The department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture was established with the opening of the University in 2018, but the regular teaching was initiated in the year 2020 with the appointment of the faculties for the first time. The Post Graduated programme was started in 2020-21 session with CBCS system of education, under the headship of Dr. Neeta Yadav, Professor. The Department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture (AHAC), Siddhartha University Kapilvastu, Siddharth Nagar occupies a significant place in the area of Indian Archaeology and Culture. The department aims to make the student aware of ancient India past and its legacies through teaching, Research and Extension activities. A critical understanding of the past will enable the students to understand the present and help them to look towards the future. In the context of World becoming a Global Village it is necessary to make the students aware of History, Culture and archaeology of our state and Country. The teachers of the department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture of the University contribute their Valuable research articles to national and International Journals and edited books. The faculty members also participate in National and International seminars. At present the Indian Council of Historical Research and Uttar Pradesh Higher education commission has provided Research project grants to the department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture. The faculty of the department are also involved in invited lectures and online dissemination of knowledge was the key factor of providing education to the students through their best capabilities.
The department organizes visits to Museums and archaeological sites so that students became aware of their historical importance. At present department has four faculty members and all of them are actively involved in research and teaching. History is no longer a dull or stereotyped subject. The students learn how the archaeological data is collected from the field with the help of excavations and explorations, scientifically analyses and interpreted to plug the gaps in history. The students learn that the subject is not mere narration of events based on imagination rather based on meticulous documentation, critical evaluation of data and interpretation or logical reconstruction.
Courses Offered:
1. At present the department is running following courses:
1. U.G- Bachelor of Arts- a three year course with 60 seats intake at B.A I Level. Since the inception I 2021-22, the semester system of examination has been adopted. The syllabus is framed as perNEP2020 format.
2. P.G-Master of Arts- A two year, four semester course with 40 student intake at M.AI Semester. The Course covers both Culture and Archaeology.
3. Ph.D-Doctor of Philosophy- Admissions are through Entrance test.
Message from the Head of the Department
Located at the auspicious land of Kapilvastu, Siddharth Nagar, the department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture has distinguished itself as a front line department of ancient History Archaeology and Culture across the state for the study of cultural interaction in the Buddhist land of India. Great emphasis is laid on the study of history through original sources. Our department offers separate papers on Numismatics, Epigraphy and Paleography, History and Heritage of Kapilvastu and Women studies at Post Graduate level. The department also offers papers on Greater India, That is spread of Indian Culture in South and South Est Asia, Central Asia, China etc. at PG Level. Two Batches of PG Programme have successfully passed out with a meritorious score of First division. Most of the passed out students are serving the Nation in various capacities. The students of the department are also taken to Visit Museums and Archaeological sites . The department has eminent faculty members who are constantly engaged in Research and Teaching. Although the strength of students is less in the beginning but ow more and more students are taking part in various activities conducted by the department. Two projects funded by ICHR and UPHEC are running in the department and it is our prime duty to conduct high quality research and most of the articles are published in National and International journals by the faculty members. If the future vision we are ready to set up a museum and photo gallery for the purpose of effective teaching and learning.
Facilities
Presently the Department of Ancient History Archaeology and Culture is the only of its type in the Siddharth Nagar district to impart knowledge on Art, Architecture and archaeology. Filed visit to monuments and sites are conducted for on the spot study. The revised syllabus is framed as per NEP 2020 format. The department has orgnaised online lectures for students and conducted seminars and conferences. Department of AHAC has done MoU with Lumbini Buddhist University and Heritage Society, Patna. One International Conference was organized by the department in 2022, in which dignitaries like Desbandhu ji, Dr. B. R. Mani, Prof, D. P. Tiwari, Prof. Anamika Roy, Prof. Rajwant Rao and Vice Chancellor of Meghalaya University and Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal participated. During the entire COVID 19 period, the department conducted online classes for the students.
Board of Studies:
The Department of AHAC has separate Board of Studies for UG and PG Courses. The Head of department is convener, one senior faculty member (rotation wise) from the colleges, all faculties from the department shall be member and two external subject experts. The Board of Studies organizes meetings twice a year and its work included names of paper setters, evaluators, Viva Conductors and revision of syllabus.
Research Facilities
Labs- Computer Lab
Projects- 02
i. Tutelary Deities as Guardian Deities of Villages in Ancient India- UPHEC
ii. Aesthetic Study of Various Objects in the hands of Deities in Iconographical Representations. – ICHR