A Decade of Archaeological Research in Kashmir: Developments, Prospects and New Frontiers - Special Lecture by Dr. Mohammad Ajmal Shah
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
KASHMIR THROUGH TIME
Archaeology in the Northwestern Himalayas | Neolithic & Early Historic Sites of Kashmir |
Excavations & Explorations | Digital Archaeology | Buddhist Archaeological Sites | Current & Future Prospects
Kashmir is globally recognized for its striking geographical landscapes; it also serves as a repository of profound archaeological significance. Beneath its valleys and historical terrain lies a complex stratigraphy of human occupation that spans millennia. The material culture, architectural remains, and artifacts bequeathed by the early settlements provide invaluable primary evidence. By critically examining these remains, researchers are able to reconstruct ancient lifeways, socio-cultural traditions, and complex regional networks, ultimately offering an understanding of how early Kashmiri civilizations interacted with their environment and the others cultures.
If you are interested in Indian History, Archaeology or Simply in Kashmir, this is for you.
Join us for an interactive live lecture “A Decade of Archaeological Research in Kashmir: Developments, Prospects and New Frontiers”, by Dr. Mohammad Ajmal Shah, who will take us through a decade of archaeological research in Kashmir, from its Neolithic beginnings and Early Historic developments to Buddhist archaeology, recent excavations, fieldwork, and emerging digital approaches. The session will explore how new discoveries are reshaping our understanding of Kashmir’s archaeological past, while also examining the current and future prospects of archaeological research in Kashmir and the wider Himalayan region.
Alongside the academic discussion, participants will gain valuable insights into the current scope of archaeology in Kashmir, the work being carried out in the region. Additionally, they will receive book recommendations, reading resources, and directions for further learning and research. After the lecture, there’ll be an interactive live Q&A session where you can directly engage with the speaker and ask questions related to the session whether you’re a student, researcher, archaeology enthusiast, or simply curious about Kashmir’s past, this is a chance to learn, ask questions, and discover more about the fascinating history and archaeology of the region.
Don't miss out on this deep dive into a decade of archaeological discoveries. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your virtual seat today by clicking the registration link below.
We can't wait to see you there!
Date: | 20th September 2026 |
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Time: | 05:00 PM IST onwards |
Mode: | Online (Google Meet) |
Free Registration: |
ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Mohammad Ajmal Shah is an Assistant Professor of Archaeology at the Centre of Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, and has been actively engaged in archaeological research and field investigations in Jammu & Kashmir for more than a decade.
Dr. Shah is currently directing the major archaeological excavation at the Kushan-Buddhist site of Zehanpora (2025-2026) in the Kashmir Valley, contributing significantly to the understanding of the region’s early historic and Buddhist heritage. The Zehanpora excavation (2025), in particular, attracted widespread scholarly and public attention, including a mention by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for its significance in illuminating Kashmir’s rich Buddhist heritage.
He has also directed three international research projects funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, Germany, Oxford Brookes University, UK, and the Wenner - Gren Foundation, USA. He has been a member of the Indo-Russian and Indo-French archaeological missions in Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as the Prehistoric Kashmir Project at the University of Sydney. Furthermore, he has been actively involved in organising major academic conferences at the University of Kashmir and has presented his research in France, Russia, the USA, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Austria, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.
Dr. Shah is the Assistant Secretary of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA) and has been nominated as a member of the Curation Committee for the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, a flagship project of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. His academic distinctions include the prestigious Tagore National Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, as well as fellowships from the ICHR and UGC. He has also been awarded visiting fellowships by EPHE, PSL University, Paris, and has previously served as a visiting fellow at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk.
ABOUT THE HOST
Aparna Singh, a heritage researcher and multidisciplinary storyteller working at the intersection of archaeology, visual art, and heritage preservation. She volunteers with INARCH, where she leads research writing, fact-checking, and editorial strategy shaping how the platform communicates archaeology to the public. She holds a postgraduate degree in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai University, her work spans field documentation, artifact analysis, and digital mapping backed by training in Brahmi, Grantha, and Sharada scripts and manuscript survey experience under the Gyan Bharatam Mission initiative by Ministry of culture, alongside a background in Filmmaking and New Media Studies.
Before heritage research and archaeology, she spent over a decade in the creative field as a theatre and film professional, working with IPTA, BNA, and SNA. A Max Emerging Star titleholder, also assisted on a Filmfare-nominated short film. That grounding in the creative space now shapes how she brings India's past to life in sessions like this combining the discipline of a researcher with the instinct of a storyteller.
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