and monuments. In future, these materials are useful for reference. Even the smallest, non-essential things like broken utensils, human bones, etc., have a lot to say to an experienced archaeologist. The findings of archaeological discoveries add a new dimension to our earlier information.
It is the duty of every archaeologist to collect and analyze objects from the excavation, regardless of his or her subject. Apart from the traditional way of collecting materials, archaeologists also use new techniques, such as gene studies, carbon dating, thermography, satellite imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging), etc.
Archaeology is associated with subjects like anthropology, art-history, chemistry, literature, ethnology, geology, history, information technology, linguistics, prehistoric science, physics, statistics, etc. In this way it becomes a multi-disciplinary mode.
Overall, a challenging, motivating and satisfying career is in archeology.
Archaeology: Phased Process
In most of the Indian universities where there is a department of archeology, this subject is mainly taught at postgraduate level. That is, to become an archaeologist, one must have a bachelor’s degree and it can be in any discipline. But a bachelor’s degree in history, sociology or anthropology is helpful in understanding archeology. Also, in the university where you want to study archeology, keep an eye on which undergraduate subjects are recognized.
However, Maharaj Sayajirao University, Baroda has a three-year bachelor’s degree in Indian history, culture and archeology. Banaras Hindu University also offers two undergraduate degree courses associated with it: first, a three-year Honors degree course in ancient Indian history, culture and archeology and second, a three-year vocational program in museum science and archeology.
The Institute of Archaeological Sciences under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi offers two years post graduate diploma course in archeology. The lowest qualification for this course is a two-year postgraduate degree in ancient or medieval Indian history, anthropology or archeology. Postgraduate degree holders in literature, language or geology can also apply in this course. This course is divided into four semesters. Its syllabus is the following:
- Paper – I Principles and Methodology of Archeology
Paper – II. Use of Science in Archeology
- Paper – III Prehistoric
- Paper – IV etc. History (History before writing)
- Paper – V Historical Archeology
- Paper – VI art and sculpture
- Paper – VII Architecture
- Paper – VIII Epigraphy and Numerology
- Paper – IX Museum of Science
- Protection of paper-X monumental structure
- Chemical safety of paper – XI monuments and archaeological objects
- Paper – XII Archaeological Law
practical test
Experimental testing involves various tasks, such as surveying, illustration, photography, modeling, exploration and quarrying, chemical preservation, computer experimentation, oral examination, general commentary, tutorials, and dissertations.
After the masters degree, students can pursue further research level. They can get a doctorate degree or a professorship in a university. Yes, for this, the University Grants Commission has to stand on the eligibility conditions. After graduation, students can choose the appropriate service area for them. For them, teaching or teaching or Archaeological Survey of India opens the way for the job of an archaeologist at the state or center level.
Debut
It is not necessary to be successful in the field of archeology, but the sooner it is started, the better. The first and necessary step is to instill a sense of art and culture in the minds of new people. It is necessary to get this encouragement at school as well as at home. The desire of new people to know more and more about the historical splendor of their country, brings them closer to this career.
Apart from this, visits to museums, cultural sites, historical monuments and archaeological excavation centers increase interest in this profession. The information gathered from books, journals, history, art-history, ancient civilizations is also helpful. It is also necessary for the future archaeologist to keep an eye on new developments and discoveries happening in the field of archeology.
Is this the right career for me?
For those who get self-satisfaction from historical, cultural discoveries, the archeology profession is made for them only. This profession is quite obsessive as archaeologists have to stay in the camp in excavation areas for several hours to days, spending time in the laboratory. Therefore, it is necessary for an archaeologist to be patient, so that a project lasting months and years can be completed.
Detailed knowledge of history, maximum reading habit, good writing ability, analytical and focused mind are the essential qualities of becoming a successful archaeologist. Yes, it is definitely that name-recognition is more important than money in this profession.
What will be the cost?
It does not cost much in studies. Studies up to the undergraduate and postgraduate levels cost as much as other arts or sociology subjects.
Scholarship
Students who are enrolled in the two-year post-graduate diploma program of archeology run by the Archaeological Survey of India are given a stipend of Rs 1500.
Postgraduate students of archeology are eligible for doctoral studies upon passing the National Qualification Examination (NET) or Junior Research Fellow-Lectureship conducted by the University Grants Commission. In this, financial aid of Rs 8000 is given to the researchers.
Apart from the above, the university offers scholarships or stipends at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels according to the students’ ability and ability. According to the rules of every institute, the qualification for the students to get government or private scholarship varies.
Job opportunities
The Archaeological Survey of India provides jobs for archaeologists at both the state and central level. Qualified students can apply for the examination conducted for various posts by the Union Public Service Commission or the State Public Service Commission.
Also, postgraduate students in archeology can also apply for lecturer posts in various universities. For this, they have to pass the National Eligibility Test or Junior Research Fellow conducted by University Grants Commission.
A student who has passed the Junior Research Fellow examination has the opportunity to study for a doctoral degree along with a research stipend. Yes, if the position of lecturer is required in a state, then it is necessary to pass the state level eligibility test there.
There are also job opportunities for archaeologists at the level of maintenance and management of artifacts in government or private museums.
Most archeology related jobs are government, ie a secure future. An archeologist also gets the facilities available to any other government employee according to his rank and age.
pay scale
Archaeological students, along with other qualifications, can earn as soon as they pass the examination of Junior Research Fellow. A junior research fellow gets Rs 8000 per month for two years. Remuneration also increases when you become a Senior Research Fellow. The salary of the lecturer is about Rs. 20,000 while that of the professor is even more.
In the Archaeological Survey of India, the monthly salary of Assistant Archaeologist is between 10000 to 15000 rupees. Archaeologists who have obtained doctoral degrees are expected to get better positions. The monthly salary of the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India is around Rs 30000.
Demand and supply
The cultural history of India has been very rich and thousands of years old. For this reason there is always a demand for qualified archaeologists for any new survey or project. Also experienced lecturers, curators and mentors are also in demand. The universities and colleges of the country are fulfilling this demand very well.
Market watch
In the Archaeological Survey of India, government machinery and academic institutions, jobs for archaeologists keep coming out, ie there is no shortage of jobs.
International performance
Archaeologists have to roam from one place to another in the country for excavation and survey. He is also called on international excavation projects on many occasions. On the basis of their qualifications and experience, there also exist job opportunities as lecturer, professor, mentor, museum curator etc. abroad.
Positive / negative aspect
Positive aspect
- An ideal profession for people who want to explore history.
- An important discovery increases your honor and reputation manifold.
- Unrequited thirst to bring hidden places in the layers of history to the world
To inform society and people about their rich cultural heritage
Downside
- Working in harsh weather and adverse conditions in excavation or survey areas
- Scope or confrontation with wild animals, dacoits, robbers, regional land mafias, disgruntled rural and anti-social elements.
- Visiting areas and traveling for long hours is exhausting for both body and mind.
Different work, different name
Archaeology is a wide subject in itself. Therefore the work of an archaeologist depends on his expertise. Its main branches are:
- Archaeobotany – Through the study of crops or plants derived from excavation, to know the food, farming, fencing, climate situation of the people etc. in history.
Archaeometry – study of the process of archeology and its principles of analytical engineering
- Archaeozoology – The branch that studies the remains of the organisms to know their domestic habits, hunting habits.
- Battlefield Archeology – the subject of intensive excavation of major battlefields.
Environmental Archeology – Study of the impact of environment on historical society
- Ethno Archeology – Comparison of present day anthropological data with the history of humankind society so that more information about them
- Experimental Archeology – Experimental leveling of extinct materials and processes so that they have a better understanding of their working style.
- Geoarchaeology – Study of soil and stones so that changes in geography and environment can be known.
- Marine Archeology – The branch in which studies of ships and coastal culture submerged under the sea are studied.
- (Palaeontology) – a branch studying life before modern mankind
- Prehistoric Archeology – The branch in which human traditions before written or inscribed history are studied.
- Urban Archeology – A branch studying historical cities or urban areas
Apart from the branches of archeology mentioned above, an archaeologist can also specialize in a particular time period, such as Bible period, Adi period, Medieval period etc. In the same way one can also specialize in a particular geographical area, such as Egypt’s civilization, Chinese history.
Premier employment institute
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Indian Council of Historical Research
- National Museum
- Universities and Colleges
- Government and private museums and cultural galleries
Tips for getting employment
- Balanced and healthy body and mind
- Good communication ability
Some leading institutes
Andhra University: College of Arts and Commerce, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Administration College, Changanacheri, Kerala
Avadhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Deendayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi
Dr. Harisingh Gaur University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Institute of Archeology, New Delhi
Jeevaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Maharaj Sayajirao University, Baroda: Faculty of Arts, Vadodara, Gujarat
Maharaj Sayajirao University, Baroda: Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara, Gujarat
Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh