Dharwad’s Veteran Archaeologist Ravindra Korisettar Chosen for Rajyotsava Award

Renowned archaeologist Prof. Ravindra Korisettar from Dharwad, Karnataka, has been chosen for the Rajyotsava Award, one of the highest civilian honors of the state. His decades of contribution to archaeology, research, and education have earned him this prestigious recognition.

About Professor Ravindra Korisettar

Prof. Ravindra Korisettar is a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Karnatak University, Dharwad. With over 40 years of experience, he is regarded as one of India’s leading scholars in prehistoric and geoarchaeological studies.

His research papers have been published in some of the world’s top academic journals, including Science (2007) and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.).

Academic Journey and Education

Born in 1951, Prof. Korisettar studied Archaeology and Quaternary Studies at Poona University and pursued further training at INQUA (International Union for Quaternary Research) in Beijing, China.

He has held several international fellowships, including:

• Charles Wallace–AIIT Fellowship, University of Cambridge
• Fulbright Visiting Scholar, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

Major Research Contributions

Over his long career, Prof. Korisettar has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects, such as:

• Multidisciplinary Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad)
• Computer Application in Archaeology Project – created a Gazetteer of prehistoric sites in India for the Ford Foundation
• Prehistory and Geoarchaeology of the Middle Krishna Basin

These projects have helped improve understanding of India’s prehistoric past, ancient environments, and human evolution.

Contributions to Museums and Institutions

Prof. Korisettar has played an important role in establishing prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad, helping preserve India’s ancient heritage for future generations.

He has also served on several key academic and government committees, including:

• Committees for creating new schools at Karnatak University
• Proposal committee for upgrading Karnatak University to a Central University
• Member of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan State Committee

Global and National Recognition

Apart from his research and teaching, Prof. Korisettar has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He has been associated with international organizations like:

• Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, Canberra, Australia
• INQUA Commission on Tephrochronology, U.K.
• INQUA Commission on Palaeoecology and Human Evolution

His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of prehistoric life and landscapes in South Asia.

Other Rajyotsava Award Winners (2025)

Other notable recipients of the Rajyotsava Award from the Mumbai-Karnataka region include:

• H.M. Pujar – Writer from Vijayapura
• Sannaningappa Mushennagol – Folk artist from Belagavi
• Somanna Dhanagonda – Folk artist from Vijayapura
• Pundalika Shastri – Budabudike player from Belagavi
• S.V. Hittalmani – Agriculture expert from Haveri
• R.V. Nadagouda – Scientist from Gadag
• L.B. Sheikhmaster – Theatre personality from Vijayapura
• Rajshree Nagaraju (Halgekar) – Chairperson, Maratha Mandal Society, Belagavi
• Pavan Kumar Bhajantri – Judicial officer from Bagalkot
• Nagalingappa Gangur – Sculptor from Bagalkot