Introduction to Ancient Indian Architecture

Dr. Rajiv Kumar Jaiswal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology at Vasanta College for Women, KFI, Rajghat Fort (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. studies in the Department of AIHC & Archaeology at Banaras Hindu University. His areas of specialization include Archaeology, Rock Art, Ethno-archaeology, Ancient Indian Science & Technology, Temple Architecture, and Ancient Indian Economic History. Dr. Jaiswal has participated in several archaeological explorations in Sidhi, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, and the ancient copper mining area of Ghatshila. He has also participated in various archaeological excavations, such as those at Raipura and Latifshah. In 2024, he was awarded a major research program by the ICSSR, Delhi. He has completed a project in collaboration with Adi Drishya, IGNCA, New Delhi, titled “Multidisciplinary Documentation of Rock Art and Its Allied Subjects in Chandauli District, Uttar Pradesh (Phase-III)” in 2022. He co-authored the book “Chandauli Janpad ki Shailkala: Ek Parichay”, published by IGNCA, New Delhi, in 2023, and has co-edited volumes II and III on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Dr. Jaiswal has contributed more than a dozen research papers to reputed publications in the fields of Archaeology and Ancient Science & Technology. He serves as a member of the Academic Committee of Jnana-Pravah, Varanasi, Safeguarding Rock Art, Adi Drishya, IGNCA, and the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Additionally, he is the Co-Convener of the Annie Besant Centre for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan at Vasanta College for Women. Dr. Jaiswal is also on the editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals such as Vasant Sahastradhara, Research Today, and The Eternity. He is a life member of several academic bodies, including the Indian Archaeological Society, New Delhi, and the All India Oriental Conference, Pune.

Dr. Samvedana Singh is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Vasanta College for Women (Banaras Hindu University), Rajghat, Varanasi. She completed her Master’s and Ph.D. from the Department of AIHC & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. She has published a book based on her extensive research in the field of Numismatics. Additionally, she has articles published in UGC CARE-listed journals and has presented papers at national and international workshops and seminars. She has contributed significantly to the field of Archaeology and Numismatics through her research papers. She is a life member of the Journal of the Numismatic Society of India and the Epigraphical Society of India. Dr. Singh is also serving as a program officer in NSS and is actively contributing to extra curricular activities as a member of several committees.