The story of the movie Ram Setu revolves around an archaeologist, starring Akshay Kumar, written and directed by Abhishek Sharma. This movie showcases the work of an archaeologist and will inspire many young minds.
Archaeology isn’t just a study of fossils and old rocks, but also a reliable window into our past. Every archaeological discovery gives us the direct look into our long history as species.
What is Archaeology?
A study of the ancient or recent human past through material remains. It is also a sub-discipline of Anthropology, which is the study of all human cultures. The experts are called Archaeologists.
What do Archaeologists do?
Archaeologists gather and study the different types of pieces of evidence like homes, clothes, tools, bones, dishes, etc. related to the human past from various places and observe & examine the results.
They possess in-depth knowledge of :
Principles & methods of Archaeology
Application of Science in Archaeology
Prehistory & Protohistory
Historical Archaeology
Art and Iconography
Architecture
Epigraphy and Numismatics
Museology
Structural conservation of Monuments
Chemical preservation of monuments and antiquities
Antiquarian Laws
The responsibility of an archaeologist is to do surveys at various sites using different methods and instruments. They articulate the data using drawings, notes, and photography.
India & Archaeology: Scope in the Career
India has a rich cultural heritage that’s why the demand for archaeologists is higher in India.
It aims to remain at the forefront of international research in archaeological sciences. Indian archaeology is furthering the cause of the social, political, and economic context of archaeology.
In the field of archaeology, The Archaeological Survey of India, The Directorate of Archaeology provides jobs in a reasonably large number regularly in different state governments, and the departments of Ancient Indian History, and Culture.
Some Inspiring Indian Archaeologists
While some of those discoveries came about by chance, many others were only possible due to the efforts of archaeologists that didn’t give up. Some of the greatest ones in history aren’t just remembered for the weight of their discoveries, but also their insights and methods shaping modern archaeology.
Bhagwan Lal IndraJi - Transcribing and Studying Inscriptions and Manuscripts such as the sites of Ajanta, Nashik, Karli, and many more.
RD Banerjee - First to excavate Mohenjo Daro and Indus Valley Site of Harappa
Hasmukhlal Dhirajlal Sankhalia - Worked on many sites in Gujrat, Deccan, and Kashmir
Asoke Kumar Bhattacharyya - Padma Shri, 29 published books on various aspects of art, archaeology, epigraphy, and numismatics, and hundreds of research articles in journals across the world.