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October 31, 2025

Prof. Ravindra Korisettar Honored with Karnataka’s Rajyotsava Award for Decades of Archaeological Excellence

K
Kalpana SharmaCurrent Affairs Editor & Content Lead

Key Highlights

  • First awardee from Dharwad in over 15 years
  • Recognized for trailblazing geo‑archaeological research on South Indian prehistory
  • Led interdisciplinary projects integrating climatology, GIS and extensive field surveys
  • Key founder of prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad
  • Mentored more than 40 doctoral candidates, shaping future scholarship

Detailed Insights

Academic Trajectory: Beginning with a 40‑year tenure at Karnatak University, Professor Korisettar advanced through training at INQUA, Beijing, and secured fellowships at Cambridge and the Smithsonian. His publications in journals such as Science and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences mark him as a globally recognized scholar.

Research Milestones: He directed the Multidisciplinary Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project and the Computer Application in Archaeology Project, the latter yielding India’s first comprehensive gazetteer of prehistoric sites under the Ford Foundation. His work on the Middle Krishna Basin has reshaped understanding of ancient environments and human adaptation.

Institutional Impact: Beyond research, Korisettar guided committees establishing new university campuses, advocating for Karnatak University’s elevation to a Central University, and contributing to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan State Committee. His museum initiatives preserve tangible heritage for future generations.

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