What is Archeology and How To Become an Archeologist

Introduction:

Archeology is a study that analyzes human prehistory to understand how human civilisations have evolved. It includes excavating and recovering artifacts like building ruins, pottery and cave paintings. It also involves research centered at explaining the evolution of living species. Archaeology is all about uncovering some of the most important discoveries in human history, and Archaeologists become an essential part of such discoveries.

If you have been on a lookout for how to become an archeologist, the archeological sites of the world depicted below will surely stir you to dig deeper into knowing about the remains and other material facts pertaining to that particular site. 

 

Nubian Monuments, from Abu Simbel to Philae, Egypt

Abu Simbel is located approx. 174 miles southwest of Aswan and approx. 62 miles away from the Sudanese border. In the 13th century BCE, Pharaoh Ramesses II commissioned a number of gigantic construction projects, including the temples of Abu Simbel, the tomb of the Ramesseum in Thebes, and the new capital of Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta. These sites were covered by sand over the course of time. This is a classic example of an archeological site that may interest budding archaeologists after pursuing MA Archeology. 

Image: Statues outside the temple of Abu Simbel, Egypt, colored lithograph by Louis Haghe after David Roberts, 1849, via Wellcome Collection

Source: www.thecollector.com/unesco-world-heritage-sites

 

Rapa Nui National Park, Chile

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that belongs to Chile but it is quite far away from there geographically. The island chain is located in the middle of the South Pacific, east of Tahiti, and southwest of the Galapagos Islands. This is one of the most isolated places on Earth to which the nearest inhabited land is the island of Pitcairn. Nevertheless, humans once lived in this remote location, leaving a cultural legacy that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Now, it has become a center of focus for students holding an archeology degree.

Image: Rapa Nui, Easter Island,photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, 1100-1500 CE, via Sci-news.com 

Source: www.thecollector.com/unesco-world-heritage-sites 

 

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, China

When Chinese farmers built a well in the Shaanxi province in 1974, they had no idea of the sensational piece of archaeology they would find. After only a little digging with their tools, they came across the famous tomb of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuangdi. Archaeologists immediately began excavations and uncovered the world-famous red-brown terracotta army, the guards of the imperial burial chamber.

Image: The Terracotta Army in the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, photo by Kevin McGill, via Art News 

Source: www.thecollector.com/unesco-world-heritage-sites

 

Keep reading about such archeological sites and projects so that you could become a successful archeologist and earn handsome money in future.

In the article ahead, we will discuss different types of archeology, how to become an archaeologist and what they do. We will also explore the scope of archeology in India in terms of Career opportunities it offers to students.

 

Different Branches in Archeology

As we discussed above, archaeology is the study of uncovering the roots of Human Civilization by investigating artifacts left behind by previous civilizations. Most people picture archaeologists digging up the earth with tools around them, but archaeology is much more than that. It has several branches, some of the more prominent ones are listed below. It is important to understand these branches before pursuing archaeology as a career path in India.

1. Historic Archaeology – This branch deals with discovering and analyzing ancient artifacts, such as items used in everyday life of people in different civilizations; Household Utensils, Jewelry, Musical or Medical equipment, etc.
2. Maritime Archaeology – Archaeology jobs pertaining to the discovery of the lost city of Thonis- Heracleion, discovery of wrecked ships such as the Titanic are a few interesting examples of maritime archaeology. It tries to uncover the interaction of earlier humans with marine bodies.
3. Urban Archaeology – It deals with understanding the plans and maps of historical cities in order to determine their importance as well as predict what artifacts they may find while digging such locations. This branch has helped us in understanding the great planning and structural facets of great cities such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
4. Epigraphy – This branch of archaeology deals with identifying and analyzing inscriptions on documents, artifacts or stones in order to draw conclusions about their writers, their culture, and their historical importance. Pursuing an archeology degree enables aspirants to take up Epigraphy as a lucrative career option. 
5. Museology – It deals with organizing, preserving, and restoring museums as well as museum curacy. This segment of archaeology focuses on giving meaning to our existence through the display and preservation of historical artifacts. It is the route through which society understands its history.

 

What does an archeologist do?

Before we plunge into the discussion on how to become an archeologist, let us do a quick check on what all functions an archeologist performs during the course of studies, internships and actual workplace.  

• An archeologist identifies artifacts from excavation, analyzes and dates them.
• They are responsible for recording data of artifacts and other things found at a dig or research site.
• They analyze data to reach logical conclusions about important aspects of human civilization.
• They handle sophisticated computer applications, such as geographical information system (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) to develop archaeological simulations of how a site under study might have looked years ago.
• They make strategic use of aerial photography and geophysical surveys to locate excavation sites.
• They prepare reports and document facts related to their discoveries.
• Those in archeology jobs also manage staff during the excavation work they oversee.
• Archeologists are responsible for maintaining archaeological inventories.
• They also clean, restore and preserve artifacts collected during research.
• They compare with archaeological data the findings from one dig site and from another dig site to understand differences or similarities between the two.

 

What to Study and Skills required to become an Archaeologist?

 To secure an archeology degree in future, it is advisable to opt for Humanities in Class 11th and 12th. Subjects such as History, Anthropology, and Sociology, etc. build a solid foundation for a career in archaeology. A bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology or History, and a master’s degree in Archaeology and Historical Studies is required to qualify and work as an Archaeologist. A Ph.D. provides better opportunities, and better pay. It opens up avenues in areas of research, academics and higher level positions in the Archaeological Survey of India.

Students who do not have (or did not opt for) humanities, and still want to secure an archaeology degree, can easily opt for humanities as a subject to major in. It is advisable to check for eligibility and curriculum of colleges, as every college has different criteria.

 

Qualities to become a successful archaeologist

Archaeologists must have an immense interest in one’s history and heritage, in preserving one’s roots, and a thirst to discover more. Apart from this, an observant mind, a knack for research, attention to detail, and being patient and resilient are all qualities that an archaeologist should possess.

 

Top Institutes providing Courses in Archaeology

 A bachelor’s (BA Archeology) and master’s degree in Archaeology (MA Archeology) is necessary to work as an Archaeologist in India. A Ph.D. is required to work as an academician in Universities/Colleges.

Here are a few institutes providing bachelors in Archaeology:

• Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
• Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
• Maharaj Sayajirao University of Baroda
• Deccan college postgraduate and research center ,Pune

These are a few top institutes/ universities providing MA Archaeology, History and other related courses:

• The Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi
• University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
• Pandit Deendyal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, Noida
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
• University of Mysore
• St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
• Kuvempu University
• PRSU – Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University
• Acharya Nagarjuna University
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University

 

Courses offered in most universities range from Archaeology and Museology to Ancient History and Heritage Management.

 

Scope in India

India is home to some of the most well-planned ancient cities as well as historical monuments, etched on its map as a result of great dynasties such as The Mughals, The Mauryas, The Sultans, and the like. Thus, it opens innumerable doors for securing archeological jobs by archaeology students. The apex body ‘Archaeological Survey of India’ (ASI) functions to protect and restore these historical monuments and is responsible for all the archaeological activities that take place in the country. The ASI has different branches such as Excavation, Prehistory, Underwater Archaeology, Museums, Temple Survey, etc. and employs a large number of trained archaeologists, epigraphists, conservators, and scientists for its operations. Other organizations such as Indian Council of Historical Research, National Museum, Private and Public Museums, and Universities are major recruiters of Archaeologists.

 

What are the Career Opportunities post obtaining an archeologist degree?

Archaeology as a career option often captivates students’ minds in terms of understanding the nuances associated with it. Understanding our history, where we came from, how the world has evolved over a span of hundreds of years, is something that allures almost everyone. A few career opportunities available to an archaeologist are listed below:

• Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist – Students with a Master’s degree in Archaeology/Indian History/Anthropology/Geology/Language can work with the Archeological Survey of India as a Deputy Superintending Archaeologist. ASI recruits students who have pursued MA Archeology. Aspiring students need to clear an exam conducted by the UPSC for this post. The remuneration bracket for these posts is INR 15,600-39,100.
• Teaching – Post-Graduates in Archaeology can pursue lectureship in various universities and colleges. For this, one needs to appear for the UGC-Net examination in the concerned subject. The basic pay for a university or college lecturer is INR 15,600-39,100. One can also apply for Junior Research Fellow posts by clearing the UGC-JRF examination. The remuneration for JRF is INR 25,000 per month.
• Museum Preservation – Archaeologists can work in private as well as public museums, for preserving and safekeeping historical museum artifacts. The remuneration scales between INR 20,000-40,000 depending upon one’s experience and knowledge of the subject.
• Site Excavation and Preservation – Archaeology degree holders can also indulge in national and international projects involving travel to locations of archaeological importance. These projects are funded by domestic as well as international organizations for preserving, discovering and decrypting ancient artifacts and documents. The remuneration varies depending upon the scale of project and the investment in the project.

 

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