Summer Internship

We are excited to announce our ongoing Summer Internship Program in Prehistoric Archaeology, organised in collaboration with the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education. This enriching initiative is designed to provide hands-on training and academic grounding for undergraduate students from the Department of History, Pondicherry University.

Over the course of the program, students will receive comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical aspects of prehistoric archaeology, including:

Fundamentals of Lithic Technology: Introduction to key concepts in prehistoric stone tool production and use.
Experimental Archaeology (Knapping): Hands-on sessions in stone tool making using traditional flintknapping techniques to understand the craftsmanship of early humans.
Tool Analysis: Learning to classify and interpret stone tools based on typology, technology, and use-wear patterns.
3D Photogrammetry: Training in digital documentation and analysis of artifacts using cutting-edge 3D modeling techniques.

This internship offers students a rare opportunity to engage directly with prehistoric material culture, develop essential archaeological skills, and gain practical experience that will support their future academic and professional journeys.

About Our Interns

Adil Gafoor

My name is Adil Gafoor, a second-year undergraduate student of History at Pondicherry University with a deep interest in archaeology and prehistoric cultures. I’m currently interning at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education through the NEP summer program, where I’ve received hands-on training in excavation techniques, site surveys, and 3D photogrammetry. My passion for history was sparked during my higher secondary years, thanks to the inspiring guidance of my History teacher in classes 11 and 12. Their engaging teaching style and thought-provoking discussions encouraged me to look deeper into the subject and pursue it seriously. This internship is further strengthening my understanding of India’s prehistoric past and helping me explore archaeology as a possible career path. It also complements my wider interests in history, philosophy, and the long-term evolution of human societies.

Hello! I’m Aysha Asna from Kerala, currently pursuing B.A. B.Ed. (Integrated Teacher Education Programme) at Pondicherry University, majoring in history. Prior to this, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Calicut University. My academic journey has been shaped by a deep interest in human behaviour and societal structures, with a special fascination for Social Psychology. This curiosity naturally led me to explore the historical and cultural evolution of human societies. As a budding history enthusiast, I find prehistory particularly captivating. Learning about our ancestors- their ways of life, cultural practices, and behavioral evolution, offers valuable insights into the origins and development of human life and culture. My internship at SCHE has been a pivotal experience in this regard. It has deepened my understanding of prehistoric cultures and exposed me to the exciting world of experimental archaeology and modern technologies used in archaeological research. This opportunity has been a true catalyst for my growing passion for prehistoric studies and has further strengthened my academic goals.

Aysha Asna

Balabhadra B

I am Balabhadra, currently pursuing an Integrated MA in History at Pondicherry University. If someone were to ask me what my passions are, my immediate response would be art and literature. Elaborate paintings, sculptures, murals, and architecture have always sparked something within me. The question, “How, when, and why did these practices begin?” has constantly intrigued me, and my search for answers led me to the study of prehistoric cultures, rock art, and archaeology. I aspire to build my career around exploring these early cultures and understanding the sense of aesthetics and individuality that existed in ancient humans. I believe the internship at SCHE will be a significant milestone in this journey, allowing me to engage with the past through practical experiences like mock trench excavation, photogrammetry, and experimental archaeology

DEVIKA V

I am Devika, Bachelor’s student in History at Pondicherry University, with a strong interest in deconstructing historical narratives to uncover obscured truths. My academic journey has been deeply influenced by fictional works like Randamoozham by M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Francis Ittikora by T.D. Ramakrishnan, which blends fiction with historical and cultural themes. These readings have honed my ability to critically analyze narratives and trace their origins, fueling my curiosity about topics such as the development of literacy and the evolution of library systems.

Beyond classroom learning, I have gained hands-on experience in experimental archaeology through the internship at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education (SCHE). My practical exposure includes fieldwork at mock excavation sites and training in 3D photogrammetry, equipping me with technical skills to complement my academic research. This interdisciplinary approach has strengthened my analytical abilities and deepened my passion for historical inquiry.

Hari Firoj Sai Dev

Hi, I’m Hari Firoj Sai Dev, a second-year undergraduate student at Pondicherry University, majoring in History. I’m deeply passionate about archaeology, with a special fascination for prehistoric cultures that unlock the secrets of human origins. Through my internship at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education via the NEP summer program, I’ve gained hands-on experience in excavation techniques, site surveys, and 3D photogrammetry. These opportunities have enriched my understanding of India’s ancient past and sharpened my skills in archaeological methodologies. I am dedicated to exploring the richness of human history, uncovering the stories of the past to better understand our present and shape our future.

My name is T. Janakiram, and I am currently a second-year undergraduate student at Pondicherry University. I am deeply passionate about archaeology, particularly the prehistoric cultures. As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) summer internship program, I had the invaluable opportunity to work at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education. This experience provided me with profound insights into India’s prehistoric period, hands-on training in archaeological fieldwork, and exposure to advanced techniques such as 3D photogrammetry for artifact documentation.The internship not only enhanced my practical understanding of archaeological surveys and methodologies but also deepened my theoretical knowledge of prehistory. These skills and insights have significantly strengthened my academic foundation and will undoubtedly support my aspirations to pursue a career in archaeology.

T. Janakiram

Pranav M.S.

My name is Pranav M.S., a second-year History undergraduate at Pondicherry University with a strong interest in archaeology and prehistoric cultures. I’m currently interning at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education through the NEP summer program. This experience has given me hands-on training in excavation techniques, site surveys, and 3D photogrammetry. It’s deepening my understanding of India’s prehistoric past while strengthening my academic foundation. More importantly, it’s helping me explore archaeology as a career path. This internship also aligns with my broader interests in history, philosophy, and how human societies have evolved over time, shaping my future direction in the field.