AI Could Help Organize Indian Archaeology Records

Why this is here: From 1961 to 1980, the Archaeological Survey of India was led by professional archaeologists, but since the 1990s, the government has increasingly appointed senior IAS officers as Directors-General.

Historians Himanshu Prabha Ray and Ajay Yadav detail the history of archaeology in India and suggest how artificial intelligence can assist with current challenges. Their new book, Indian Archaeology after Independence, examines the field’s evolution since 1947, noting its colonial origins and early focus on Greco-Roman perspectives. The authors highlight the contributions of Bhagwanlal Indraji, who deciphered Ashokan inscriptions in the 19th century, and Amalananda Ghosh, whose leadership from 1958 to 1968 emphasized teamwork.

Currently, the Archaeological Survey of India faces issues with leadership stability and a lack of employment opportunities for archaeologists. Ray and Yadav propose that language-based AI systems could organize the ASI’s extensive archives, improving access to excavation reports and inscriptions. They note that AI cannot replace traditional archaeological methods, but could assist with data analysis to identify potential sites or trace ancient river systems.

The authors acknowledge that AI’s role in archaeology is still developing and requires careful application alongside established expertise. Further research will be needed to fully integrate these technologies into archaeological practice.