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The Need for a National Archaeological Database


Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, India
2 PES University, 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari Stage III, Bengaluru 560 085, India
 

India’s economic development is evident in its industrial growth, extensive transportation network, and rapidly expanding cities, towns and villages. While this growth has numerous positive aspects, it also has the potential to cause irrevocable damage (directly or indirectly) to rich archaeological heritage of the country. The present study makes three contributions. First, it examines several archaeological sites where economic developmental activities have caused significant damage. Second, it demonstrates how the risk of further damage can be minimized using geospatial solutions to protect and manage such sites. Third, it conceptualizes a framework for incorporating spatial and non-spatial knowledge of archaeological sites into a National Archaeological Database. We propose that this national archive should be made publicly accessible under the Digital India programme, where it can assist decision makers (development authorities, state departments, etc.) and help citizens plan for future economic growth while preserving the fragile remnants of our past.

Keywords

Archaeological Database, Economic Development, Geospatial Solutions, Protection of Heritage Sites.
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  • The Need for a National Archaeological Database

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Authors

Ekta Gupta
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, India
Sonia Das
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, India
Kuili Suganya Chittirai Balan
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, India
Viraj Kumar
PES University, 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari Stage III, Bengaluru 560 085, India
M. B. Rajani
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, India

Abstract


India’s economic development is evident in its industrial growth, extensive transportation network, and rapidly expanding cities, towns and villages. While this growth has numerous positive aspects, it also has the potential to cause irrevocable damage (directly or indirectly) to rich archaeological heritage of the country. The present study makes three contributions. First, it examines several archaeological sites where economic developmental activities have caused significant damage. Second, it demonstrates how the risk of further damage can be minimized using geospatial solutions to protect and manage such sites. Third, it conceptualizes a framework for incorporating spatial and non-spatial knowledge of archaeological sites into a National Archaeological Database. We propose that this national archive should be made publicly accessible under the Digital India programme, where it can assist decision makers (development authorities, state departments, etc.) and help citizens plan for future economic growth while preserving the fragile remnants of our past.

Keywords


Archaeological Database, Economic Development, Geospatial Solutions, Protection of Heritage Sites.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv113%2Fi10%2F1961-1973