Ancient Indian Beads Workshop: Jñāna-Pravāha / Dr. V.N. Prabhakar, IIT, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, 2026

16 hours ago
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At Inarch Center, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between aspiring archaeologists and the vital resources, training, and opportunities they need to excel. While we are not an institute ourselves, we take pride in curating and sharing the most valuable academic events happening across the country. - Sachin Singh Jadoun (Editor)

Today, we are thrilled to bring to your attention a fascinating, hands-on workshop organized by Jñāna-Pravāha, the renowned Centre for Cultural Studies & Research in Varanasi.

If you have ever wondered how ancient civilizations transformed raw stones into the exquisite beads found in museums today, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.

The Workshop: Ancient Indian Beads (Hands-on)

Jñāna-Pravāha is organizing a six-day "Hands-on Workshop on Ancient Indian Beads" scheduled from February 25th to March 1st, 2026.

Beads are far more than mere decoration. As noted in the workshop's concept note, human adornments have been part of the archaeological record since the Paleolithic era. They serve as critical evidence for understanding ancient trade networks, technological sophistication, and social hierarchies from the early settlements of Mehrgarh to the urban centers of the Harappan civilization.

Why You Should Attend

This workshop is not just a series of lectures; it is an immersive experience designed to reconstruct the chaîne opératoire (operational sequence) of bead manufacturing.

Learn from Leading Experts: The sessions will be led by Dr. V.N. Prabhakar (Associate Professor, IIT Gandhinagar), a distinguished expert in the field. Additionally, participants will have the rare privilege of learning directly from Anwar Hussain and Pratap Bhai, expert craftspeople from Khambhat, who carry the living tradition of stone bead making.
Practical, Hands-on Experience: Theoretical knowledge is essential, but nothing beats tactile learning. Workshop setups will be installed at the venue to allow participants to personally handle various tasks. You will be introduced to raw material sorting, heating cycles, chipping, grinding, polishing, and drilling. This practical approach helps students visualize the complexities of ancient technologies, such as the transition from stone drills to the "ernestite" drills of the Harappans.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The workshop covers a wide range of topics, including:
• The beginnings of beads in Ancient India.
• Typological classification and documentation.
• Scientific studies of ancient beads (SEM, replication).
• Understanding materials like Faience and Glass.

Event Details & Logistics

Host Institute: Jñāna-Pravāha, Centre for Cultural Studies & Research, Varanasi.
Dates: February 25 – March 1, 2026.
Venue: Jñāna-Pravāha Campus, South of Samne Ghat, Varanasi.
Registration Deadline: February 23, 2026.
Number of Seats: Limited to 50 participants.

Fee Structure

The registration fees are tiered to make the workshop accessible to students and professionals alike:

UG/PG Students: Rs. 1000/-
Research Scholars: Rs. 2000/-
Faculty Members: Rs. 3000/-

Note: Please consult with your seniors/ teachers or family members before making any payment

Note: The fee can be paid in person upon arrival at the venue on February 25, 2026.

How to Apply

Inarch Center recommends interested candidates act quickly, as seats are limited. You will need to fill out the registration form provided by Jñāna-Pravāha, which requires basic personal details, educational background, and a recent photograph.

For specific inquiries regarding the application process, please contact the coordinators at Jñāna-Pravāha directly via email at jnanapravaha.vns@gmail.com or by phone at 91-542-2366326.

Registration Form

Concept Note

Disclaimer: Inarch Center is an information provider and is not the organizer of this event. Please verify all details with the host institute, Jñāna-Pravāha, before making travel arrangements.