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On mission ?salvage archaeology?
His expertise in 'salvage archaeology' will surely provide the required guidance to his Indian counterparts. Dr Anders Kaliff associate professor, PhD, Deputy HoD of National Heritage Board, Archaeological Excavations Department of Sweden, was in town on Thursday to acquaint his Indian counterparts about the subject.
His expertise in 'salvage archaeology' will surely provide the required guidance to his Indian counterparts. Dr Anders Kaliff associate professor, PhD, Deputy HoD of National Heritage Board, Archaeological Excavations Department of Sweden, was in town on Thursday to acquaint his Indian counterparts about the subject.
"Those associated with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have invited me to be a part of their project on salvage archaeology.
Fortunately, this project is about to begin in Bankata village near Soraon in the district soon," said Dr Kaliff.
Dr Kaliff who is already working with a group of 150 people in Sweden, admitted that the legislation in Sweden is quite strong and it makes sure that appropriate attention is given to archaeological activities in a bid to protect the cultural heritage of the country.
"Basically, salvage archaeology refers to the term where we proceed with the conservation and documentation of significant historical sites while creating awareness among the organisations concerned with the developmental works such as construction of highways, buildings etc. They unknowingly destroy the invaluable antiquities. We also involve them in the archaelogical process since it requires lots of funding.
Similar procedure will be adopted in Bankata village and it will be a joint venture hopefully with the national highway authorities," said Dr Kaliff. He also praised the efforts of Dr Sunil Gupta, convener of INTACH, Allahabad Chapter to make him a part of this important project.
"Systematic work is required in the field of 'salvage archaeology' in India since we need to make common people aware about its importance and involve them too. India provides the benefit of best documentation since it is enriched with multiple remarkable sites. Both Indian and Swedish colleges could work in collaboration in future," he added.
Dr Kaliff lays much stress on non-destructive methods of archaeology with the use of latest equipment. Besides working in Sweden, Dr Kailff also has fond memories of his years spent in Jordan where he came across the history of Old Testament. "I have been in this profession since I was 18 years old. Indian culture and heritage drew my attention when I was working on the subject of comparative religions," he added.
According to Dr Kaliff, there are lots of similarities in the cremation rites in India and fire rituals carried out in Scandinavia. "Languages too find similarity. Several words have been derived from Sanskrit language such as Agni in Sanskrit is used as Ignis in Latin," he added.
"Depending upon the funding for the Bankata project, the work will start latest by the month of November," he added.
