Archaeology, prehistory, and human evolution collectively form a fascinating tapestry of our past. Archaeology delves into the material remains of ancient civilizations, uncovering artifacts and structures that provide insights into human behavior and societies long gone. Prehistory encompasses the time before written records, revealing the development of early human cultures through tools, art, and burial practices. Human evolution explores our biological ancestry, tracing the evolutionary journey from early hominins to modern humans, offering clues about our origins, adaptations, and interactions with the environment. Together, these fields illuminate the rich and complex story of humanity’s journey through time.
Dr Namrata Biswas from Chimbel is a dedicated and accomplished archaeologist with a wealth of experience spanning over 10 years. Armed with a PhD in Prehistory Archaeology from Deccan College, Pune, and a distinguished academic background including an International Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree from the University of Ferrara, Italy, Dr Biswas has actively contributed to the field through extensive research, excavation, and scholarly activities. Her expertise extends across various domains of archaeology, from excavation supervision at prehistoric sites in India to participating in international excavations in Spain, Italy and France. Dr Biswas has also been actively involved in research projects, notably as a trench supervisor with Archaeological Survey of India at Vadnagar, Gujarat and as a research assistant for the documentation program in collaboration with the British Museum, London. “I don’t know who inspired me but I know I always wanted to do what I am doing now,” she says.
A passionate advocate for sharing knowledge, she has conducted numerous workshops on stone tool knapping and analysis, imparting her expertise to aspiring archaeologists and enthusiasts. Her scholarly pursuits are reflected in her notable publications and presentations at esteemed conferences, showcasing her commitment to advancing the understanding of prehistoric cultures. Dr Biswas’s relentless pursuit of academic excellence, coupled with her hands-on experience and leadership in archaeological endeavors, underscores her invaluable contributions to the field of archaeology. “During my spare time, I love to travel and explore new cultures and places,” she says.
Namrata’s interest in archaeology developed during her BA studies at St Xavier’s College in Mumbai. She recalls having a subject called Ancient Indian Culture, which sparked her fascination with the field. “I also owe this interest to my professors, whose engaging teaching style and organized field trips deeply attracted me to the subject,” says Namrata. Her family has been very supportive of her interest in history and archaeology. “They encouraged me to pursue my passion and have always been there to motivate me” she admits.
On July 13, she will illuminate audiences with her talk, exploring evolution and prehistory. Following this, on July 21, her workshop on ‘Artifacts and artistry’ will provide hands-on insights into ancient craftsmanship. Her extensive publications and presentations highlight her dedication to advancing the understanding of people about prehistoric cultures. This makes her sessions a must-attend for enthusiasts and scholars alike eager to uncover mysteries of the past.
“My presentation on July 13 is titled ‘Stone Tool Knapping and Rock Art’ and covers the evolution of early humans, their tools, lifestyle, and survival strategies”, mentions Namrata further elaborating that she will be discussing significant archaeological findings that have contributed to the understanding of early human history and will also shed light on the prehistory of Goa.
Some of her favorite archaeologically rich sites in India include the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh, the Ajanta and Ellora, Maharashtra, the historic sites at Hampi, Karnataka among others.
“Sustainable development should balance progress with heritage preservation. We cannot halt development, but we must also protect our cultural heritage”, she says further giving an example of Europe. During her higher education in Europe, she noticed that despite being highly developed, Europe still retains its Renaissance-period structures. It feels like walking through history. “They still need to repair underground pipes or drainage systems, but before doing so, they involve archaeologists to document, preserve as much as possible, and then carefully proceed with their work. This approach ensures that development and heritage preservation go hand in hand,” she says.
Lack of awareness and education about the importance of heritage sites, coupled with inadequate regulations and enforcement, are some of the primary reasons for people not paying due respect to archaeological sites. Additionally, it is crucial to make people aware that many visitors come to India not to see its modern developments like roads, buildings, and infrastructure, but to experience its rich culture and heritage. Preserving these sites is essential for maintaining India’s unique identity and attracting tourists.
“While there is a growing interest among youth in India regarding heritage, much more awareness and educational initiatives are needed. Programs and activities that involve young people in heritage conservation can foster a deeper appreciation and respect for their history. For instance, my stone tool workshop, which is open to all age groups, provides hands-on experiences that enhance understanding and automatically instill respect for our cultural heritage. When individuals engage directly with historical artifacts and techniques, they develop a more profound connection to the past and its preservation,” says Namrata.
One of the biggest challenges faced in the field of documentation, she says, is technology. “It’s not that the authorities lack the funds to purchase it; rather, they are often reluctant to invest in it,” she says. Additionally, there are times when people are discouraged from going abroad to learn. If we don’t go, how will we know what other parts of the world are doing? Staying updated with global advancements is crucial, which unfortunately is an area where Indian archaeology often falls short.
“Not all archaeological departments are performing poorly, but not all are excelling either,” she mentions. Staff often face constraints such as limited funding, inadequate training, and bureaucratic hurdles, which can impact the quality of their work. It is crucial for researchers to collaborate; a single project cannot be handled by one person alone. Archaeologists, geologists, paleontologists, and other specialists should be appointed as needed to achieve the best results for each project.
When Namrata works on any project, she usually works with a team of fellow archaeologists, historians, and sometimes students, who assist with the documentation process. “Teamwork is essential for comprehensive and accurate data collection,” she says with confidence. As far as expenses are concerned, they are all born by herself. “Budgeting and planning are crucial for managing resources effectively,” she says.
Namrata has been conducting a stone tool knapping workshop at Mumbai University during Heritage Day for the last five years. “There are some kids who have attended every year just to participate in stone tool knapping with me. They often ask, ‘Do you remember me? I came last year.’ To be truthful, it’s difficult to remember each one, as we interact with thousands of students in a single day. However, their enthusiasm and eagerness to return year after year are heartwarming and memorable”, says Namrata.
People are generally curious and sometimes astonished when they see Namrata and her team working. “Many locals express pride in their heritage and offer support, while others may be indifferent or unaware of the significance of our work and many thinks we are searching for gold,” she says
“I would encourage young people to take interest in their local heritage. Participate in heritage walks, volunteer for archaeological work, and educate others about the importance of preserving our cultural history. Conservation starts with awareness and respect for our past. If you can’t do any of these, at least help by keeping heritage sites clean, not littering, and avoiding any actions that could damage these precious places”, says Namrata.
