Speaking Archaeologically™

“The past is a foreign country and art is the passport to it.” - Anonymous If my life could be a testament to anything it would probably be to the fact that staying up post three scrolling through Instagram while sipping on your second cup of espresso can land you in the most unexpected of places; sometimes ,even the right places. Now don’t get me wrong , I don’t mean to recommend such unhealthy behavior to anyone reading this but that is how I came across ‘Speaking Archaeologically’s’   Instagram handle some three months ago. Needless to say i t wasn't long before I fell in love with history all over again  and decided this organisation was something I wanted to be a part of . What followed that was me applying the famed and oft used three fold Bollywood strategy to get anything you want in life, which in this case included religiously stalking the Instagram page for recruitment posters or declarations, working hard to prove I’m worthy by sending in submissions and final...

Our 2017 Research Wing has been out and about since they joined us last September. Watch this short video summarising their activities so far.

What comes to your mind when I talk of an Archaeological recording workshop? A formal site visit led by a regimented Task In-charge?   If yes, then let me help you get rid of this preconception. Because the Speaking Archaeologically site visits are nothing like that. On the fine Sunday morning of 15th October,  I embarked on the bus journey from Chandigarh to Pinjore. Though I had visited the place before, but never knew there was a temple too. Anyway, it was a 45 minute long journey and I spent the whole time trying to wrap up the essay we had to submit the same day. I reached there by noon as we all were supposed to, where Shriya greeted us all warmly (See, what did I say? No formalities). We walked further, got onto the site, had a session on Hindu temples and conferred about them in detail. Studied Hinduism in its primary form, discussed Tantra, Mantra and Yantra, familiarized ourselves with different Gods, including the one pictured below. That's Ishana (Moon)...

Collage Courtesy Nimrat   Imagine being told in the scorching month of June that you are the recruitment head of your organisation for that year. I know, sounds morbid and exhausting. Now imagine the organisation to be 'Beyoncé', yes! Thank merciful heavens abode because that's what working for 'Speaking Archaeologically' felt like. If by any chance you don't hold Beyoncé in the same regard as I do, I am sorry, your opinion is invalid. Anyway. Flyer for Workshop Volunteering Little did the day of 3rd June know what it was holding in store for Nimrat and I, two gossip mongers were put together and asked to find people who shared passion for learning and all things archaeology. We are also briefed that with responsibility comes power, hence we were free to screen the recruits before we gave them a thumbs up. We worked tirelessly, from dancing for three hours at a stretch to laughing for another two, we caught up with work whenever divine realization s...

Let the rooms be filled with shared beliefs and the walls speak of a cultural blend Let the doors open to rediscover and preserve a forgotten heritage. Indo Saracenic or a blend of Indian and Persian art has left its permanence in the history of India. Be it during the period of the greatest dynasty, that is, the Mughals or after its decline, this style continued to flourish in the schools of Deccan, Rajasthan and Punjab Hills even under the British Raj. With the popularity of Miniature paintings and the European influence during the end of Akbar's reign, the detailing, realistic appearance, use of soft or bright colours and embellishments made this form of Art and Architecture stand out. With an aim of reviving the Indo Saracenic art form and letting it highlight one's own culture and heritage, the last Workshop of Speaking Archaeologically proved to be an opportunity for the young artists to showcase their talent. The Government Degree College at Kandaghat, distr...

Each coin has a story to narrate, which may either be outlined on it's either side or hidden inside the covers of rust and dust. To get familiar to these hidden tales and to unfold the mysteries veiled in the metallic discs, the first workshop that was organised for the New Volunteers of Speaking Archaeologically was the Coinage Workshop.  The history of coins extends from the ancient times to the present, and is related to economic history, the history of minting technologies and the history shown by the engraved words and images. A single metal piece, unfurling a number of secrets is what attracts the lovers of this subject.  The workshop was held on the 4th of September at   S Cafe  and Bar, Chandigarh. The dim lights and the dusky-wooden shades adorning the walls of the Cafe created a perfect atmosphere. Without any delay, Shriya opened up the coins album which was welcomed all the energy that was present in the room. The enthusiasm and...

Shriya, the Recruitment Team and the New Volunteers   Finally the post you've all been waiting for!  The Orientation Event of the Speaking Archeologically Volunteer Wing, the fruit of the efforts of our talented recruiters,  was held on August 13 at the Chandigarh Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10-C, Chandigarh.Panel member, Shriya Gautam joined in the team at 11 am at the Museum Entrance, with an ethnoarchaeological dress discussion drill for the new hands and a good news for the old one: she won't be alone on the next recruitment drive (but more on that later!) It was tine to show those who had joined the beautiful world of archaeology at the base source itself. Uma Maheshwari Sculpture from the Stone Sculpture Section, Chandigarh Museum As soon as a quick headcount was done, the tickets were  bought and the participants were advised to fasten their seatbelts for a tour in the world of antiquity. The twenty new history enthusiast, along with five...