Archaeology should be recognised as physical science: experts

Archaeology should be recognised as physical science rather than a social science, experts in the field today suggested.
The inclusion of the subject as one of the topic of deliberations was a good sign for archaeological research, they said during a session on Archaeology at the 102nd Indian Science Congress underway here.
Recognition of Archaeology as a physical science will enable funds from the Department of Science and Technology for research and development, said Vasant Shinde, Director of Pune's Deccan College.
He said the ongoing excavation at Rakhigadi in Haryana would be helpful in revealing more about the evolution of Harappan civilisation.

Mayank Vahia from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research said funds were required for use of advanced technology in archaeological research.
The research in Sindhu scriptures, filling of gaps in ancient history and the Harappan sites excavation requires labs. Samples of excavated data are sent abroad for dating due to lack of labs here, he said.
"We have to spend huge sum of money for the purpose," he lamented.