The archaeological courses are a boon to the framework of society as it basically helps us in understanding our past. When we understand our past well, we can take better decisions in our present times. Archaeology is a science that studies our past human life and human culture through recovery, documentation, environmental data and analysis. We find that archaeological courses in India are taught at both graduate and post graduate levels.

Primarily the archaeological courses are dependent upon artifacts, architecture and landscapes for study. This course helps us in analyzing human culture. Archaeology is an inter-disciplinary subject, as it takes information from various other subjects and fields. An archaeology professional is called as an Archaeologist and he helps us in understanding past relics and monuments and then he reports on them.

Eligibility to do an archaeological course

Those who want to study archaeological course, should have studied history at the 10+2 level, as one of their subjects. However, graduates in any discipline can pursue a PG course or diploma in archaeology. The candidates with social science background will be given preference.

Colleges/universities offering archaeological courses are:

• University of Madras, Chennai
• Tamil University, Thanjavur
• National Museum Institute, New Delhi
• Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi

Content of Archaeological studies

They consist of the following;

• Research Projects
• Archaeological field work
• Conservation of Monuments
• Principles and methods of Archaeology

Objectives of archaeological studies

• Explanation of Origins  and development of Human cultures
• Understanding Culture, History, Human behavior and ecology for both prehistoric and historic societies.

Job prospects after Archaeological course

Archaeology provides students with various career opportunities. They can find work in archives, museums, universities and various research institutes in this field. Archaeology has a very good scope abroad .It is also one of the well paid jobs. The Archaeological Survey of India provides most of job opportunities in this field. Archaeologists can find job opportunities in the government sector by clearing the UPSC examination. Archaeologists can find job opportunities as historians and linguists.

Job types in archaeological fields

• Curators
• Archivists
• Heritage Managers
• Project Associate
• Teachers

Employment avenues in Archaeological field

• Tourism Industry
• Museums
• Historical Departments
• Universities
• Cultural Centers

Archaeology has the unique advantage of revisiting the remotest eras of human history. It has the capability to shed some light on the present day issues. So, the role of archaeology becomes crucial. It helps us in discovery of past civilizations and us in the process. If the past needs to be preserved, then archaeology needs to be treated as a valued discipline.