Archaeology

The topic  for my second award was so chosen because there is very scanty material available on the subject which forms a vital part of Tamilnadu (an art rich state). Tamilnadu, known for its rich art and culture is equally adept at adopting cultures of other states, and in this sense, the art influences of one of the major dynasties of South India assume importance. These awards have given me encouragement and have honed my skills to view the subject in a different perspective. After completing the project report, I have given lectures to junior staff about my observations.

These funds were very useful as seed money for ethnographic study in the Tamil region. As a result, Tamil University has extended its helping hand to widen the survey for the Palk Bay region also. INSA, New Delhi, also provided some contingency grants to improve the study of traditional pearl and chank fishing. Since the Trust has encouraged such a small study, I feel more confident in pursuing further ethnographic study uncovered by the scholars.

During 1990 Shri N M Deshpande, one of the doyens of Indian archaeology, suggetsed that as nobody had studied the sculptural bas reliefs in early Buddhist caves in Maharashtra, I should try to study them. While conducting the primary study on the area, I was transferred to Madras, and lost hope of continuing my interest with this transfer and shelved the project, but a friend suggested that I apply to the NTICVA for a grant. I did so and was very happy to receive the grant.