Guest Article: It’s my story and it’s my take on career in archaeology

Many of us are very passionate about achieving our goals in the field which doesn’t have vast scope as compared to Commerce, Engineering,and Medicine etc. One cannot always rely on parents financially and when we try to take up a career in something the very next thing that comes to our head is this career going to pay all my bills? Will it make me financially independent?

Getting a job in the field of archaeology is not an easy thing. Archaeology is a subject which is both humanistic and scientific.This study involves use of scientific techniques for reconstructing past. A job of an archaeologist is mainly to reconstruct past human activities based on the material remains, and these material study form an independent field or branch of archaeology. They bring in independent branches and subjects of expertise. For.eg. the archaeological studies are divided into Prehistory, Proto-history,and History. Which are further divided accordingly under these three categories. The subject of history is further categorised into Ancient, Early, Medieval and Modern.When we say historical period, we should know that it goes back to 6th BC. Further its study involves Epigraphy, Numismatic, Art, Iconography, and Architecture. But there are many opportunities in allied fields like Museology, Conservation, heritage upkeep etc. The expertise of science related fields like Archaeo-Botany , Anthropology , Palaeontology, Archaeo-zoology, Geology, Archaeo-Chemistry, Environmental archaeology are relevant in all fields of archaeological studies. All these experts work together for better understanding of our past. Ultimately all these fields lead to research either in field or lab. Archaeology as a subject studies and covers all these fields and individuals take interest and specialise in their field of interest. 

When I completed my Masters in Archaeology in June 2015, I had no idea as to how I’m going to be independent financially at the same time continue working in the field of Archaeology from Goa, neither did I think much about it as parents were very supportive. I did not do much but focused on clearing NET exam which I eventually did. After 3-4 months, the thought of becoming independent hit my mind hard and I started searching for job opportunities in Goa.

Though there are many institutions all over India and world, looking out for researchers in their respective projects which become a great opportunity for those looking for learning with earning money. But my focus was getting job in Goa itself or enrol myself for Ph.D.So likewise one can get employed as a researcher in projects, creating public awareness about archaeology or engage into public archaeology so people start appreciating archaeological heritage. Mostly when one finishes studying or completes masters there is a feeling like the best thing is to get into teaching as it gives good money but it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. Others look for Administrative jobs like in Archaeological Survey of India and State Archaeology Departments, and Museums. Many get employed as a researcher with Architects or Conservation related firms Like INTACH, travel agency/portal, and content writers.

Let me be very practical here, the next thing that almost everybody does is living on stipend either from ICHR or UGC by doing a Ph.D. which serves both the purposes, that is earning and learning. Many excavators employ trench supervisors,although it’s a short term job but gives good exposure of field work. I was very fortunate that after completion of my Masters I got a chance to participate in Nagardhan Excavation season 2016 as Trench Supervisor, which lasted for almost 3 months and I got paid and yes, that was my very first pay check. It gave me immense happiness that I earned my first salary from the work that I’m passionate about. Field archaeology is what I love the most.I’m very thankful to the excavation directors Drs. Virag Sontakke, Shantanu Vaidya and Ganvir sir. After this I came back to Goa and found myself jobless again. I did consider becoming a tour guide for heritage sites in Goa but that did not work out.

As my base is in Goa and Iwas not very keen on taking jobs outside Goa, I got myself into creating awareness about the field of archaeology in Goa. I conducted archaeology workshop for colleges which was a great experience to begin with. Next thing there was opening in Goa State Archaeology Department for Exploration Assistant and I got in. Let me give a gist of what I do here, it is a desk job involving drafting letters, maintaining the antiquity register and list. It also involves exploring the heritage sites, research and visiting protected sites to check if they are in good condition and to make plans and enact, to promote and keep them safe for future generations.

And one last thing, if you really love this field you will definitely succeed in life no matter the opportunities and avenues in your hometown and I hope in future we come up with innovative ideas that will create more job opportunities as well as make one independent or an entrepreneur. 

Dipika Bhomkar

Exploration Assistant,

Directorate of Archives and Archaeology,

Goa