Expert: Ralph Salier - 5/29/2010

Question
I want to know all about this course that is Archaeology,from where can I pursue this course in India n what are the qualifications for this course as I'm a commerce graduate so can I peruse this course.

Answer
Hi Akanksha,

Here is a website that will help you find programs in Archaeology in India.: http://www.indiaedu.com/career-courses/archaeological-courses/

Archaeology is a branch of the broad human study called Anthropology (Anthro - Man / ology - Study of).  Archaeology is both a scientific endeavor and a social science one.  While the excavation, recovery of and study of the artifacts found is the science side, the interpretation of these finds is the social science side.  How, why and in what way did our ancestors use, make and live with the materials that are found in a site.  This can be approached from a highly technical side with the study of ancient technologies and how they were achieved to the softer how were these items used on a day to day basis.  

Another branch of Anthropology is Physical Anthropology which looks at the bones of our ancestors.  This is often done in conjunction with archaeological excavations since it is not uncommon  to fine the remains of our ancestors in excavation sites.  While this may be anathema to religious groups, it is part and parcel of the work and must be accepted and anticipated.  In most archaeological sites one does find bones of food animals as well as those cared for for other purposes (dogs, cats, birds, cows etc...).  

There are also many "branches of" archaeological study.  You can study  the "classics" which are Roman and Greek, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient China and the growing interest in Ancient India.  There are many sub-classification in these as well as people tend to specialize in a particular "zone".  I myself have been very interested in Mohenjo-daro. This ancient side along the Indus was a very early city state with a culture that had a very early form of writing.  Today, much work is being done there as well as along the other major river systems of India especially given the increased pace of river valley projects which are covering these key archaeological sites under tonns of water.

The qualifications for studying archaeology are first and foremost, a deep abiding interest. One that will absorb you for a lifetime.  Then a through study of history will provide a strong basis and the sciences like chemistry, physics, biology and geology are all helpful to gain an understanding of the more technical side of the study.  As a commerce graduate, you have a keen understanding of trade routes, industrial output and economies.  These are very important aspects that many archaeologists don't always have.  

Then, what area are you interested in or is more general?  Are you interested in Indian archaeology?  Do you want to do archaeology in the "British style, Indian style or American style"? and they are different.  (having participated in all  three).  What time frame are you interested in?

Early Man, Paleolithic, Neolithic, early states, empire, mogul,etc... You don't need to specialize but it helps to know and understand these time periods since they lead to the next and so on.  

I hope that this helps.  Please ask more questions.  I am here to help guide you.