Ravindra Korisettar Honoured with Rajyotsava Award for Archaeological Excellence

Celebrating Karnataka’s Distinguished Archaeologist

Ravindra Korisettar Honoured with Rajyotsava Award for Archaeological Excellence: Veteran archaeologist Prof. Ravindra Korisettar from Dharwad, Karnataka, has been chosen for the Rajyotsava Award 2025, one of the highest civilian honours of the state. This recognition celebrates his four-decade-long contribution to archaeology, education, and the preservation of India’s prehistoric heritage.

Static GK fact: The Rajyotsava Award, instituted in 1966, is the second-highest civilian award of Karnataka, presented annually on November 1, marking Karnataka Rajyotsava Day.

Academic Journey of a Visionary Scholar

Born in 1951, Prof. Korisettar pursued Archaeology and Quaternary Studies at Poona University and later received advanced training at INQUA (International Union for Quaternary Research) in Beijing, China. His exceptional academic career led him to become a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Karnatak University, Dharwad.

He has also held prestigious international fellowships such as the Charles Wallace–AIIT Fellowship at the University of Cambridge and the Fulbright Visiting Scholarship at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

Static GK Tip: The Fulbright Program is one of the most respected international exchange programs, founded in 1946 by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright.

Pioneering Research in Prehistoric and Geoarchaeological Studies

Prof. Korisettar’s scholarly contributions have significantly shaped the field of prehistoric archaeology in India. His research has been featured in prestigious journals like Science (2007) and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA).

He has led several interdisciplinary projects, including the Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project by the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, and the Computer Application in Archaeology Project, which developed a Gazetteer of Prehistoric Sites in India funded by the Ford Foundation.

Guardian of India’s Prehistoric Heritage

Prof. Korisettar has been instrumental in establishing Prehistory Museums in Ballari and Dharwad, fostering awareness about India’s ancient civilizations. His leadership roles include serving on committees for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and initiatives aimed at transforming Karnatak University into a Central University.

Static GK fact: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), established in 1861, plays a crucial role in conserving India’s historical monuments and artefacts, often collaborating with scholars like Prof. Korisettar.

Global Collaborations and Recognitions

Prof. Korisettar’s work extends beyond national borders through collaborations with international organizations such as the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association (Australia), INQUA Commission on Tephrochronology (UK), and INQUA Commission on Palaeoecology and Human Evolution.

His pioneering studies have advanced the global understanding of prehistoric human evolution and environmental transitions in South Asia.

Other 2025 Rajyotsava Awardees

Other eminent recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2025 from the Mumbai-Karnataka region include writer H.M. Pujar, folk artists Sannaningappa Mushennagol and Somanna Dhanagonda, agriculture expert S.V. Hittalmani, and scientist R.V. Nadagouda, among others.

Static GK Tip: Karnataka is divided into four major regions – Hyderabad-Karnataka, Mumbai-Karnataka, Coastal Karnataka, and Southern Karnataka – each contributing distinct cultural and historical heritage to the state.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Ravindra Korisettar Honoured with Rajyotsava Award for Archaeological Excellence: