Team siliconindia

• IIT (ISM) Dhanbad launches India’s first open elective in geoarchaeology
• Course blends geology, archaeology, ecology, and anthropology
• Aims to promote cross-disciplinary learning under NEP 2020

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has become the first IIT in India to introduce a course in geoarchaeology, marking a milestone in multidisciplinary education. The three-credit open elective, designed by Prof. Deepak Kumar Jha from the Department of Applied Geology, will be offered to undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students starting from the upcoming winter semester.

Geoarchaeology is an interdisciplinary field combining geology, archaeology, ecology, and anthropology. The goal is to study how humans have interacted with their environment across different time periods. The course aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages flexible, cross-domain learning.

Supported by IIT (ISM) director Prof. Sukumar Mishra and department head Prof. Shushanta Sarangi, the curriculum bridges ancient methods and modern science. Students will learn traditional archaeological techniques such as excavation and artifact analysis, along with advanced methods like isotope analysis, geomorphological mapping, and digital surveying.

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Prof. Jha said the course will “enable students to link historical insights with today’s environmental issues”. The program will also include guest lectures by leading archaeologists and quaternary geologists. It is dedicated to the late Prof. S. N. Rajaguru, a trailblazer in Indian geoarchaeology.

This initiative positions IIT Dhanbad as a leader in educational innovation, offering students a unique opportunity to explore deep history with modern scientific tools.