I am a lover of History, Ancient History which is mostly shrouded in mystery. Indus valley, Egypt, China, Mesopotamia --- the ancient civilizations that grew around these regions have a strange hold over me. I could be a romantic, but fantasizing about life then is my greatest past time. How much do we really know? How much is left to be uncovered or dug out?
So when my daughter decided to take up Archaeology as her masters subject, I was really, really happy. I would learn from her. Unfortunately senior archaeologists do not have a very encouraging attitude towards students stepping into this world. First and foremost that say quite categorically, There is no money to be earned from this profession. Next they say, Beware of destroying your health. They are being truthful they say so that the newcomers know what they are in for!! Hey! Give the lover of old things a break. Let her try to unravel bits of history without worrying about practicalities! If such selfless passion went missing, much creative and interesting work would have died a sure death.
But, is it true? Does an archaeologist stay forever penniless?
So when my daughter decided to take up Archaeology as her masters subject, I was really, really happy. I would learn from her. Unfortunately senior archaeologists do not have a very encouraging attitude towards students stepping into this world. First and foremost that say quite categorically, There is no money to be earned from this profession. Next they say, Beware of destroying your health. They are being truthful they say so that the newcomers know what they are in for!! Hey! Give the lover of old things a break. Let her try to unravel bits of history without worrying about practicalities! If such selfless passion went missing, much creative and interesting work would have died a sure death.
But, is it true? Does an archaeologist stay forever penniless?
