Ravindra Singh Bisht is a respected Indian archaeologist known for his significant contributions to the study of the Indus Valley Civilization. He has led several archaeological excavations, worked on the conservation of national monuments, and contributed to the development of museums across India. In recognition of his work, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2013.
Early Life and Education
Ravindra Singh Bisht was born on 2nd January 1944 in Bhimtal, Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India. His father, Lt. L. S. Bisht, played an influential role in his early life. Bisht showed a keen interest in academics from a young age.
He pursued Sanskrit studies and earned the degrees Visharad (1958) and Sahityaratna (1960). However, his interest later shifted to archaeology, and he completed his master’s degree in Ancient Indian History and Culture from Lucknow University in 1965. In 1967, he earned a postgraduate diploma in Archaeology from the School of Archaeology (Archaeological Survey of India). He furthered his academic journey by earning a Ph.D. from Kumaon University in 2002 with a thesis on the Harappan Civilization.
Career and Achievements
Ravindra Singh Bisht began his career in 1969 as a Senior Technical Assistant in the Department of Archaeology and Museum, Punjab. He later moved to the Haryana Department of Archaeology and served in various senior positions, eventually becoming the Deputy Director.
He also worked in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and played a crucial role in various excavation projects. After 35 years of service, he retired on 31st January 2004 as the Joint Director General of ASI. He now resides in Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, near New Delhi.
Major Contributions
1. Excavations and Discoveries
Dr. Bisht is known for his extensive research on the Indus Valley Civilization. He led important excavations, including:
- Dholavira (Gujarat): One of the most significant Harappan sites, revealing an advanced city with a unique water conservation system.
- Banawali (Haryana): An important Harappan settlement that provided new insights into town planning and culture.
- Semthan (Jammu & Kashmir): A historical site that helped in understanding early settlements in the region.
- Sanghol (Punjab): A Buddhist site with ancient relics and sculptures.
- Nalanda and Vaishali (Bihar): Important excavation sites related to Buddhist history.
His findings at Dholavira were particularly significant, as they demonstrated the sophisticated town planning and architectural skills of the Harappan civilization.
2. Conservation of National Monuments
During his tenure in Haryana, Dr. Bisht played a vital role in the conservation of 11 national monuments in Narnaul. These included historical sites related to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He also contributed to the restoration of Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, a famous 12th-century monument.
3. Development of Museums
Dr. Bisht was actively involved in setting up and improving several museums, including:
- Swatantrata Sangram Sangrahalaya (Red Fort, Delhi) – A museum dedicated to India’s freedom struggle.
- Vishveshvaranand Vedic Research Institute Museum (Hoshiarpur, Punjab) – Focused on Vedic studies.
- Museum of Archaeology (Chandigarh) – Showcasing Haryana’s rich history.
- Darbar Hall Museums (Sangrur and Patiala, Punjab) – Featuring royal collections.
He also played a key role in organizing exhibitions on Indian archaeology, including displays of excavated materials from Dholavira and Banawali.
4. Teaching and Academic Contributions
Dr. Bisht has been actively involved in training future archaeologists. He taught at the Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi, between 1986 and 1997. He has delivered lectures at various universities in India and abroad, including in Sharon, Connecticut, USA (1992), on an invitation from the Association for Harappan Studies.
He has also published several research papers and articles. One of his most famous works is “A New Model of Harappan Town Planning as Revealed at Dholavira”, which provided groundbreaking insights into Indus Valley architecture.
Positions Held
Throughout his career, Dr. Bisht held several prestigious positions, including:
- Secretary, Central Advisory Board of Archaeology
- Chairman, Committee of Experts for Customs Department (Kandla)
- Member, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
- Co-ordination Director, Ajanta & Ellora Conservation Project
- Member, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
His contributions to these organizations helped shape India’s approach to archaeology and heritage conservation.
Awards and Honors
1. Padma Shri (2013)
The Government of India honored Dr. Bisht with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to archaeology.
2. Acharya Narendra Dev Alankar (2013)
Awarded by the Acharya Narendra Dev Shiksha Nidhi Evam Jan Niyojan Ayog (Uttar Pradesh) for his academic achievements.
Dr. Ravindra Singh Bisht is a pioneer in Indian archaeology, whose work has significantly contributed to the study and preservation of India’s ancient history. His excavations, conservation efforts, museum projects, and academic contributions have left a lasting impact. Recognized with prestigious awards, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of archaeologists and historians.
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