Epigraphist is a professional who studies and analysis ancient inscriptions. With the help of these professionals, we can understand and preserve these inscriptions that can help give important information about the past whenever required.
Epigraphist is apt to analyze and preserve ancient scripts and procure them from the vast collection whenever required in the future. They are responsible for keeping track of the changing scripts for the next generations to have a look at the phases of the development of languages in their time. An Epigraphist is responsible to preserve manuscripts and various inscriptions of the past for the next generations to compare the present to the past.
Epigraphist is now considered a rewarding and challenging career for those who have a flair and keen desire to know and preserve our past treasures like inscriptions, manuscripts, etc. As the work of an Epigraphist brings to us past heritage thus great importance is attached to the job of an Epigraphist.
Epigraphist Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Aspiring candidates need to possess at least a Bachelor's degree or equivalent Diploma/ PG Diploma in History, Art history, Archaeology, Epigraphy, or any other related subject to become an Epigraphist.
Epigraphist Required Skills
- The most important skill required to become a successful Epigraphist is to have a great interest in ancient society and cultural heritage.
- Epigraphists should be hardworking and dedicated so as to perform their duties with perfection.
- Epigraphist should have the intensive foresight and inside depth of the field, he is working in.
- To do his work as an Epigraphist effectively he requires special knowledge and training which can be acquired by going through a particular kind of studies and required training. To be an Epigraphist one has to follow the below-given path.
How to Become an Epigraphist?
To be an Epigraphist one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After clearing 12 classes in the related subjects the aspiring candidate can go for a Bachelor's degree in one or more of the areas like History, Art history, Archaeology or Epigraphy, etc. Candidates can also opt for Diploma in Epigraphy to make a career in this field.
A Bachelor's degree in library and information studies, archives management, and information management can help to get into this field. Knowledge of different languages or scripts is desirable to be a good professional.
List of Institutes providing Courses related to Epigraphist
- National Archives of India, Janpath, New Delhi
- Institute of Archeology, Red Fort, Delhi
- Institute of Heritage Research and Management, New Delhi
- National Museum Institute, National Museum Campus, New Delhi
Step 2
After undergoing any one or more of the above-mentioned UG courses course one can either go for higher studies like PG Diploma, Master's degree, or Ph.D. in the related subjects or join some job in various private and public sector organizations involved in this field.
Epigraphist Job Description
- Epigraphists' job description includes studying inscriptions, identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers.
- Their work also includes reconstructing, translating, and dating the inscription and finding any relevant circumstances.
Epigraphist Career Prospects
Epigraphists can work in the units of various Government and Corporate organizations handling ancient manuscripts and related things. However if one wants to join some government organization like the Archeological Survey of India or its related organization in various states, different museums, NGOs, or Historical divisions in various Universities he has to take up examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission or Staff Selection Commission.
Besides all these opportunities in our own country, the Epigraphist has great scope abroad for jobs as well as research in various colleges and universities offering for it well-furnished research programs.
Epigraphist Salary
Global demand for the Epigraphist and limited availability of Epigraphist help these professionals demand good pay packages. To start with on average one can get up to Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000/- per month. Whereas experienced and qualified professionals can demand higher salary packages.
