Team Encounters

From Academic Archaeology to Public Archaeology

As a serious student of archaeology, my training focused on understanding archaeological methods, interpreting material culture, and engaging with ancient histories. The work often felt exclusively aimed at experts, historians, and scholars. Research papers, academic conferences, and excavation reports seemed to be the primary channels of communication. While these are undoubtedly important for advancing the discipline, they often fail to connect with the public.  

After joining Pleach, I realized that archaeology has a greater purpose beyond academia. The stories embedded in our monuments, artifacts, and landscapes have the power to inspire, educate and instill pride in people. Archaeology is not just about studying the past, it is about connecting people with their cultural roots. This realization sparked my passion for public archaeology: making archaeological knowledge accessible and meaningful to everyone.  

India, with its unparalleled cultural and historical diversity, offers a treasure trove of heritage that needs to be shared with the world. Yet, many aspects of this heritage remain hidden in academic archives, known only to a select few. 

Working with Pleach has been a transformative experience. I now see archaeology not as a closed discipline but as a dynamic field with the potential to shape public consciousness. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been seeing how people respond to heritage stories when they are presented in accessible formats. A video series like #KnowYourNortheast or presenting the intricate stories sculpted on our monuments through initiatives like #DeshKiDaastaan can ignite curiosity and pride in ways I never imagined during my academic training.

Moreover, Pleach has shown me that digital media is not just a tool for sharing knowledge it is a platform for building communities. As an archaeologist, I now believe that our responsibility extends beyond research and publication. We have a duty to share the stories of our past with the people they belong to.

In this journey, I have found not only a deeper purpose in my work but also a renewed passion for archaeology as a force for connection, education, and empowerment.

YS. Sanathana
Research Associate
From Academic Archaeology to Public Archaeology
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