ASI Excavation Branch-I Announces Exciting Opportunity at Prakasha: Archaeological Field Season 2025-26
Disclaimer: This advertisement is based on information received from the concerned department and is published solely for educational and awareness purposes. This is not an official notification from ASI or any government authority. InArch Center is neither involved in this excavation project nor holds any responsibility for future developments, selection processes, or outcomes related to this opportunity.
Applicants are strongly advised to verify all details independently and consult with their academic supervisors, mentors, faculty members, and relevant departmental authorities before making any decisions based on this information.
Please note: *Original message is also attached at the end of the advertisement*.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Excavation Branch-I, has announced a remarkable opportunity for aspiring archaeologists to participate in the excavation at Prakasha, Maharashtra during Field Season 2025-26.
This prestigious project will commence from December 2025-January 2026 and continue through March-April 2026, offering invaluable hands-on experience at one of India's most significant Deccan Chalcolithic sites.
About Prakasha: A Significant Archaeological Site
Prakasha (also known as Dakshin Kashi) is strategically located on the banks of the Tapi River in Tehsil Shahda, Nandurbar District, Maharashtra. This ancient settlement holds exceptional archaeological importance, with evidence of continuous occupation spanning from the Chalcolithic period to medieval times.
The site gained prominence following the 1955 excavation conducted by B.K. Thapar on behalf of ASI, which revealed a remarkable 17-meter deep occupational deposit representing four distinct cultural periods:
Period I (c. 1700-1300 BC): Chalcolithic phase with sub-periods IA and IB
Period II (c. 700-100 BC): Iron Age following a significant time gap
Period III (2nd century BC to 6th century AD): Transitional period with overlapping features
Period IV: Medieval period
Application Requirements and Eligibility
Academic Qualifications Required:
University graduates with Master's degree or higher qualifications in:
Ancient Indian History and Culture (AIHC) & Archaeology
Archaeology (standalone program)
Essential Experience:
Minimum 1-2 field seasons of excavation experience
Previous participation in archaeological fieldwork is mandatory
Selection Process:
Online interview will be conducted for shortlisted candidates
Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic background and field experience
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply:
Send your detailed resume to: excnag.asi@gmail.com
Include all relevant academic qualifications and field experience
Mention any previous excavation projects or archaeological training
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Expected Interview Period: Following the application deadline, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for online interviews.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This excavation represents a continuation of India's rich archaeological heritage research. Prakasha's significance extends beyond its archaeological value - the site has provided crucial insights into the Deccan Chalcolithic culture, including evidence of painted pottery traditions, copper technology, and agricultural practices that flourished in ancient Maharashtra.
Professional Development Benefits:
Gain hands-on experience with systematic excavation techniques
Learn scientific documentation and analysis methods
Work alongside experienced archaeologists from ASI
Contribute to understanding India's prehistoric and historic cultural sequences
Enhance career prospects in archaeological research and heritage management
Field Season Advantages:
Extended duration (approximately 4-5 months) provides comprehensive training
Exposure to multi-period archaeological site with complex stratigraphy
Opportunity to work on Chalcolithic to medieval cultural materials
Experience with riverine archaeological contexts along the Tapi River
Original message:
ASI, Excavation Branch-I will be carrying out excavation for the Field Season-2025-26 at Prakasha, Teh. Shahda, Nandurbar, Maharashtra in all likelihood from Dec-Jan, 2025 till March-Apr, 2026.
Prakasha is an important Deccan chalcolithic site. The site was earlier excavated by ASI in 1955. Though it was a small-scale excavation, it yielded the cultural sequence at the site from the Chalcolithic to the medieval period.
Excavation Branch-I invites applications from interested candidates (University pass outs with Masters or higher qualifications in AIHC & Archaeology/ Archaeology for excavation at Prakasha.
* Candidates must have 1/2 field season experience in excavation.
* Online interview of the shortlisted candidates will be conducted.
Those who are interested may send their resume at excnag.asi@gmail.com on or before 15.11.2025
This announcement represents an exceptional opportunity for qualified archaeologists to contribute to India's archaeological research while gaining invaluable field experience at a site of national importance. The Prakasha excavation promises to yield significant insights into the cultural continuity and change in western India from prehistoric times through the medieval period.
Interested candidates should prepare their applications immediately, ensuring all required qualifications and experience are clearly documented, as this competitive opportunity will attract applications from across India's archaeological community.
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