Platinum jubilee of PU’s archaeology dept on Sept 28

Patna: The ancient Indian history and archaeology department of Patna University (PU), which has been making significant contributions in exposing the state’s rich cultural heritage to the world through scientific excavations right since its inception, is set to start its platinum jubilee celebrations on a grand scale on September 28.
Department head Mohd Sayeed Alam said the celebrations will start with a national seminar on ‘Heritage of Bihar’ being organised in collaboration with the Bihar Heritage Development Society and the state department of art, culture and youth.CM Nitish Kumar is likely to inaugurate the function at Jaya Prakash Narayan Senate Hall.
The department was initially meant for postgraduate studies. Teaching at the undergraduate level commenced in 1959 in a centralised manner for all colleges under PU. Later, the UGC approved the specialised teaching of archaeology in the department. The excavation work took place at Antichak (Vikramshila), Champa, Oriup and Chirand which increased the reputation of the department. “Later, further excavations were taken up in Chirand and Maner and many important antiquities were found. A dancing girl made of ivory from the 5th-6th Century BCE was found in one of these excavations which is still preserved in the department’s museum.