Career as Archaeologist/ Historian
Archaeology is an interdisciplinary field. It revolves around investigations into the earlier material developments made by humankind. With the help of archaeologists, we can gain a more in-depth insight into the culture and developments of early humans. By identifying, excavating, and surveying historical sites, archaeologists discover relics, artefacts, and monuments to help us gain a clearer picture of the past. With the advancement in technology and equipment, surveying historical sites have become easier. It has become easier to reconstruct 3D models of historical figures. Archaeology is the main method via which we can learn about past societies and traditions. Knowledge of the past can help us interpret the present as well as make predictions for the future. Archaeology seeks to identify how human cultures have changed over the years, the reasons behind the changes as well as the key reasons behind the fall of earlier civilizations.
- About Archaeologist/ Historian :
- Job Profile |
- How do I get there?
Job Profile
At some point or the other, everyone strives to know where they come from, to learn more about the past and how our society has evolved over the years. An Archaeologist can help answer these questions, which is why their work is so important. India is home to some of the most well-planned and established empires, and hence in India, an archaeologist has a lot of scopes to grow and hone their skills.
Typically, in-depth knowledge of History and Geography are required to grow in this field. As an archaeologist, you may be required to work in teams or alone. You may be expected to work in the field under rigorous conditions. Hence, you must keep your physical health in mind. You must be adept at identifying key features in a site as well as identifying and analyzing relics and artefacts. Interpreting data and keeping detailed records of your findings is also a necessity. Hence, you need to be meticulous and not miss out on any details.
While outdoor work prevails, indoor work such as analyzing data is also crucial to gain useful insights.
When you have all of the required credentials to become an Archaeologist in India, you can also opt for the roles of Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer, curator for Museums and Galleries, Heritage Manager, Documentation Specialist, as well as roles in the academic field. When you are starting, you can expect a salary of Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 3,00,000 per annum. Once you have gained a little bit of experience in the field, your salary may increase up to Rs 8,00,000 per annum.
Specializations
Before you decide you want to pursue a career in Archaeology, you must know that there are different branches of this field, they are explained below:
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Historic or Prehistoric Archaeology deals with the excavation and discovery of artefacts from an ancient civilization. A popular example would be the dancing girl toy from the Harappan Civilisation era. This branch of archaeology deals with excavating artefacts that give greater insight into the lives of the ancient civilization, such as everyday household items.
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Maritime Archaeology is involved with finding artefacts in the marine bodies. The discovery of the wreck of Titanic, along with the fascinating discovery of the lost cities of Thonis and Heracleion, are some examples of the work of Maritime Archaeologists.
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Urban Archaeology is involved in understanding the planning of cities and preparing maps of cities to help predict and discover new historical sites.
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Epigraphy deals with the identification and analysis of ancient scriptures.
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Museology deals with the preservation of historical artefacts. It deals with the organization and restoration of relics and artefacts to help gain further insights from them
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In India, an archaeologist can work with private or government-owned museums and projects. The Archaeological Survey of India, Indian Council of Historical Research, other national heritage agencies, museums, colleges as well as Universities are always looking to hire those who have in-depth knowledge about Archaeology.
Future Growth Prospects and How to get there faster
Pros and Cons of being a Archaeologist
Pros
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Significant discoveries of the past have helped people make a name for themselves and be recognized internationally
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If you are interested in learning about the past, this is the career for you
Cons
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You may need to travel a lot for your work
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You may need to work under harsh weather conditions which can take a toll on your health
How do I get there?
To pursue a career in Archaeology, it is generally advisable that a student takes up Humanities during their +2 years. A knowledge of History, Geography, and Sociology serves as a foundation for Archaeology. However, if you come from a non-Humanities background, in some cases, you may still be eligible to apply for a UG program in Archaeology.
During the UG level, you can opt for a bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, or History. Once you have completed your Bachelor's, you can opt for a Master's Degree in Archaeology or Historical Studies to work as an Archaeologist. To qualify for a Master's degree, you will need to secure at least 55% at the UG level. Pursuing a PhD will help open up more avenues for you in the future, and can even help you become an International adviser as well as boost your pay.
For some institutes, an independent entrance exam may also be conducted before admissions, and your eligibility will depend on the score that you obtain on those tests.
How much does it cost?
What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to become an Archaeologist?
If you want to pursue a career in the field of Archaeology, several institutions offer both UG and PG level courses. With the help of these courses, you will be able to acquire the necessary technical skills that will help you succeed in this field. The admission process for all institutes is more or less the same; however, for some institutes, you may need to appear for an entrance exam before you can secure admission.
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Rank |
Name of College, City |
Programme Fees |
|
1 |
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi |
BA in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Rs 4,717 per year |
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2 |
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam |
BA in Museology and Archaeology, Rs 9,000 per year |
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3 |
Barkatullah University, Bhopal |
MA in Ancient History and Archaeology, Rs 7,000 per year |
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4 |
The Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi |
Master in Archaeology and Heritage Management, Rs 21,200 for the first year |
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5 |
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara |
BA in Archaeology and Ancient History, Rs 7,740 per year |
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6 |
Kerala University |
M.A. in Archaeology, Rs 2,559 per year |
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7 |
Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Centre, Pune |
MA in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Rs 6,200 per year |
Books and other Study Material
No matter which field you are in, it is always good to expand your knowledge and keep on honing your skills. The following books will help you get a detailed picture of the work of Archaeologists and why it is so important:
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Archaeology: A Brief Introduction by Brian M Fagan
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The Mind in the Cave by David Lewis-Williams
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Archaeological Theory by Matthew Johnson
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The Prehistory of the Mind: A Search for Origins of Art, Religion, and Science by Steven Mithen
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Before Civilization by Colin Renfrew
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Gods, Graves, and Scholars: The Story of Archaeology by CW Ceram
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Return to Chauvet Cave by Jean Clottes
What if this career does not work out for me? What are the other options for a person with these credentials?
When you have a degree in Archaeology, you don't need to work as an Archaeologist. You can take up research work which will involve you staying indoors, or you can pursue a career in the Academic field. You can also become a curator for Museums and will be able to find work in private or public museums. You can also work as a tour guide or a historical guide for conventions.
Other careers of your interests
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |