Publications

This paper examines the impact of environmental change on traditional ironworking societies in the Chotanagpur Plateau, in Eastern India, particularly in Purulia (West Bengal) and Hazaribagh and Chatra (Jharkhand). Part of the Iron Belt due to the rich mineral resources,  traditionally these regions were home to communities of indigenous iron smelters and blacksmiths such as the Asur, Lohra, Karmakar, and Karmali. The paper explores the ecological sustainability of  traditional ironworking in the light of decline due to factors such as past forest laws, deforestation, industrial mining activities, changing climatic patterns, and technological change. 

This paper examines the impact of environmental change on traditional ironworking societies in the Chotanagpur Plateau, in Eastern India, particularly in Purulia (West Bengal) and Hazaribagh and Chatra (Jharkhand). Part of the Iron Belt due to the rich mineral resources,  traditionally these regions were home to communities of indigenous iron smelters and blacksmiths such as the Asur, Lohra, Karmakar, and Karmali. The paper explores the ecological sustainability of  traditional ironworking in the light of decline due to factors such as past forest laws, deforestation, industrial mining activities, changing climatic patterns, and technological change. 

Sacred architecture across cultures has often been aligned with celestial events such as solstices, equinoxes, and significant stellar risings. This study reviews global traditions of astronomical alignment and the techniques ancient builders may have used to achieve such precision, alongside contemporary methods including satellite imagery, field surveys, and astronomical simulations. Focusing on temple architecture in South India, it employs geospatial tools and simulation software to analyze orientations in relation to solar, lunar, and stellar phenomena. While preliminary, the findings reveal emerging patterns of celestial alignment and underscore the value of digital geospatial technologies in investigating the astronomical dimensions of sacred landscapes.

Geospatial technologies have transformed cultural heritage research by enabling the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of historical landscapes. They support scholars in reconstructing past geographies, mapping site distributions, identifying hidden archaeological features, and informing heritage management strategies. Spatial Narratives of India’s Heritage: Geospatial Analysis in the Humanities showcases how GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis enrich multidisciplinary research on India’s past. This editorial chapter introduces the volume through examples such as Lothal, Mumbai’s changing landform, Valabhi, and Hyderabad, and presents Bodh Gaya as an integrated case study. It offers a structured overview of how geospatial perspectives are advancing heritage research and conservation in India.

Mysorean rockets were an important technological innovation in eighteenth-century warfare, developed under the leadership of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. They were among the earliest iron-cased rockets used in battle and had a significant impact on military tactics of the time. This study examines the role of Mysorean rockets in eighteenth-century warfare under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, with a focus on their tactical deployment and innovative use in battles. Through an analysis of two case studies from British sieges, it explores how the Mysoreans employed rockets to disrupt enemy formations and create psychological impact. The research integrates textual sources with geospatial methods, employing GIS tools, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and viewshed analysis to map battlefield dynamics and evaluate strategic advantages and limitations. By integrating historical narratives with modern geospatial technologies, this study examines the adaptability and effectiveness of Mysorean rockets, illustrating their role in influencing the dynamics of warfare.

This chapter examines the structural remains of Srirangapatna Fort using geospatial technologies, comparing its condition from 1800 to 2021. By generating and georeferencing a high-resolution orthophoto derived from Major General Ross’s 1800 to-scale tabletop model, and integrating satellite imagery with field-based Ground Control Points, the study employs QGIS to identify, digitize, and map fort features. The analysis documents morphological changes resulting from historical events, particularly the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War and the 1799 siege. The study demonstrates the utility of GIS and remote sensing in archaeological research and contributes a valuable spatial dataset for heritage conservation and future excavation initiatives.