Archaeology: Past forward

Archaeology basically is the analysis and understanding of history by studying excavated remains, e.g. utensils, weaponry, skeletons or fossils. To a trained archaeologist, a small bone or the fragment of a clay pot can speak volumes. It can be hard work on field, mucking about with sand and dirt, or tiring work in the lab. But the rewards can be huge, if not in terms of money then at least in terms of making the most exciting discoveries ever and becoming famous

Clockwork

For those not on site

• 9am: Reach office
• 10am: Look at the day's appointments
• 11am: Visit designated sites
• 1.30pm: Lunch
• 2pm: Write report on site visit, suggesting improvements, recommending changes
• 4pm: Official meetings
• 6pm: Leave for home
• For those doing fieldwork
• 9am: Reach site, start work
• 1pm: Review work
• 1.30pm: Lunch
• 5pm: Take a round of the site
• 6pm: Leave for residential accommodation (temporary in some cases)

The Payoff

The basic pay scale of an assistant archaeologist employed with the Archaeological Survey of India is Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000 a month.

The salary scale of the director general varies from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 a month. A doctoral degree in this field means a higher pay scale. A doctorate is a must if one wants to make a name as an archaeologist

Skills

• Knowledge of history
• Sportsman-like stamina, as one would be required to work long and gruelling hours on field, exposed to the elements
• A voracious reading habit, with a perceptive and probing mind

Getting There

Graduates in any discipline can pursue a PG diploma or degree in archaeology. Preference is given to graduates in history, social sciences like sociology and anthropology

Institutes

• Benares Hindu University
• Patna University
• Punjab University, Chandigarh

Pros And Cons

• A dream career for those who love exploring ruins and relics
• Extremely exciting moments happen in the lives of archaeologists when an important discovery is made
  

Source: HT Horizons

Date: 19^th May, 2011