Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India (1)

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India  (1)

Research and seminar under RUSA: The Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Madras conducted a two-day seminar on how geological survey, fossil and literature studies with archaeological remains could contribute to history,, archaeology and related disciplines. The topic is Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India[1]. This study is being carried out under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)[2], a holistic scheme of development for higher education in India programme with funds received. Departments of Ancient History and Archaeology, Geography, Tamil Literature and Mathematics participated work together in this project. Thus it is a multidisciplinary research seminar organized and held on 17th and 18th of August 2023 in the University campus.

The announcement made in June 2023 about the Seminar: About this seminar, there was a news note appeared in Dinamalar, “On behalf of the Department of Ancient History and Archeology of the University of Chennai, next month, on the 13^th and 14^th,  (now dates changed to August 17^th and 18^th) research papers are invited in the international seminar on the topic ‘Geoarchaeology, Geomicroforms’. For this, comments including ‘Geo microfossils, Geoarchaeology’ should be sent to the address ‘Head of Department, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Chennai, Chepakkam Campus, Chennai – 05’ by 30th. For more details, contact on mobile number 94456 28813 or email ‘jsrajan2013@gmail.com’.

Instructions to paper presenters: As the subject matter has been multi-disciplinary, the papers should be theme oriented by the researchers and experts.

• The papers should be specific on the theme chosen.
• Inter-disciplinary approach can be there, but, the respective experts can emphasize their field of study and research.
• The received papers would be scrutinized, processed and selected for presentation.
• The paper presenters are requested to present papers with PPT bringing out their new findings hitherto published so far.
• New, current and updated facts and figures; data and information; interpretations and results are expected.
• No generalizations may be made.
• Already known facts, details and information etc., need not be compiled and repeated.
• Papers should be based on original research of the author with primary sources.
• The final paper should not exceed 10 pages excluding foot notes and references (to be given at the end of the paper).
• 12 points can be used of any font.

The sub-themes are as follows: – considering the multidisciplinary approach and academic cooperation of different departments and experts, the following topics are also considered for the paer presentation.

• the scientific study of archaeology of the earth in all aspects
• sedimentology (study of sediments)
• stratigraphy (study of adding of rocks),
•  their part in identifying the actual qualities of the excavations,
• Comparing and differentiating geoarchaeology and archaeology in the context
• uses of geospatial technologies such as GIS
• Indian maritime contacts with ancient civilizations since c.7000 YBP.
• Palaeolithic to Neolithic cultures and their correlation with the human evolution.
• Literary evidences for the above in the Indian literature.
• Correlation, corroboration and correspondence of the above evidences.

Theme of the seminar: Though the studies on Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil started and its mineral properties in early 19^th century, a complete and holistic understanding of Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil and its formation predictions lacks till date. Most of the study on Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil is centered upon dating the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil on stylistic grounds, of a particular region without taking all the available evidence. In India the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil study is usually carried on the basis of formal methods to date them.  Dating the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil is considered to be the most important aspect in the study of Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil, whereas, other aspects like the meaning and message behind the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil along with mathematical models in predictions of its age and pigments are usually not given importance because of the lack of insight passed on directly or indirectly from those who made and used the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil (informed method).

Micro-fossil studies in India: Till date, all the reported Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil from the district is dated back to the prehistoric times on stylistic grounds, other associated finds in and around the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil site has been overlooked. Microorganisms are known to impact aquifers by modifying their rates of dissolution. In the karstic Edwards Aquifer, microbes colonizing the aquifer surfaces enhance the dissolution rates of the host rock. In the oceanic crustal aquifer, the largest aquifer on Earth, microbial communities can impact ocean productivity, seawater chemistry as well as geochemical cycling throughout the geosphere.  The mineral make-up of the rocks affects the composition and abundance of these sub-sea-floor microbial communities present. Through bioremediation, some microbes can aid in decontaminating freshwater resources in aquifers contaminated by waste products.

Archaeological investigations and Chronology: The detailed biological and palaeontological analysis of microfossils in such contexts may be an important source of archaeological data.  By critically reviewing a range of specialized cross-disciplinary analyses, it is shown how microfossils can be used to provenance inorganic artifacts, reconstruct aspects of their manufacturing technology, and infer their function. In Tamilnadu, excavations have been carried on at different sites and our archaeologists have been getting very important evidences. The script has been dated to c.6th cent.BCE and iron usage go back to c.1200 BCE. Thus, the historical chronology changes with the findings. The Poompuhar underwater excavations might reveal new results that might change the existing position also. Here, the geoarchaeology, micro-fossils and other scientific studies could bring results correlating, corroborating and corresponding with the Sangam Tamil literature. In this way, I hope all the concerned departments come together in this seminar to proceed further.

Updating of subjects is necessary: The updating of any subject has been making it current / recent and bringing to the usage with progressed, developed and advanced information and innovation. As the “goods and services” that are used now, get updated, such old “goods and services” get “outdated” and therefore, “update or perish” would come into play. If “publish or perish” has been common among the researchers, “update or perish” has been an axiom among the science and technology users, as the gadgets, instruments, tools, and machinery get outdated day by day. The exact position and condition would come to the academician, syllabus and the subjects. If Indians continue to read old subjects, that too, without any updating, they themselves better understand what would happen. History writers have not thought about progressed, advanced and developed stages of man, society, and nation in spite of many developments have taken place. Therefore, this multidisciplinary approach would pave way for new findings and interpretations.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-08-2023

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[1]  Seminar brochure – https://www.unom.ac.in/webportal/uploads/seminar_conference/archaeology_seminar_20230609115934_95211.pdf

[2] The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan is the central government’s contribution to further the promise held by the rich expanse of India’s state universities. The country’s future lies in empowering these campuses with all that it takes to enhance learning, better research and promote innovation. A centrally sponsored scheme, RUSA understands that sometimes the most important lessons of life are learnt outside the classroom. So whether it is upgrading libraries or computer laboratories, promoting autonomous colleges or clubbing them to consolidate their strength and forming cluster universities, this programme realizes that every institution holds the power to enrich lives through top-class education. With universities, to prepare universe-ready scholars. http://rusa.nic.in/

The updating, revising and correcting history subject – why controversy about it?:

The updating, revising and correcting history subject – why controversy about it?:

What is updating of the subject – history?: The updating of any subject has been making it current/recent and bringing to the usage with progressed, developed and advanced information and innovation[1]. As the “goods and services” that are used now, get updated, such old “goods and services” get “outdated” and therefore, “update or perish” would come into play. The same position and conditions would come to the academician, syllabus and the subjects. If Indians continue to read old subjects, that too, without any updating, they themselves better understand what would happen. History writers have not thought about progressed, advanced and developed stages of man, society, and nation in spite of many developments have taken place.

1. A reached a place B in the first century.
2. C travelled and reached the same place B in the 10^th century.
3. D started the journey and arrived at the same place B in the 20^th century.

How can history be updated here?  A historian has to think about –

• the mode of transport used,
• the route followed,
• the nature of roads and
• other factors.

Historians have to tell explicitly as to whether the travellers used the same transport from the first century to 20th century or whether the mode of transport changed or not.

• Satavahanas produced very fine and excellent jewellery in c.3rd cent.BCE
• Rajaputs produced fabulous and fantastic jewel ornaments in 10^th century CE.
• Indians produced such fine, fabulous and fantastic jewel ornaments in 20^th century CE.

Here, how the same jewel manufacturing technique had been in existence and continuing for more than 2300 years? Therefore, historians have to update the details giving the historical development of transport and the jewellery manufacture. The outcome – reaching destination B and the jewellery reminds the same, but not the science and technology behind them.

What is revising history?: As historians cry, it is not “revisionism,” as they apprehend in the negative perspective[2].  Now revising any subject is – making revisions of the syllabus within a short span of time, so that all the portions are covered and ready for the examination. The students are also relaxed so that they could revise their subjects and portions within a short and specific period and get ready for writing exams. Therefore, it has been very common to delete or exclude certain chapters from the subject books. Or they may declare that they are not included in the “Syllabus for the examination purpose.” Thus, the students are also assured of not getting any questions from the “out of syllabus” or “out of portion.” So when this has been going on for many years in all subjects, including history, why suddenly cry foul nowadays, particularly for the last 70 years.  

Syllabus revision and propaganda: In implementing educational policy, the study of subjects and structuring syllabus, generally, the government takes control. This has been the practice of the nations following the European and then US models of curriculum. However, every nation or country has its own educational system, subjects for study and syllabus suitable to the students with changing times.

• That Indians have been living with their thousands of years of civilization, culture, tradition and heritage confirm the existence of such a well-structured, established and proven system oriented to the public.
• The material cultural evidences of the past thousands of years prove this fact. There could be interference, intervention and revision for imposition, modification and improvement in between, because of the non-Indian domination.
• Yet, most of the Indian teaching, learning and associated processes have been continuing at different levels from villages to metros.
• At the time of examination, “revision” is always talked about, as it is only Re-Visioning of the subject studied and thus getting ready for the re-reading of the subject read again.
• As there is choice system, many students skip certain portions, units and parts and concentrate on scoring more marks. In fact, the teachers themselves advise that certain portions, units and parts are not for examinations, as they are not covered or taught or not necessary for academic importance for higher studies.
• However, revision makes campaigning, agitation and propaganda running riot among the peer groups.

Why history is losing importance and job-market?: In the case of history subject, its importance has been dwindling down, as there have been no takers at the college or University level. As most of the students go for other job-oriented disciplines, these subjects like history, etc., are not felt any importance. Thus, the history subject has been scrapped and the departments closed down. In fact, the irony has been for 5 to 10 students, there have been more staff and it is questioned by the audit and other authorities, as they have to spend lakhs and crores to run the department with staff paying salaries and recurring expenditures. Even for archaeology, questions have been raised about why spend crores for digging and taking out certain objects and say that men lived and used lithic tools etc., again and again. Moreover, the dividing of people with biased ideology, influenced philosophy and predisposed thought have been hallmark of historians after independence.  The utility value is considered of for any subject or discipline.

What is correcting of history?: Many times how historians have been so vociferous, raucous and boisterous about updating, revising and correcting history. In other subjects, there is no problem, as they correct and proceed.

• The word “atom” has been a misnomer, a + tom = one that cannot be divided, but atom can be divided.
• Dalton’s atomic theory said, “Atoms cannot be subdivided, created, or destroyed,” but, it is totally wrong.
• Till Giornado Bruno and others, the Europeans believed that Earth was stationary and all planets revolve around it[3].
• “Flat Earth Theory” has been there and still there are such believers[4].  
• Origin of man (many theories[5])

There have been many examples, but, few important and well-known have been cited for illustrative purposes. These have been corrected and such subjects have been updated for the benefit of humanity. But, historians still believe in race, ethnicity, colour, creed and related issues and hypotheses and theories developed out of such ideas floated before 20^th and 21^st centuries. Therefore, history subject has to be updated with science and technology.

Examinations quell and students excel: As the examinations came near, these objections that appeared in the news and the associated politics also died down. The students started preparing and appeared for the examinations. They scored good marks and they proceeded further accordingly with their scored marks, and merit. In spite of politicization regionalization and other ideological obstructions, the students have come out with laurels proceeding to higher, professional and other studies. Now, they have been well-informed and they know what they want and how to get them. Thus, in spite of other diversions and attractions, they have been marching towards the goals. With their contribution in future, perhaps, the future of India still marches ahead economically and scientifically.

For updating, revising and correcting history: Few illustrations are given for the purpose of updating.

• The evolution of man with lithic and metal has to be periodized with the available archaeological evidences.
• The science and technology behind the metallurgy have to be arranged date-wise.
• The sculptural evidences can be taken to match with the literature and thus for history.
• Indian history has to be written with the two-sided view of the narratives and discourses.
•  History of housing, food, hygiene, medicine, education, science and technology, and all related aspects come into history with chronology.
• The chronology of science and technology has to match with the Indian historical development of man.

Indians and Indian students have been well-informed: Now out of 140 crores / 1400 million, Indian population, 120 crores / 1200 million have cellphones. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra said that India has over 1.2 billion mobile phone users and 600 million smartphone users[6]. Therefore, news, information and details reach more than 100 crores people immediately on any subject. Indians, irrespective of their status, they have been mature enough to understand the issues, problems and controversies. The youngsters and students have been more conscious about their future and thus, the majority of them have been concentrating on their studies and careers.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

06-08-2023

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[1]  If “publish or perish” has been common among the researchers, “update or perish” has been axiom among the science and technology users, as the gadgets, instruments, tools, machinery get outdated day by day.

[2] In historiography, historical revisionism is the reinterpretation of a historical account. It usually involves challenging the orthodox (established, accepted or traditional) views held by professional scholars about a historical event or timespan or phenomenon, introducing contrary evidence, or reinterpreting the motivations and decisions of the people involved. The revision of the historical record can reflect new discoveries of fact, evidence, and interpretation, which then results in revised history. In dramatic cases, revisionism involves a reversal of older moral judgments.

[3] The geocentric and heliocentric theories, their propagators and prosecution of heliocentric scientists by the Church can be read in any book. In fact, we physics students used to read from D. S. Mathur’s “Properties of matter” book.

[4] Flat Earth is an archaic and scientifically disproven conception of the Earth’s shape as a plane or disk. Many ancient cultures subscribed to a flat-Earth cosmography. The idea of a spherical Earth appeared in ancient Greek philosophy with Pythagoras (6th century BCE). However, most pre-Socratics (6th–5th century BCE) retained the flat-Earth model. In the early 4th century BCE, Plato wrote about a spherical Earth. By about 330 BC, his former student Aristotle had provided strong empirical evidence for a spherical Earth. Knowledge of the Earth’s global shape gradually began to spread beyond the Hellenistic world. By the early period of the Christian Church, the spherical view was widely held, with some notable exceptions. It is a historical myth that medieval Europeans generally thought the Earth was flat. This myth was created in the 17^th century CE by Protestants to argue against Catholic teachings. Despite the scientific fact and obvious effects of Earth’s sphericity, pseudoscientific flat-Earth conspiracy theories are espoused by modern flat Earth societies and, increasingly, by unaffiliated individuals using social media

[5]  Out of Africa, Neanderthal etc..

[6] The Secretary informed the audience about the media landscape in India and said that India is a country with a tradition media comprised of 897 television channels, of which over 350 were news channels, and over 80 thousand newspapers coming out in various languages. However he added, recently there has been a shift towards new media with youngsters consuming information from this new media.