The Cotton College State University has launched its Department of Archaeology for the students keeping in view the archaeological importance of the region.
Archaeology has its own significance. Thus, CCSU Vice Chancellor, Prof DJ Saikia stated that there is still a lot that needs to be done in the field of archaeology in the north-eastern region. To implement the measures proposed, the department, besides providing a master’s programme, will also focus its research interests on developmental stages of diverse and indigenous cultures in pre-historic and historic periods in the North-East as well as its neighbouring Himalayan regions. In addition, the department is also expected to focus on heritage management, conservation of cultural properties etc. Gradually, it will offer courses on Applied Archaeology along with areas like Museology.
Dr Manjil Hazarika is currently heading the department. Dr Hazarika has a PhD Degree on ethno-linguistic pre historic archaeology from the University of Berne, Switzerland.
One of the areas that this department will specialize is in-depth study on the origin and development of rice cultivation focusing on paleo-botanical evidence. The newly-launched department hopes to make significant advances in understanding the region’s history through modern techniques to date back archaeological layers and analysis of metal objects.
Source: Darshana Brahma, City Journalist, Guwahati, CollegeDekho