Exhibition on “Archaeology: A Journey through Our Shared Past”
Date: May 16, 2024 | Time: 9 am to 5 pm | Venue/Mode: Room no. 303, MCB Building, Cotton University
On the occasion of International Museum Day, a captivating three-day exhibition titled "Archaeology: A Journey through Our Shared Past" was organised at Cotton University from 16th to 18th May 2024 by the Department of Archaeology of the University, in collaboration with the Assam and Kamrup chapters of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The exhibition was inaugurated by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Ganesh Chandra Wary, along with Registrar Dr. Arindam Garg in presence of Academic Registrar Dr. Bedanta Bora, Profs. Shiela Bora, Jonali Devi, Phukan Chandra Basumatary, Daisy Das, Purabi Deka Bose, Samrat Borah and other faculty members. Curated by Dr. Manjil Hazarika, Dr. Ritika Sahu and Ms. Jougathi Basumatary of the Department of Archaeology, the exhibition features an array of galleries showcasing Palaeolithic artefacts from different parts of India, Neolithic tools from the Assam and Meghalaya, fossil wood artefacts from Tripura, experimentally made blade tools, and Neolithic harvesters. Of particular interest are the display of Indian prehistoric and proto-historic pottery tradition such as Neolithic-Chalcolithic cord-impressed and Harappan pottery, Painted Grey Ware and Northern Black Polished Ware, providing insight into ancient ceramic technology and craftsmanship. Replicas of iconic Harappan artefacts like the dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro, the priest king, terracotta figurines of humped bulls, bullock carts, painting depicting the story of the thirsty crow are also on display. Local archaeological treasures abound, with artefacts including pottery, terracotta, and beads collected from the Cotton University campus, north Guwahati, Goalpara, Mayong and Sivasagar. Other notable exhibits include unique handmade pottery of the Wui community, smoking pipes and head-hunters' necklaces from Nagaland and traditional pots made by Hiras of Assam. In addition to the impressive range of artefacts, the exhibition showcases tools and implements used in archaeological excavations, along with miniature models of megalithic stone structures. Visitors are being exposed to excavations through mock digging and exposing of artefacts and bones at a model of an archaeological trench. The event aims at public outreach inviting students, professionals, and interested individuals to explore the fascinating world of archaeology. A large number of students and faculty of Suderashan Public School, Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Cotton Collegiate Government H.S. School, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Silpukhuri, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Barsajai, Arya Vidyapeeth College, Baihata Chariali B. Ed. College, Puthimari College, Handique Girls' College, S.B. Deorah College, Pragjyotish College, B. Borooah College, Guwahati College, Guwahati College of Architecture and Planning, Royal Global University, Gauhati University, besides Cotton University and officials of Assam State Museum, Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies and Directorate of Archaeology, Assam and members of INTACH have visited the exhibition. The event is further enriched by highlighting the contributions of the INTACH, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. INTACH’s four-decade journey of preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage is prominently featured, underscoring its pivotal role in archaeology and heritage conservation. Over 700 visitors graced the exhibition and experienced the journey of cultural evolution through the lenses of archaeology.
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