Dr Arati Deshpande-Mukherjee

Dr Arati Deshpande-Mukherjee

Formal training in scientific techniques for application in molluscan research in Indian archaeology

Permanent Scientific Assistant in Archaeozoology, Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra

The UK Visiting Fellowship came at an appropriate time when I was involved in studying past molluscan utilisation on the Indian west coast. It enabled me to initiate application of a specific technique which would not have been possible in India due to financial constraints and lack of expertise. Since my PhD in 1995, my analysis of marine molluscan shells from some of the sites belonging to the Harappan civilisation in coastal Gujarat has revealed their potential in archaeological interpretations. The research experience gained on the Fellowship helped me in the following ways: 1) getting trained in the growthline technique; 2) learning the study of thin sections of teeth, shell, bone, pottery, soils, rocks, minerals etc in order to set up similar facilities at my institute; 3) interaction with researchers from the same field; 4) gaining a better perspective on my other research interests; 5) develping professional contacts with fellow researchers in my field as well as other broader areas of interest. Back in India (as at 2001) I am trying to convey my research findings to other research scholars through seminars, conferences and publications.