An archaeologist is a scientist who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation, analysis, and interpretation of artifacts, architecture, and other physical remains. Archaeologists work to uncover and reconstruct the cultures, societies, and technologies of past human civilizations by examining objects such as pottery, tools, buildings, and burial sites. Here is a career as an Archaeologist in India
Introduction
History is what distinguishes one culture from another, one civilization from another. It becomes important to study the history of every culture and civilization. Though this common history is known to the layman and common people of any civilization, the work of an archaeologist is to study the scientific and orderly study of the life and culture of past generations. They do so by taking into consideration various artifacts like monuments, seals, edifices, inscriptions, etc. which have been buried in the past. Archaeologists are required to carry out various tasks like initial fieldwork, excavate the sites, interpret and date this excavated material and categorize it. They also are required to find out what reasons caused and escalated the change in cultures, traditions, and societies. Thus, Archaeology becomes the chief means to understand ancient societies, cultures, and traditions and the changes that happened which led to the evolvement of modern society.
Eligibility and Educational Qualifications
At the 10+2 level, an aggregate of at least 50% is required from any stream and from a recognized board to take up an undergraduate course in Ancient History or History or Archaeology. While it is preferred that a student goes for a course in History or Ancient History or Archaeology at the undergraduate level, many colleges allow students from any stream at the undergraduate level to go for a Masters course in Archaeology. For getting admission into an MA course, a candidate might require to clear the entrance exam conducted by some universities.
Various kinds of job roles as an Archaeologist
Pre-Historic Archaeologist- this type of archaeologist is required to study traditions that humans used to follow in the pre-historic or historic era.
Marine Archaeologist- also known as an underwater archaeologist. The study examines, understands, and analyzes the cultures that were developed along the coastline and the remains of ships.
- Museum/ Gallery Exhibition Officer– they are required to supervise and manage the activities in the museums. They are also expected to organize as well as plan traveling and permanent exhibitions.
- Lecturer– a person who has acquired expertise in archaeology and took a job as a teacher in universities or colleges to teach archaeology is known as a lecturer.
- Environmental Archaeology– he or she is the one who studies and examines the impact that societies made on an environment in the past and vice versa that is, how the environment has impacted the societies in the past.
- Urban Archaeologists– these archaeologists are responsible for studying, understanding, and examining the urban settlements or cities.
- Paleontologist– they study the life forms present on the earth before humans came into existence.
- Documentation Specialist– the work of a Documentation Archaeologist is to study and examine the documents of traditions, cultures, and societies and compile them in a systematic and orderly manner.
- Experimental Archaeologist– they are required to replicate obsolete objects and processes to have an understanding of their work.
Employment opportunities
Many career opportunities are available with an Archaeologist in private as well as in the government sector. However, more opportunities are available in the government sector. Some of the organizations that provide career opportunities to Archaeologists are Government and private museums, Universities and colleges, National Museums, National Heritage Agencies, Archaeological surveys of India, Cultural Galleries, the Indian Council of Historical Research, etc.
The primary recruiting agency for Archaeologists at both the central as well as state-level is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). If any candidate wishes to work with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), then he or she needs to clear examination conducted by withering the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or the State Public Service Commission (SPSC). If a person wishes to become a lecturer or professor, then he or she should possess post graduate degree in Archaeology. In addition to this, the candidate also has to clear National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by various universities across the country to become eligible to get a job as a professor or a lecturer.
Following are the best universities and colleges which offer courses in Archaeology: Loyola College, Chennai; Punjabi University, Patiala; Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; VMOU, Kota; Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak; Stela Maris College, Chennai; Kirori Mal College, Delhi; St. Joesph’s College; University of Hyderabad, etc.
Conclusion
To conclude, we can say that Archaeology is the profession which promises good career opportunity to those who are keen to unravel mysteries of the ancient past, study ancient cultures, and societies. Archaeologists also study the causes that lead to the evolution of modern society. There are many options and branches of archaeology that a person can choose from as per his or her subject of interest. The work that an Archaeologist does on the fields by excavating artifacts, ensures that we can anticipate the conditions of modern times.
FAQs About Study Arts & Humanities
Arts and Humanities are academic disciplines that focus on the study of human culture, behavior, language, and expression. They include subjects like literature, languages, philosophy, history, art, music, theater, and cultural studies.
There are numerous career opportunities in Arts and Humanities, including fields such as education, journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, arts management, social work, non-profit organizations, and many more.
To excel in Arts and Humanities, you need to have strong critical thinking and analytical skills, effective communication skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and cultural awareness.
The eligibility criteria for studying Arts and Humanities vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, students must have completed their 12th standard or equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate percentage.
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