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Internship Opportunities at IndIA

The Indian Institute of Archaeology (IndIA), an academic centre of KCHR at Pattanam, conducts a one year course titled Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology: An interdisciplinary programme in Material Culture Studies. IndIA is now offering a short-term internship programme of 3-12 weeks to those whoare interested in undertaking a significant experiential learning opportunity in Archaeology. The internship structure links classroom learning, field work, the Pattanam archaeological excavation, post-excavation research, green (eco-friendly) archaeology, community archaeology and the candidate’s other related academic interests.

Unique codes for each theme are mentioned in brackets () below. Please identify the theme code while submitting the application.

Classroom learning (PTM001)

IndIA’s post-graduate diploma course has six modules (five subject areas and one dissertation). The course includes 20 hours per week of teaching time, with the remaining time devoted to self-study, group discussions, seminars, book reviews, practical documentation, analytical study and research. Library assignments and film viewings are also a part of the classroom learning.

The Classroom Learning Intern is expected to attend the current module of IndIA classes on material culture studies during the duration of his/her internship. (The syllabus is available in the KCHR website.) The primary objective of these classes is to undertake interdisciplinary studies based on the tangible evidence emerging from archaeological sites like Pattanam. IndIA aims to train young researchers to realize the potential of knowing and reconstructing the past as objectively and methodically as possible.

Field exploration (PTM002)

KCHR undertakes systematic explorations (through surface survey and scientific documentation) inside and outside of Kerala with reference to the archaeological, historical, anthropological and geological data from Pattanam excavation. The explorations are interdisciplinary, taking into account the geological, ecological, archaeological, anthropological and historical aspects of the region. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in previously-scheduled explorations or undertake their own.

Pattanam Excavations (PTM003)*

The Pattanam Archaeological Research undertaken by KCHR since 2006-2007 has evolved into a global project in material culture studies. The excavations have revealed about 1,30, 865 artifacts and approximately 4 .5 million ceramic sherds. KCHR is engaged in the study of these material remains with the following objectives:

1. To refine the cultural sequence of this multicultural site;

2. To study the overseas, coastal and inland trade networks that intersected at Pattanam and their trade dynamics;

3. To study the urban characteristics, industrial output and technological legacy of Pattanam;

4. To define the spatial organization and layout of the Pattanam settlement;

5. To understand the paleo-environment of Pattanam;

6. To understand the relationship between the ancient port of Muziris and the Pattanam site; and

7. To study the state and polity of the region in antiquity. Besides this, KCHR plans to further expose the partially-excavated wharf and brick structures and convert the surrounding land into an in-situ museum. It also plans to establish other site museums and conduct exploratory surveys in the 50 km area surrounding Pattanam in order to locate satellite settlements, burial sites or other archaeological remains.

Interns joining IndIA at the time of Pattanam Excavations (usually from February-May) are expected to participate in the Pattanam Excavation. Please contact the KCHR office/website for more details.

*Read the Special Requirements for this category at the end of this page

Post-Excavation Research (PTM004)

Conservation, preservation, analytical study and interpretation of the artifacts are some of the main components of Post Excavation Research.

The research intern is expected to use his/her interests to engage in the study and preparation of a systematic database or to prepare an article for a peer-reviewed international journal.

Green archaeology (PTM005) 

Committed to the preservation of Pattanam’s archaeological wealth, KCHR has bought over 7 acres of land on the Pattanam mound for research and site conservation. The objective is to protect the approximately 111-acre archaeological mound through the organic farming of traditional spices, medicinal plants and flowering plants.

Experts from various research institutes, Kudumbasree units and NGOs working on ecological projects are enlisted to design, create and support scientifically sound landscaping, floriculture, and the harvesting and marketing of produce.

With the Green Archaeology Project, KCHR also hopes to harness the vast traditional systems of knowledge of the local communities, showcase their rich heritage, and integrate this with ways to preserve the environment. As part of Green Archaeology, KCHR advocates the use of bicycles in the heritage zone.

KCHR expects the Intern’s active participation in nurturing the spices and medicinal plants grown at Pattanam

Community archaeology (PTM006)

As part of the community archaeology and heritage management initiative, IndIA is promoting the use of bicycles in the village. The aim is to transform Pattanam into a natural, eco-friendly heritage zone by limiting the use of motor vehicles, and creating alternate living practices.

The Intern can be a part of the initiative by using or promoting the use of bicycles at Pattanam or donating a bicycle and involve in other community empowerment programmes.

Film studies (PTM007)

There are regular film shows as part of the academic curriculum of the archaeology course. They are on varied themes and interns can propose film reviews or studies based on the educational

and feature films in the IndIA Film Archives as well as those they are interested to critically study at Pattanam.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AND INDIAN VOLUNTEERS/INTERNS WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PATTANAM EXCAVATIONS

  • Foreign and Indian students/researchers desiring to volunteer/participate in Pattanam Archaeological research as interns must apply in the prescribed format. They can submit application by email, in person or by post.
  • Applications must have recommendations from the applicant’s affiliated institution and an eminent scholar or expert who is collaborating with Pattanam archaeological research.
  • The internship fee will be based on the duration of participation and scholarship available to the student, and will be assigned at the discretion of the Director.
  • The internship fee for foreign students with institutional support will be US $500.
  • The director is authorized to process and decide on the applications of the Volunteers/ Interns.
  • KCHR will issue a Certificate of admission to candidates from abroad, but their visa formalities will be the responsibility of the candidate or affiliate institution. KCHR will not admit any candidate without appropriate visa or clearance from the Government of India.