Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a background in social science and education. I have studied the Vedas for many years and would like to return to study for a qualification in archaelogy (as quickly as possible as I am eager to get going). I am interested in this to explore and identify the historic aspects of the Vedas, which are often delegated to myth. Where do I start? SC

ANSWER: Hi Stephan,  

I will assume that you already have a degree in some social science + education and would be looking for a MA in Indian Archaeology.  That said, you have two basic choices.  

1) you can study Indian Archaeology out side of India at Cambridge or else where or

2) you can study Indian Archaeology in India.  

The Vedas are steeped in mythology and its study will need to take the form of religious study first so that you will have an in-depth understanding of the nature, structure and importance of the religion to the Indians and its cultural impact.  Having said this, to then study the rise of the religion must be done with great sensitivity and caution as any  thing having to do with religion in India carries great sensitivities and potential violence.  Thus having the necessary respect and understanding will be a key to success.  

Doing this "quickly" is NOT possible. It will  take a minimum of 3 to 5 years to do this properly, if not longer.  I would recommend that you read archaeology in India as this will provide the proper exposure to both the culture and religion as part of your over all education.  Further, your selection of university will need to be framed in the light of religious study+archaeology to provide over all credence to your study focus.  

You have a choice of universities in India.  I would begin by sending emails or letters to each one with a questionnaire seeking the one that fits you best and then go from there.  

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ralph, thanks for your reply. It was good to hear from you the recommended preparation for the study I am interested in. I have lived in India for many years (on and off) within the Vaisnava culture, adopting their principles to live by (for over 20 years). So this part of my quest appears to be on track. This is how I learned of and studied the Vedas and Vedic culture. Thank you for the information on how to go about choosing a university. I had never thought of applying to a university in India, but with English as one of the national languages, and widely used, it is a really good option. Especially for the subject matter I am hoping to study. I will be looking to be granted credits for the qualifications I already have as I don’t think I want to do a full 3 years. Thanks again, Stephan.

Answer
AH!!

Well then you are well on your way to your goal.  The gaining of said sensitivity is what I anticipated taking a longish time frame.  Most westeners are totally unfamiliar with the Vaisnava culture, the Vedas and the mysticism that permiates the culture.  Based on this, you may be able to get into a course of study that could be completed in 2 years perhaps, provided that you have the needed prerequisite courses or existing degree or credits. Perhaps you could test into a degree (this is possible in the US but I'm not sure if this is the case in the rest of the world).  

Check out the universities that lie in the heart of the Vaisnava cultural area and see if they have archaeology as a course of study.  Then, I would recommend that you contact the department directly and ask your questions and see if they would take you on as a student.  

As the Rig Veda was originally written in Sanskrit can you read it in the original text? If not, then this will be a requirement in Archaeology since being able to identify bits of written materials as being Vedic will be critical as part of the over all work.  Also, since the cultures have been migratory in nature (early on) an interesting side bar may be to study Physical Anthropology to see if you can identify the potential migration of the Vaisnava culture prior to its arrival in its current zone, gentically.  

I hope that this additional guidance is of help and value.

Ralph