Delving into history

Q. I am interested in studying archaeology. Where is it offered and what are the prospects?
Barnali Chakraborty

A: Archaeology is the systematic study of the ‘now extinct societies’ through excavation analysis, and interpretation of artifacts and other remains. It includes instruction in archaeological theory, field and dating methods, conservation, and cultural and physical evolution.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an active employer. You can also opt for jobs in museums, research institutions, the travel and tourism industry or work with bodies like Indian Council for Cultural Research (ICCR) or INTACH. Private collectors also avail of the services of archaeologists.

Specialisations include epigraphy (deciphering ancient inscriptions), numismatics (the study of old coins, etc), restoration and conservation of ancient monuments, heritage sites and artifacts.

Preserving our rich and diverse heritage is of utmost importance. And heritage can be protected only when you share your knowledge with the people living in the surrounding areas and co-opt them in the conservation effort.

Bachelors in archaeology is offered at the following universities: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi (www.bhu.ac.in), Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Hardwar, Kurukshetra University (http://kuk.ernet.in), Bangalore University (www.bangaloreuniversity.in), Mangalore University (www.mangaloreuniversity.ac.in) and University of Madras, Chennai (www.unom.ac.in).

M.S. University Baroda offers a course in archaeology and ancient Indian culture. Alternatively, you could also do your bachelors in history and pursue archaeology at the masters level. Calcutta University (www.caluniv.ac.in) offers a masters programme in archaeology.

BPharm can open new avenues

Q: I want to take up the BPharm course. Which are the institutions offering this course and what is the eligibility?
Rituraj Sarma

A: Pharmacy education is regulated in India by the AICTE and PCI (Pharmacy Council of India). Before taking admission, make sure the course is approved by AICTE/PCI. Selection is through state-level entrance exams and the eligibility is to have physics and chemistry in Plus Two with any of these optional subjects: Mathematics, computer science or biology.

BPharma is offered at:

• Jadavpur University, Calcutta (www.jadavpur.edu).

• University of Burdwan (www.buruniv.ac.in).

• Sambalpur University (www.sambalpuruniversitypgc.in).

• Gauhati University, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati.

Make a career out of filming nature

Q: I want to be a wildlife film maker. What courses can I take up and where? What are the prospects?
Smrity

A: Wildlife film making is ideally suited for someone who thrives on adventure, has oodles of creativity and the ability to think in perspective.

However, establishing yourself as a professional wildlife film maker is no cakewalk. It is a tough life and the financial returns meagre in the beginning. Only those with a never-say-die attitude coupled with real passion can go on to become celebrities like Mike Pandey or Naresh Bedi. To become a wildlife film maker, you need to cultivate relationships with the parks authorities to visit restricted areas.

It is always a good idea to draw thumbnail sketches and have a storyboard for your script before going for the actual shoot. Also, be prepared to lug heavy equipment. Depending on the assignment, it may take a week or even a year for the project to be completed. So, you need oodles of patience to sustain interest during those tough months.

Also, there are very few full-fledged courses available, so it is a good idea to work with an established cinematographer or wildlife film maker as an understudy before starting out on your own. You will gain invaluable experience and also master useful ‘insider’ tips and tricks of the trade. Since film making is a complex business that involves huge amounts of money, logistics and technical expertise, it is best learnt at a good film school.

The field is quite vast and varied, so are the courses and levels at which they are offered. Starting with umbrella courses in mass communication, an array of courses in cinematography, sound recording and TV and film production, are offered mostly by private institutes and a few government institutes. These include:

• Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Garia, Calcutta.

• Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Chitrabani Studios, St Xavier’s College, Calcutta.

• Jadavpur University, (www.jadavpur.edu), Calcutta.

• A.J. Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (MCRC) (www.jmi.nic.in), New Delhi.

• Film and Television Institute of India, FTII, (www.ftiindia.com), Pune.

• National Institute of Design (NID), (www.nid.edu) Paldi, Ahmedabad, offers a course in film and video communication.