By Ranjan K Baruah
Over the years history has been a common subject for students of humanities or social sciences. We have read about history since our school days and this is a subject which is taught everywhere. In our last edition we have published scopes and opportunities related to Museology. Many students have asked me other options related to the same and more focused with history. We must know that there is a difference between mythology, history and archaeology. One of the best options for students who are interested in history may take archaeology as their career choice. It is the study of human activity in the past, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that has been left behind by past human populations, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts ,cultural landscapes , etc. The word archeology is derived from two Greek words ‘archaios’ which means ancient things and ‘logos’ which means theory of science. Archaeology was first put to use by the Romans in the eighteenth century but it was given more accuracy by Heinrich Schliemann who brought to light the origins of Greek civilization.
Archaeology can be one of the rewarding and challenging career opportunities for those who are keen to know about the past. It can give awareness about the heritage and tradition of a country or a culture. It is the scientific and systematic study of past and human cultures through the recovery, analysis and documentation of material remains and environmental data, like architecture, artifacts, features, landscapes and biofacts.
Archaeology is a multidisciplinary science which draws help from geography, history, anthropology, chemistry, geology, art and literature. Those who are involved with the studies of archaeological discoveries are termed as Archaeologists. There are courses related to the same and aspirants may opt for it. Numismatics, epigraphy, archives and museology are the important branches of Archaeology. One needs to spend time to become successful as it needs patience, training and time for research and learning. Courses related to subjects include Advance Diploma in Archaeology and Museology, B.A. Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, M.A. Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, M.A. Archaeology, etc. Aspirants may join government services or join teaching. There are different opportunities to be in research and other fields.
There are many archaeological sites in the north east and they need trained people. Job options are more with the government sector but aspirants may take up entrepreneurial ventures too related to media and tourism. Apart from qualification it is important to have employability skills to get placement.
ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.
(The author is a career mentor and skill trainer and can be reached at 8473943734 or [email protected])