09/05/2026
A five-day training programme on “Prehistory and Experimental Archaeology” was conducted at the Experimental Archaeological Laboratory, Department of Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology, University of Allahabad, from 4 May to 8 May 2026. Fifteen students enrolled in the PG Diploma Course from Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, participated in the programme along with Superintendent Archaeologist Dr. Goutami Bhattacharya, Assistant Superintendent Archaeologist Dr. Ashish Ranjan Shahu, and Assistant Archaeologist Santashray.
On the inaugural day, the Head of the Department, Dr. Ramakant, welcomed the participants and extended his best wishes for the successful completion of the training programme. Subsequently, Prof. Prakash Sinha introduced the participants to stone tool typology, lithic technology, tool-making processes, and the environmental contexts in which early hominids survived, along with discussions on the cultural context of archaeological materials. From the second session onward, all practical activities were conducted in the Experimental Archaeological Laboratory. Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav and Dr. Amit Singh demonstrated the technique of flint knapping and guided the students in the selection of raw materials and hammer stones for stone tool production. The participants were also trained in the process of manufacturing flakes and blades.
On the second day, Prof. Sinha elaborated on blade typology and lithic technology. The participants were subsequently trained in the documentation and recording of the artefacts produced during the workshop. This was followed by detailed sessions on tool analysis, documentation methods, and archaeological photography.
On the third day, Dr. Amit Singh delivered a lecture on the study and functional analysis of archaeological artefacts through microscopic examination, with special emphasis on micro-wear analysis. Thereafter, Dr. Tulika, an archaeobotanist and phytolith specialist, demonstrated the extraction of phytoliths from living plants and soil samples for archaeological interpretation. The students then used the tools they had produced for activities such as cutting, whittling, and boring on bamboo, grass, and shell materials for experimental micro-wear studies. These tools were later examined under a microscope to identify scar patterns, striations, and polish marks generated through use.
On the fourth day, Dr. Tulika delivered a detailed lecture on phytoliths, their classification, and their significance in archaeological research. Subsequently, Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav conducted an introductory session on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications in archaeology. The students were familiarized with ArcGIS and other relevant softwares commonly used in archaeological research. Later, under the guidance of Dr. Tulika, the participants examined extracted phytolith samples from living grasses under the microscope.
On the fifth and concluding day, Prof. Sinha introduced the students to SPSS software and demonstrated methods for the statistical analysis of archaeological data. Dr. Tulika subsequently demonstrated the complete procedure for archaeological phytolith sample preparation and microscopic analysis.
In the final session, the participants visited the G. R. Sharma Memorial Museum of the department, where they were introduced to the artefacts housed in the museum collection.
The valedictory session was addressed by the Head of the Department, Dr. Ramakant, who conveyed his blessings and encouragement to the participants for their future academic pursuits. Dr. Atul Narayan Singh emphasized the importance of such academic interactions and expressed the department’s intention to organize similar programmes in the future. Dr. J. S. Naulakha, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Dr. Raghavendra Pratap Singh, Dr. Gargi Chatterjee, Dr. Mohana R., and Dr. Ajay Kumar were also present during the programme.
The programme was successfully supported by the research scholars of the department, namely Gaurav Gupta, Varun Shukla, Megha Kumari, Mary Tomi Molsom, and Satyam Yadav, who volunteered throughout the training programme.
