Indian archaeology

[Guest guest]

Ruchi Sharma

 

Indian archaeology is one of the subjects least explored on the world

circuit, despite it being one of the most ancient and richest.

 

The local demand for the subject is not very high, and it is not

taught in colleges as much as, perhaps, Economics or English.This

could be a reason why there is more international interest in Indian

archaeology, and very little documented information actually

available on it. Which is probably why Dr. Shanti Pappu,

Archaeologist, started his website, SerIndian .

 

It is a site that aims to provide information for professional

archaeologists in India and abroad, while generating interest among

the Indian public. "There is a high demand and interest in the site,

particularly from people abroad, including both scholars and people

interested in Indian heritage," says Dr Pappu, who was quick to

realise the serious international interest in Indian archaeology. He

had earlier begun a website called Discover India Gallery sponsored

by a company in Pune. SerIndian, however, is his own brainchild.

 

Neatly segregated into comprehensive sections, there are topical

divisions based on Indian archaeology, anthropology, quaternary

geology, historical archaeology and ecology. Articles, news, notes,

books, journals and conference proceedings are available. There is

also a lot of information on ancient stone tool-using hunter-gathers,

the first farmers and herders, cave painters, constructors of

megalithic monuments and burials for the dead, the grandeur of the

Indus Valley Civilization, kings and commoners in historic India,

literature, inscriptions and art.

 

Then there is a serious attempt at putting people from this highly

specialised profession in touch with one another. A section here

comprises names of scholars interested in work and interaction on the

subject, while viewers can have access to them as well. There is also

a provision whereby one can put up resumes and get connected to jobs

as well.

 

Apart from this, there is advertising space for books, arts, crafts

and institutes, as well as links to other sites. It also gives those

interested in the subject a platform to express their views. Updated

information about digs happening all over the country are also

provided, should you be interested in joining them. The section on

book reviews is also informative and extensive, and covers books from

all over the world.

 

For a website started with limited funds and strong family support,

SerIndian has come a long way. It currently enjoys international

recognition, and is also involved in a strategic alliance with The

Sharma Children's Museum in Chennai, which is the only children's

museum on Indian archaeology. "We are placing the activities of the

museum online, in order to enable children all over the world to

communicate on issues related to Indian heritage," says Dr Pappu.

 

He adds, "My aim was to generate an interest in Indian archaeology

among a wide range of people. For professional archaeologists working

abroad, we provide specialised information on topics they cannot get

access to otherwise. For the interested layman, we aim at generating

interest in varied issues in Indian archaeology. The site provides

unbiased information on varied aspects of Indian archaeology,

anthropology, quaternary environments, heritage issues and the like."

 

The response to the site comes largely from foreign universities,

students in India and abroad, and Indians interested in Indian

heritage. "We also get a lot of queries for information from film and

documentary makers, and people interested in conducting further

research on aspects of Indian heritage," says Dr Pappu.

 

With around 3,000 hits a week, and growing steadily, the site, which

runs on a non-profit model so far, would do well with sponsors.

Especially since the owner is also pursuing academia at the same

time.

 

Here's a typical case of one man starting off with a subject he

believes in strongly and maintaining the struggle till aid and

assistance come along.

 

If it does, that is. Any takers? ALSO READ

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