History offers a range of career options- civil services, research, teaching, media, tourism, archaeology to name a few. Most importantly, this subject teaches us how to analyse, question and think, something that will be of great importance in any career. every month we shall write about one career option in detail so that you have all the knowledge you need before taking the final decision.
ARCHIVIST
Archivists preserve records and documents that are considered to have potential value and importance. Archivists work generally for the Government, Corporations, Museums, Colleges & Universities and other institutions. Archives are deemed to be the store house of knowledge thus they have to be preserved and verified from time to time. The Archivist is responsible for conservation, repair, rehabilitation, storage and handling of archives in a scientific manner. He/she need to identify and preserve historical letters, manuscripts, diaries, photographs, coins, maps, video recordings and films.
These archival preserves which are made available by the Archivist can be further used by Historians for research.
On a typical day; an Archivist’s tasks may include:
- Writing descriptions of the collection of records and documents he/she has.
- Cataloguing documents and records.
- Preparing documents and records to be displayed to researchers.
- Coordinating tours, workshops, and lectures about his/her collections.
- Researching topics relevant to his/her collection
- Identifying ways to protect and preserve collections as some may be fragile and need careful handling.
A graduate in History, Political Science, Library science, Public Administration, and Archival Science can work as an Archivist with some practical and logical knowledge. For some specialized courses, like Science for Reprography, students from science and medical background can also apply. On completing a bachelor’s degree in Archival Science, one can further enrol in MA, M.Phil. & PhD programs in the same subject. Certain institutions offer courses, such as PG certificate in archives, PG diploma in archives
keeping, PG diploma in Archives documentation and management, PG diploma in archival Science and Manuscripts, and PG diploma in Archival studies. Some short-term certificate courses in Servicing & Repair of records, Reprography, and Archives management are also conducted. The idea behind studying such courses is to get knowledge of basic archival theory, methods, including records management, and historical and research methods. Nowadays archivists acquire fundamental computer soft skills, like XML, to work as researchers online.
Archivists can start their career in several archival government agencies and private authorities. They can also join commercial business groups, educational institutes, libraries, religious institutions, museums, hospitals, historical conservatories, and voluntary organizations, and draw handsome salary packages. Archivists with a PhD degree are offered higher ranked positions in educational institutes with faculty status.
Almost all major colleges and universities running humanities courses, offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs required to become an archivist. Apart from these, Diploma, PG Diploma, and Certificate courses are offered at: Gujarat Vidyapith: Ahmedabad; Annamalai University: Tamil Nadu;
Gandhigram Rural Institute: Gandhigram; Osmania University: Hyderabad; Pondicherry University: Pondicherry; Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi University: Ajmer; and School of Archival Studies: New Delhi. Pay packages offered to archivists differ largely, based on the nature of the employers. To start off with, an archivist can earn anywhere from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 8000 per month. With increase in experience, one can easily generate lakhs of rupees per annum.
Thus, a career as an Archivist is exciting as it is closer to History and one gets to handle and preserve sources of information, which are further used in Research
ARTICLE BY MEGHNA PATHAK
II YEAR
CIVIL SERVICES
Civil Services is the most common option among students opting for history/ Pol. Science. Whether
you are forced, or it is something that you decided is fit for you, it is something that is worth
attempting. Civil Services still remains to be the most favorite option for people far and wide. Every
year lakhs and lakhs of under-graduates, graduates, jobholders etc. appear for this 3-stage process
examination and a minority section of the huge lot get selected. Its history is old as the history of
administration. The services consist of 23 posts, with IAS, IPS and IFS being the top most positions.
Getting right into business, the examination as mentioned earlier consists of 3 stages:
1. CSAT/ Civil Services Aptitude test- It consists of two papers, which are of qualifying nature and are of objective type. (Open the following link for its syllabus: http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/
preliminary-syllabus.html)
2. Mains- it consists of 9 papers, of which two are of qualifying nature i.e. language papers (North-east people are exempted from the language paper, however they have to attempt a compulsory English paper that is applicable to all those who are appearing). Two optional should be chosen which would be of honors level syllabus. Along with this General studies and essay are compulsory. General studies and optional are subdivided into two papers each i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2. Syllabus varies with the optional chosen. Optionals have varied subjects thereby accommodating people from every diverse background.
3. Interview- Most of you reading this article I am sure you would have seen ‘Roadies’ well just like how Raghu and Rajiv, and Ranvijay want the guys and girls coming there, to be themselves, the interviewers too want the selected people to be themselves rather than to ‘pretend’ what they aren’t. Interview is the most crucial part of the exam because that is how one’s final rank is determined. The main aim of the interviewer is to judge the candidate’s presence of mind, analytical skills, along with it they even judge the candidate’s skills as an ‘ADMINISTRATOR’ which is the key to success for a successful interview and
for UPSC. Other than having the skills, is the importance of having knowledge on your main subject, and most importantly your place i.e. your place of birth or the place wherever you have stayed. Along with this another important aspect is the question of Hobbies… Yes of all those unaware about the pattern of UPSC you heard it right. In fact, manier coaching institutions emphasize on the need to have at least a single hobby. It is of 300 marks.
Paper-I
One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the Paper-I candidate from the 22 languages included in the VIIIth Schedule to the Constitution (Qualifying Paper)
this comprises of 300 marks
Paper-II English (Qualifying Paper). this comprises of 300 marks
Paper-III Essay [in the medium you choose] this comprises of 200 marks
Papers IV & V: General Studies (300 Marks for each paper). Total 600 marks
Papers VI, VII, VIII & IX- Any two subjects (each having 2 papers) to be selected from the prescribed optional subjects (300 marks for each paper). Total 1200 marks
Total Marks for Written Examination 2000 Marks
Interview Test [in the medium you choose] 300 Marks
Grand Total 2300 Marks
INTERVIEW WITH EX-CIVIL SERVANT KHYATI KOSTA
I managed to get an interview with an ex-Civil Servant Khyati Kosta, who answered most of your
queries. She belongs to Gujarat and has worked as an IPS officer. She completed her class X and XII
from St. Xavier’s school in Manali with 93% and 90% respectively. She graduated from St. Stephens
with History Hons. She has completed her M.A in Medieval Indian history. She holds many other
degrees as well and is also a trained kathakali dancer. She appeared for her prelims in 2006 and secured
127 rank.
1. How to crack Civils?
I believe that one year of time is enough for preparing for the exam. And the one-year begins
from the preceding year you are supposed to appear for. May is the right time to begin. This
is also the right time to start and is also the maximum time required to prepare for Civils. I
started preparing form my school days, my method was that I studies General Studies with
my first optional and then General studies and second optional. General Studies is the crucial
part of Civils. And about coaching, if you started preparing from your school days itself then
one doesn’t need coaching, but if you started after your 12th then whether or not you want
coaching depends upon you.
2. What is your view on the concept of studying for 7-10 hours a day? Is it true that if you study
for these many hours on then will you succeed?
It is absolutely not true, mainly because it is impossible to do so. Yes, you do have people
who can study till then, but most of them DON’T. When someone studies most of the time
goes off in thinking and planning how you might study the subject and by the time you start
you will have 4-6 hours only in your hand which is more than enough.
3. How to prepare for mains in particular?
As soon as you give your prelims start preparing for your mains, which will be in the month
of October, and Humanities subjects are held first and the rest by the end of October. In these
5-6 months you should re-revise than to start studying because while preparing for prelims
you already cover your mains but the only difference is that you study for prelims in an
objective manner and for mains in a subjective method. Hence it’ll be easier while studying
for mains. Furthermore your optionals can consist of your graduation subject and another
subject of your interest or Geography, Public Administration, Sociology etc.
4. What are your tips for interview?
“Be what you are”. If you try to show off or put up something you aren’t, the interviewers
would come to know within the first few minutes who you actually are. I reiterate that focus
on General studies is important.
5. Who all are eligible for appearing for Civils?
Many say if you are disciplined enough, or if you are studious or energetic you get through
the services but I differ on this point. I feel that if you consider yourself as an ‘aspirant’ then
you shouldn’t appear; yes it is possible that you might get into the services also but you would
loose out on your interest for the job. Hence you need to consider yourself as a ‘Servant’, as
a servant for Union of India, if you do so then you will truly be welcomed into the services.
Further it is an idea within one’s self whether you want to get into the services or not, it is not
some forced labour that you have to be in the services.
6. How valid is it to stereotype Civil servants as ‘corrupt’?
Firstly in order to change a system one needs to be in the system. It is not justifiable to deny
that there is no corruption, but who is not corrupt everyone is, so it is not just the civil servants
who are corrupt but it is everyone. That is why if we want a change we need to be in the
system.
7. What is your message to the future aspirants?
Your knowledge on Current affairs matters a lot. So start reading newspapers. Instead of
memorizing start revising. If you have it in you then no one can stop you from entering the
services.
ARTICLE BY: SUHANJALI SANTHA, II YEAR
ARCHAEOLOGY
The best prophet of the future is the past- Lord George Gordon Byron
If we knew what was there, we wouldn’t have to dig- Richard Boisvert
One of the major sources for ‘digging’ history is Archaeology. What else could be included first in a career that is lucrative and interesting…Archaeology offers varied career options to those interested in unfolding the past. You can be employed in universities, museums, cultural centers and different departments of Government and other such related bodies. You can work as:
• Field Archaeologist: Some archaeologists call everything they do out-of-doors fieldwork, but others distinguish between fieldwork, in a narrower sense, and excavation. Fieldwork, in the narrow sense, consists of the discovery and recording of archaeological sites and their examination by methods other than the use of the spade and the trowel. Sites hitherto unknown are discovered by walking or motoring over the countryside: deliberate reconnaissance is an essential part of archaeological fieldwork.
• Academic Positions: Academic institutions in the can be broadly divided into two groups: 1) universities (with graduate programs); 2) colleges (undergraduate programs leading to B.A./B.S. degrees). A Ph.D. is
required for faculty positions at colleges and universities. An M.A./M.Sc or Ph.D is required for college positions depending on their knowledge and experience. If interested in researching, requirements to obtain research funds and publish research results are highest in universities. Laboratory facilities too are greater in universities. Most faculty positions are nine- month appointments. During the summer, academic archaeologists conduct field research funded by grants or contracts, teach summer school, teach summer field schools, or work as private consultants. Research funds come from the archaeologist's school, from federal agencies etc.
•Museum Positions: Museums may be connected with a university or independent. Museum curators conduct research, publish the results, give public presentations, prepare displays, and conserve the museum
collections. Museum positions require a graduate degree (M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.). Museum positions are usually full-year appointments.
• State and Federal Government Positions: Many archaeologists work for the federal government. One can work in the Government as a part of Heritage sites conservation or any other job in the Government. Many archaeologists also work for state government agencies. Every state has a State Historic Preservation Office with one or more archaeologists on staff. In addition, other archaeologists work in state parks departments, highway departments, and water resource departments. Some cities also hire archaeologists to handle local ordinances protecting archaeological sites. Federal and state laws that protect the environment include protection for important archaeological sites. As a result the government is involved in managing archaeological sites on
federal and state lands (parks, forests, etc). Construction projects often require archaeological surveys to locate prehistoric or historic sites and the excavation of some sites before construction can begin. Federal and state archaeologists are involved in making these decisions and supervising the archaeologists who perform the work. This kind of archaeology is called cultural resources management (CRM). Most government positions require an M.A. degree.
• Underwater Archaeology: Underwater archaeology is a branch of reconnaissance and excavation that has been developed only during the 20th century. It involves the same techniques of observation, discovery, and recording that are the basis of archaeology on land, but adapted to the special conditions of working underwater. It is obvious that no archaeologist working on submarine sites can get far unless he is trained as a diver. Helmeted sponge divers have made most of the important archaeological discoveries in the Mediterranean.
The list of different positions in archaeology does not stop here Archaeobotanist, Zoo archaeologist, Geo archaeologist; Field Supervisor etc. are among the others.
Pay Scale
The basic pay scale of an assistant archaeologist employed with the Archaeological Survey of India is Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 15,000. The salary scale of the director general varies from Rs. 25,000 to 30,000. A doctoral degree in this field means a higher pay scale. A doctorate is a must if one wants to make a name as an archaeologist.
Top 6 Archaeology colleges in India
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad University, Baroda
The Department of Archaeology at MSU became independent from the Department of History in 1953. The great thing about studying Archaeology at MSU is that it houses a fantastic museum, a research library, fully equipped
photographic and drawing sections and laboratories. You can choose to study a BA or MA with Honors in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology. You can also pursue PhD degree in this field from here. Did you know that the Ford Foundation has identified this department as one of the major centers in the
country for research and development of Archaeological Sciences?
Institute of Archaeology, Delhi
What can be better than studying at the academic wing of the Archaeological Survey of India? The ASI conducts 2 year PG Diplomas in Archaeology. It also conducts professional workshops in subjects of Excavation and Exploration, Structural Conservation, Heritage and Environment Management, Chemical Preservation, Epigraphy and Numismatics, Museology and much more. What’s more, the institute is located inside Red Fort, close to the royal structures of Shah Jahan’s period.
Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management,
Established with the sole aim of cherishing and preserving the heritage monuments of India, DIHRM provides a Masters in Archaeology and Heritage Management and a Masters in Conservation, Preservation and Heritage
Management. This is one of the few institutes in the country which is purely dedicated to the study and conservation of archaeological monuments, arts and crafts, oral and written literature, living tradition, natural features and the archeological environment. You will be exposed to areas like diasporic heritage, disaster management, cultural impact assessment, emerging technologies and approaches and fieldwork in Archaeology.
University of Madras
The Department of Ancient History and Archaeology was established in 1960 with field training in exploration and excavation as highlights at the University of Madras. It is supported by big names such as the Archaeological Survey of India, the Chennai Circle, the Government Museum and Egmore. You can pursue an M.A and an MPhil in Ancient History and Archaeology along with PhD programs. Did you know an interesting feature of this course? From 1990-95, this department participated in the program of investigation of the origin of a variety of Roman pottery, in collaboration Pennsylvania University, USA.
Tamil University, Thanjavur
If you want to study the fascinating subject of Archaeology in a campus spread over 800 acres with lofty heritage-like structures around you, the Tamil University is a perfect place for you. You could choose to do a M.A. in History and Archaeology at TU. Here’s an amazing fact: The University Library of TU is supposed to be a replica of the Indian Parliament House located right at the center of the campus. The university also houses a beautiful Tamil University Art Gallery and Museum.
Deccan College, Pune
The Deccan College in Pune is the third oldest educational institution in the country. The Institute has conducted its own courses for M.A. degree and P.G. Diploma in Archaeology and M.A. degree in Linguistics, and also has enrolled a large number of students for the Ph.D. degree in these disciplines. Side by side the Institute has continued its research activity in various branches of Archaeology, Linguistics, Sanskrit and related subjects.
For those planning to study abroad Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard etc. are among those, which offer interesting courses in Archaeology…For details log on to their main websites:
OXFORD:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/
course_guide/courses_az.html
CAMBRIDGE: http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/gradadmissions/prospec/
studying/qualifdir/courses/index.html
HARVARD:
http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~anthro/grad_arch.htm
ARTICLE BY
SUHANJALI SANTHA
II YEAR