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Archaeological Courses

The study of archaeology involves presenting the past and preserving it in the form of historical monuments. Archaeological Courses in India consists of a detailed study of demonstrative manuscripts, fossils, inscriptions and coins.

For centuries, historians have delved into significant phases of human activity and tried to study its influences on life. Social, political, ethnic and cultural events of the past have been relived through narratives, archaeological discoveries, archival documents and historical evidences which have surfaced time and again through historical research. Numismatics, epigraphy, archives and musicology are also important branches of study included in courses in India.

The primary duty of an archaeologist involves a scientific and inter-disciplinary approach to the study of past societies and culture which, in other words, imply extensive fieldwork, thorough knowledge of languages like Urdu, Sanskrit, and Persian, and familiarity with subjects like anthropology, geography, and geology.

Knowledge and interest of the past leads to careers in history, archaeology and archives. Archaeology is an interdisciplinary subject which draws help from anthropology, chemistry, geology and art. For those interested in a career in archaeology, a three year bachelor's degree in archaeology is the basic degree required. Thereafter, one may also pursue a postgraduate degree or diploma in archaeology or further research in allied fields of study.

After Class XII (any subject, humanities preferred), graduation in Ancient, Medieval and Modern Indian History

Graduation in history, followed by post graduation in archaeology, students of classical languages like Persian, Sanskrit or Pali scripts or of Islamic history are trained and employed with Archaeological departments

Postgraduates in history (ancient, modern or medieval), followed by diploma in archival study are recruited through tests conducted by the UPSC for jobs in the National Archives. The National Archives at Delhi houses all historical data, which has relevance to Indian culture and its past. The regional offices are at Bhopal and Jaipur.

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