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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report

School of Historical Studies


Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

Department of Ancient
History & Archaeology
School of Historical Studies
University of Madras

1 Name of the Department Ancient History & Archaeology


2 Year of establishment 1959
3 Is the Department part of a School of Historical Studies
School/Faculty of the university?
4 Names of programmes offered (UG, 1. M.A. in Ancient History &
PG, M.Phil., Ph.D., Integrated Archaeology
Masters; Integrated Ph.D., D.Sc., 2. M.Phil. in Ancient History &
D.Litt., etc.) Archaeology
3. Ph.D. in Ancient History &
Archaeology
4. D.Litt. in Ancient History &
Archaeology
5 Interdisciplinary programmes and i. Indian History - Introduction
departments involved to Archaeology an elective paper is
being offered
ii. Anthropology -
Archaeological Anthropology a core
paper is being offered
6 Courses in collaboration with other Archaeological Survey of India, Govt.
universities, industries, foreign of India -
institutions, etc. (1) Every year one month internship
programme is being offered by the ASI
forr the benefit of M.A. students.
(2) Department was a Documentation
centre, to document the antiquities
under National Mission on Monuments
and Antiquities – A National Project,
Pr
sponsored by Govt. of India
7 Details of programmes discontinued, Nil
if any, with reasons
8 Examination System: Annual/ Semester/Credit Based Credit System
Semester/ Trimester/Choice Based
Credit System

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

9 Participation of the department in the Indian History - Introduction to


courses offered by other departments Archaeology an elective paper is
being offered
Anthropology - Archaeological
Anthropology a core paper is being
offered

10. Number of teaching posts sanctioned, filled and actual (Professors/Associate


Professors/Asst. Professors/others)
Sanctioned Filled Actual (including
CAS & MPS)
Professor 1 vacant
Associate Professors 2 vacant
Asst. Professors 3 2 Stage 1 -1
Stage 3 -1
Others

11. Faculty profile with name, qualification, designation, area of specialization,


experience and research under guidance
Name Qualification Designation Specialization No. of No. of
Years of Ph.D./
Experience M.Phil.
students
guided for
the last 4
years
Dr. P.D. Balaji M.A., M.Phil., Asst.Profess Early 20 years Ph.D. – 3
Ph.D. or and Head Historical awarded
i/c Archaeology, M.Phil – 6
Field awarded
Archaeology Ph.D. – 5
under
progress
M.Phil –2
under
progress
Dr. M.A., M.Phil. Asst. Tourism, 8 years Ph.D. -1
J.Soundararajan Ph.D. Professor Architecture awarded
Paintings M.Phil – 4
awarded
Ph.D. – 4
under
progress
M.Phil. –2
under
progress

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

12 List of senior Visiting Fellows, adjunct Guest Faculty – Dr. A.


faculty, emeritus professors Ekambaranathan, Formerly Professor
and Head, Dept. of Ancient History
and Archaeology
Teaching cum Research Fellow – Dr.
C.K. Sivaprakasam, Formerly
Associate Professor and Head, Dept.
of History, Sri Poondi Pushpam
College, Poondi, Tanjore
13 Percentage of classes taken by Guest Faculty – Dr. A.
temporary faculty – programme-wise Ekambaranathan, Formerly Professor
information and Head, Dept. of Ancient History
and Archaeology
Teaching cum Research Fellow – Dr.
C.K. Sivaprakasam, Formerly
Associate Professor and Head, Dept.
of History, Sri Poondi Pushpam
College, Poondi, Tanjore
14 Programme-wise Student Teacher Ratio M.A. – 1 : 20
M.Phil – 1: 2
15 Number of academic support staff (technical) and administrative staff:
Cadre - Technical Sanctioned Filled
Excavation in charge 1 Vacant
Technical asst. curator 1 Vacant
Technical Officer (pottery) 1 1
Technical officer (chemist) 1 Vacant
Draughtsman Cum Artist 1 1
Surveyor 1 Vacant
Photographer 1 1
Store keeper 1 1
Administrative staff
ASO 1 1
Attender 1 1

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

16. Research thrust areas as recognized by


major funding agencies

Field Archaeology
Epigraphy
Art and Architecture
Early Historical Archaeology

17. Number of faculty with ongoing projects from a) national b) international


funding agencies and c) Total grants received. Give the names of the funding
agencies, project title and grants received project-wise.
Dr. P.D. BALAJI
Sl. Title of the Project Quantum of Funding Agency Years of Project
No. Support Operation
[Rupees in
lakh]
1. Documentation of Rs.5, 39,100/- UGC – Major Research Project 2006-2009
Early Pandya Caves Final Report
in Tamilnadu Submitted

2. Documentation of Rs. National Mission on 2009 -


Antiquities in the 14,54,200/-Monuments and Antiquities, 2011Final
Archaeological ASI, Ministry of Culture, Govt. Report submitted
Museum of Madras of India, New Delhi
University – NATIONAL PROJEJCT
DR. J. SOUNDARARAJAN
3. An Intensive Study Rs. 2,90,600/- UGC – Major Research 2009-2011 Final
of Stucco Images on Project Report submitted
Temples in Tamil
Country

18. Inter-institutional collaborative projects and associated grants received

1. Documentation of Rs. National Mission on 2009 -


Antiquities in the 14,54,200/- Monuments and Antiquities, 2011Final
Archaeological ASI, Ministry of Culture, Govt. Report submitted
Museum of Madras of India, New Delhi
University – NATIONAL PROJEJCT

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

19. Departmental projects funded by DST-FIST; UGC-SAP/CAS, DPE; DBT,


ICSSR, AICTE, etc.; total grants received.
NO
20. Research facility / centre with
STATE & NATIONAL RECOGNITION

1. Approved by the Govt.of India to undertake archaeological excavation in


Tamilnadu
2. Documentation Centre under National Mission on Monuments and
Antiquities, Govt. of India
3. Archaeological Museum attached to the Department is recognised by the
National Museum, New Delhi

21. Special research laboratories sponsored by / created by industry or corporate


Govt. of India issue license every year to the Department to undertake annual
excavation and exploration programmes, wherein M.A. students are imparted field
training.
During assessment year the Department had conducted archaeological excavation
at Melchittamur and Arpakkam in Tamilnadu. Findings were published in the
Annual Report i.e. Indian Archaeology – A Review, published by the
Archaeological Survey of India.

EXCAVATION DIRECTED

Melchittamur 2008
Melchittamur 2009
Melchittamur 2010
Arpakkam 2011
Arpakkam 2012

SITES EXPLORED AND DISCOVERED

An inscription of Sambuvaraya was discovered at Padaivedu

A Buddhist site was brought to light near Kunnattur in Kanchipuram Dt.

An early historical site was discovered at Somangalam, Kanchipuram

A few sculptures like Jyestha, Chauri bearers, Dikpalas, Saptamatrikas, Surya of


Pallava period were discovered in the Sriperumbudur taluk in the places like
Manimangalam, Mangadu, Kunnattur, Sivankudal etc.

An urn burial site noticed near Thannirkulam in Tiruvellore District.

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

EXPLORATION CONDUCTED
Conducted Explorations in many villages in Dharmapuri, Thiruvannamalai,
Vellore, Villupuram, Thiruvellore and Kanchipuram District. During the course of
Explorations the Post Graduate students were imparted field training

Besides, in connection with the UGC Major Research Project, all the 63 rock cut
temples excavated by the early Pandyas in Tamilnadu were fully documented and
studied. The results were published in the form of a book.

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

22. Publications:
* Number of papers published in peer reviewed journals (national / international)
: 20
* Monographs : 5
* Chapters in Books : 4
* Edited Books : 1
* Books with ISBN with details of publishers : 3
* Number listed in International Database (For e.g. Web of Science, Scopus,
Humanities International Complete, Dare Database - International Social
Sciences Directory, EBSCO host, etc.) : Nil
* Citation Index – range / average : Nil
* SNIP : Nil
* SJR : Nil
* Impact Factor – range / average : Nil
* h-index : Nil

23. Details of patents and income generated - Nil

24. Areas of consultancy and income generated - Nil

25. Faculty selected nationally / internationally to visit other laboratories /


institutions / industries in India and abroad
Balaji P.D. – invited to deliver lecture in Tamil University, M.K. University and
Deccan College, Pune

Soundararajan, J – Submitted a paper in the 22nd International Association of


Historians of Asia in Surakarta, Indonesia from 2nd July to 6th July 2012

26. Faculty serving in


Balaji, P.D.

National

Member (Govt. of India Nominee), State Level Implementation Committee for the
Andaman and Nicobar, National Mission, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi, since
2009

Alternate Member, Central Organizing Committee, Archaeological Survey of


India, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 2009

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

Subject Expert for Tamilnadu, National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities,


Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, 2009

Member, Heritage Building Committee of Madras University, University of


Madras, Since 2010

Co-ordinator, Senate House - The maintenance of the Senate House Building in


the University is under control of Department of Ancient History and
Archaeology Since 2010

Advisor - Selection Committee, Staff Selection Commission, for the selection of


Asst Archaeologists in the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi – held on
7th September 2010

Sessional President, Tamilnadu Archaeological Society, Karaikkudi, 14-15 July


2012

Awarded ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR 2012 IN ANCIENT


HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Member, Executive Committee, Tamilnadu Archaeological Society, Thanjavur,


2006 to 2010

Member, Executive Committee, Saiva Siddhanta Perumandram, Chennai 2003 to


2008

Hon. Editor, Saiva Siddhanta, English Quarterly Journal from 28-3-2003 to 2009

Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Tamilnadu Archaeological Society,


Thanjavur since 2009

27. Faculty recharging strategies (UGC, ASC, Refresher / orientation programs


Balaji, P.D.
1. Refresher Programme on “Environmental Science” in the Madras University
from 22-10-2009 to 11-11-2009
2. Summer School on “Recent Advances in Social Sciences & Humanites”, ASC,
University of Madras from 9-5-2013 to 29-5-2013
Soundararajan, J.
1. Refresher Programme in History, ASC, University of Madras from 06-11-2008 to
26-11-2008
2. Orientation Programme 89th Batch, ASC, University of Madras from 20-5-2009 to
16-6-2009
3. Short Term course conducted by ASC, University of Madras from 18-2-2013 to
23-2-2013
4. National Workshop for Research Guide, ASC, Pondicherry University 23rd to 24th
September 2010

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

28. Student projects


In house projects

M.A. I and II year students were imparted field training in exploration and
excavation respectively every year and they submit their individual report as
project report for evaluation. – 100 %

M.A. I year students had undergone internship at Archaeological Survey of India,


Chennai circle for a month, during summer vacation every year and at the end of
the internship they submit report for evaluation.
29. Awards / recognitions received at the national and international level by
FACULTY

Balaji, P.D.
Member, Syndicate, University of
Madras since 2011

As Member of the Syndicate, serves in


various Syndicate sub-committee

Member, Senate, University of Madras-


elected since October 2010

Member, Academic Council, University


of Madras, since June 2008

University Nominee in the Board of Administration, Vidya Sagar College,


Vedanarayanapuram since2011

University Nominee in the Board of Adminstration, TMG College for Arts and
Science, Manimangalam since 2012

Co-ordinator, Senate House Building, University of Madras, since 2012

Chairman, Board of Studies for Ancient History & Archaeology, University of


Madras Since May 2008

Member, Madras University Heritage Building Committee, University of Madras,


since 2011

NATIONAL

Member (Govt. of India Nominee), State Level Implementation Committee for the
Andaman and Nicobar, National Mission, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi, since
2009

Alternate Member, Central Organizing Committee, Archaeological Survey of


India, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi, 2009

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

Subject Expert for Tamilnadu, National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities,


Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, 2009

Member, Heritage Building Committee of Madras University, University of


Madras, Since 2010

Co-ordinator, Senate House - The maintenance of the Senate House Building in


the University is under control of Department of Ancient History and
Archaeology Since 2010

Advisor - Selection Committee, Staff Selection Commission, for the selection of


Asst Archaeologists in the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi – held on
7th September 2010

Sessional President, Tamilnadu Archaeological Society, Karaikkudi, 14-15 July


2012.

Awarded Academic Achievement Award For 2012 In Ancient History and


Archaeology

30. Seminars/ Conferences/Workshops organized and the source of funding


(national / international) with details of outstanding participants, if any.
(List given in Appendix – II)
31. Code of ethics for research followed by the departments -
UGC Regulation on minimum standards and procedure for the award of M.Phil/ Ph.D
degree – 2009 are followed.
32. Student profile programme-wise:
Name of the Appli. Received Selected Pass percentage
programme Male Female Male Female
M.A. 2008-09 29 12 3 99% 100%
M.A. 2009-10 18 10 - 95% 100%
M.A. 2010-11 29 10 9 100% 100%
M.A. 2011-12 15 6 5 99% 100%
M.A. 2012-13 26 11 5 Under going
M.Phil. 2008-09 3 - 1 100%
M.Phil. 2009-10 5 1 1 100%
M.Phil. 2010-11 13 3 5 100%
M.Phil. 2011-12 6 3 - 100%
M.Phil. 2012-13 9 3 1 Under going
Ph.D. 2008-09 1 1 - 1 awarded
Ph.D. 2009-10 2 2 0
Ph.D. 2010-11 2 2 0
Ph.D. 2011-12 3 2 1 2 awarded
Ph.D. 2012-13 3 1 2 1 awarded

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

33. Diversity of students


Name of the % of % of students % of students % of students
Programme students from other from from other
(refer to question from the universities universities countries
no. 4) same within the outside the
university State State
Name of the % of students % of students %of students % of students
programme from same from other from from other
university universities universities country
within the state outside the state
M.A. 2008-09 50% 20% 20% 10%
M.A. 2009-10 50% 30% 20% --
M.A. 2010-11 60% 20% 20% --
M.A. 2010-11 60% 20% 20% --
M.A. 2011-12 50% 30% 20% --
M.A. 2012-13 60% 10% 30% --

M.Phil. 2008-09 60% 20% 20% --


M.Phil. 2009-10 60% 40% -- --
M.Phil. 2010-11 60% 40% -- --
M.Phil. 2011-12 60% 40% -- --
M.Phil. 2012-13 60% 40% -- --

Ph.D. 2008-09 90% 10% -- --


Ph.D. 2009-10 90% 10% -- --
Ph.D. 2010-11 80% 10% 10% --
Ph.D. 2011-12 90% 10% -- --
Ph.D. 2012-13 90% 10% -- --

34. How many students have cleared Civil Services and Defence Services
examinations, NET, SET, GATE and other competitive examinations? Give
details category-wise.
2008 – two candidates cleared NET examination
2009- one candidate cleared NET examination
2011 – NET cleared by two candidates
2010-11 - four have cleared the selection examination for Asst. Archaeologist in
ASI
2011-12 – Mr. Daljit Singh pass the CRPF examination and joined the force
Staff Selection Selection

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

35. Student progression


Student progression Percentage against enrolled
UG to PG --
PG to M.Phil 70 %
PG to Ph.D. 50%
Ph.D. to Post 0 Doctoral 10%
Employed
Campus selection
Other than campus recruitment 25%
Entrepreneurs 10%

36. Diversity of staff


Percentage of faculty who are graduates
of the same university 50%
from other universities within the State 50%
from universities from other States --
from universities outside the country --

37. Number of faculty who were awarded M.Phil., Ph.D., D.Sc. and D.Litt. during
the assessment period
Dr. A. Ekambaranathan - awarded D.Litt degree in Ancient History and
Archaeology in this University in 2008
38. Present details of departmental infrastructural facilities with regard to
a. Library - more than 5000 books on archaeology is available
b. Internet facility to staff and student – available
c. Total number of class room – 3 class room
d. Class room with ICT facility – one
e. Students’ laboratory – not applicable
f. Research Lab – the Department is attached with an Archaeological Museum
housing more than 10,000 artifacts. The museum is recognised by the national
museum, new delhi.

39. List of doctoral, post-doctoral students and Research Associates : Enclosed


Doctoral students
Under the guideship of Dr. P.D. Balaji
D. Charlson
G. Thirumoorthy
E.Iniyan
Krishnamoorthy
Ranjith
Sumu Gogoi
Vijay

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

Jothiswaran
Shalini
Subhashini
Deepak joe

Under the guideship of Dr. J.Soundararajan


Kumaran
Mahadevi
Nandakumar

40. Number of post graduate students getting financial assistance from the
university
All the B.C. and S.C. and S.T. students are availing scholarship awarded by the
Govt.

Besides, Endowment Merit Scholarship (Aringnar Anna , Sambuvaraya) are


awarded to two students every year

41. Was any need assessment exercise undertaken before the development of new
programme(s)? If so, highlight the methodology.
All the decisions on revision or introduction new programme are taken by the
BOS wherein, besides faculties, subject experts from ASI and State Dept.of
Archaeology are represented. Based upon the consultation and recommendation of
the BOS required changes are being made in the programme.

42. Does the department obtain feedback from


a) Faculty on curriculum as well as teaching-learning-evaluation? If yes, how
does the department utilize the feedback?
Faculty on curriculum - as all the faculty are member of the BOS, their opinion
and views are obtained
b) Students on staff, curriculum and teaching-learning-evaluation and how
does the department utilize the feedback?
Students on staff – every academic year feedback is obtained by the IQAC and
the findings are communicated to the faculty individually every year. The
feedback is taken into account for confirmation/ promotion.
c) Alumni and employers on the programmes offered and how does the
department utilize the feedback?
Opinions and suggestions of alumni and employers are periodically placed before
the BoS for consideration.

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

43. List the distinguished alumni of the department (maximum 10)


Noboru Karashima, Epigraphist, Tokyo University, Japan,
Y. Subburayulu, Epigraphist, Member, ICHR
S. Gurumurhty, Formerly Professor and Head, Dept. of Anc. Hist. & Archy, Uni.
Of Madras
K.Rajan, Professor of Archaeology, Central University, Pondicherry
T. Ramasamy, Professor of Ancient History, Registrar, M.K. University, Madurai
P.Shanmugam, Formerly Professor and Head, Dept. of Anc. Hist. & Archy, Uni.
Of Madras
A. Ekambaranathan, Formerly Professor and Head, Dept. of Anc. Hist. & Archy,
Uni. Of Madras
D. Dayalan, Director, Archaeological Survey of India, Govt. of Tamilnadu
Natana Kasinathan, Formerly Director, Dept.of Archaeology, Govt. of Tamilnadu
Vasanthi, Commissioner, Dept.of Archaeology, Govt. of Tamilnadu

44. Give details of student enrichment programmes (special lectures / workshops /


seminar) involving external experts.
The following subject experts delivered lectures in the Department on Ancient
History and Archaeology, for the benefit of students

1. D. Dayalan, Director, Archaeological Survey of India, Govt. of Tamilnadu


2. Natana Kasinathan, Formerly Director, Dept.of Archaeology, Govt. of
Tamilnadu
3. Vasanthi, Commissioner, Dept.of Archaeology, Govt. of Tamilnadu
4. S. Gurumurhty, Formerly Professor and Head, Dept. of Anc. Hist. & Archy,
Uni. Of Madras
5. K.Rajan, Professor of Archaeology, Central University, Pondicherry
6. P.Shanmugam, Formerly Professor and Head, Dept. of Anc. Hist. & Archy,
Uni. Of Madras
7. K.T. Narasimhan, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI
8. Satyabama Badreenath, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI
9. K.P. Rao, Professor of Archaeology, Central University, Hyderabad
10. Krishnan, Professor of Archaeology, M.S. University, Baroda.
11. Korisetter, Professor of Archaeology, Dharwad University
12. Athiyaman, Professor, Dept.of Under water Archaeology, Tamil University
13. T.Chandrakumar, Professor, Dept. of Sculpture, Tamil University
14. K.K.Choudry, Professor, S.V. University
15. Ajit Kumar, Professor, Kerala University
16. Rajavelu, Associate Professor, Tamil University
17. T. Satyamurthy, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI

45. List the teaching methods adopted by the faculty for different programmes.

Lecture supported by power point presentation. Any doubt on the part of the
students is clarified in remedial classes. Frequent class test will be conducted to
assess the students. There will be two sessional and one end semester
examinations in every semester.

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

46. How does the department ensure that programme objectives are constantly met
and learning outcomes are monitored?
Students conduct field survey and excavate archeological sites based on the inputs
received from the class room in addition to regular assessment.

47. Highlight the participation of students and faculty in extension activities.

Sl. Type of activity Period of Agency of Output


No. activity collaboration
1. Participated in the For ten days Dept. of More than 1,00,000
archaeological from 25-9- Archaeology, people witness the
exhibition conducted by 2010 Govt. of exhibition – An
the Dept. of Tamilnadu awareness was
Archaeology, Govt. of created among the
Tamilnadu in common people
commemoration of
completion of 1000th
years of construction of
Brahadeswarar Temple
at Tanjore
2. Celebration of Madras Heritage No 50 students
Week walk collaboration participated
18-8-2010
3. Celebration of Madras 28-8-2011 Govt For the benefit of
Day 2011 Museum, more than 200
Egmore children a lecture on
“Temples of
Chennai” was
delivered by the
HOD at the Museum
Theatre
4. Teachers’ Day 2012 Lions Club Celebrated
celebrations Teachers’ day and
honoured more than
2000 retired
teachers from
various part of
Chennai

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

48. Give details of “beyond syllabus scholarly activities” of the department.


Every year excavation was conducted, wherein II year M.A. students were imparted
field training for one month. I year students were imparted field training in the
exploration. Besides, the Department and the students also participated in the
following extension programme.

49. State whether the programme/ department is accredited/ graded by other


agencies? If yes, give details.
Nil

50. Briefly highlight the contributions of the department in generating new


knowledge, basic or applied.

Students from foreign countries like Thailand, Japan, Poland, Srilanka and South
Africa also had the opportunity of studying M.A. degree course in the department.
Moreover, archaeological studies attracted research scholars from different parts of
Peninsular India and North East India to the department in order to pursue research
leading to M.Phil./ Ph.D. degrees. It is the only department offering M.A. Degree
course in Ancient History and Archaeology in South India and recognized by the
Government of India to undertake archaeological excavations annually and impart
field training to M.A. students.

With a view to ascertain the spread of Neolithic culture and its links with the
megalithic culture in Tamilnadu, archaeological explorations were carried out and
new sites like Appukkallu, Mallappadi, Kallerimalai, Athiyamankottai, Tiruvakkarai
and Guttur were identified in Tamilnadu, where the Department had undertaken
archaeological excavations. Besides, to reinvestigate the origin of the rouletted ware,
a variety of Roman pottery, collaborative excavation with Dr.Vimala Begly of the
Pennisilvaniya University, U.S.A., was undertaken at the famous Indo-Roman
trading center of Arikkamedu, Pondicherry, for 5 sessions (1990 - 95). The results of
the excavations were highly rewarding, and earned good reputation to the
Department.

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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

The Department also had collaboration with Professor Nobru Karashima of the
Tokyo University, Japan. With the financial support from the Government of Japan
joint research project works were undertaken by Prof. K.V.Raman and Prof.
P.Shanmugam. The results of the joint research projects had been published in the
form of books.

Under F.I.P. programme also, many college Teachers registered for Ph.D. degree in
the Department. Above all, Major and Minor research projects, sponsored by UGC,
ICHR and Nehru Trust, New Delhi were undertaken by Faculty members.

This 50 years old Department of Ancient History and Archaeology is the alma mater
for 500 Postgraduate students from the year of its inception till date. It has the credit
of producing 142 M.Phil., 7 M.Litt., 65 Ph.D and 1 D.Litt. degrees. Faculty members
have all along published 60 books and hundreds of research articles in reputed
journals.

Conducting Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, Refresher Courses, Endowment


Lectures, Explorations and Excavations are the regular Departmental activities
towards achieving academic excellence in the field of Ancient History as well as
Archaeology.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT

1. Tirukkampuliyur – Trichy District – 1962, 1963


2. Alagarai - Trichy District – 1964
3. Uraiyur – Trichy District – 1965 – 1968
4. Kanchipuram – Kanchipuram District – 1970 – 1976
5. Appukkallu – Vellore District – 1977 & 1980
6. Mallappadi - Krishnagiri District - 1978
7. Kallerimalai – Vellore District – 1979
8. Adiyamankottai – Dharmapuri Distric – 1981, 1982
9. Guttur – Dharmapuri District – 1983
10. Tiruvakkarai – Villupuram District – 1985
11. Tiruvamattur – Villupuram District – 1987
12. Kudikadu – Cuddalore District – 1989
13. Arikkamedu – Pondichery (Collaborated with Pennsylvania University, U.S.A.)
1990 – 1994
14. Padaiveedu – Tiruvannamalai District – 1995
15. Tiruverkadu – Chennai District – 1996 – 2000
16. Palur – Kanchipuram District – 2001 – 2005
17. Melchittamur – Villupuram District – 2006- 2010
18. Arpakkam – Kanchipuram District – since 2011

51. Detail five major Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges


(SWOC) of the department.
Strength – only university in the South India, undertaking archaeological
excavation annually to train the students in field archaeology
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NAAC Reaccreditation - Evaluative Report
School of Historical Studies
Department of Ancient History & Archaeology

Weakness – lack of faculty and technical staff


Opportunity – Jobs are available as Assistant Archaeologist and Dy.
Superintending Archaeologist posts in ASI and State Department of Archaeology
and as curators in the Museums. Now they are also eligible to join the Tourism
department and other departments connected with culture.
Challenges: to keep pace with recent technological and scientific advancement,
modern tools and technical devices are required to meet the challenges.

52. Future plans of the department.


Ø To create a data bank on archaeological discoveries
Ø To create laboratory for scientific dating
Ø Computer lab for digital archaeology
Ø Digitization of photography section
Ø Upgrading of the existing archaeology in the Department

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