Kathmandu, June 4

Department of Archaeology lacks modern equipment to conduct archaeological research and has been largely depending on foreign support to conduct advanced research.

The iconic Kasthamandap temple at Basantapur, for instance, was normally understood to be built during the 12th century. The widely accepted belief, however, proved false after the 2015 earthquake. Thanks to the  UK-based Durham University that conducted a carbon dating test and declared that it was originally built during the seventh century.

DoA has been depending upon traditional archaeological excavation materials for every research conducted. Or it

has to ask for support from foreign agencies and universities to use modern tools such as ground penetrating equipment and geophysics surveyor.  Technologically advanced devices such as Ground Penetrating Radar can give a picture of what is underneath the ground without digging the site.

Under-secretary of DoA Ram Bahadur Kunwar said although they have understood the importance of modern equipment for archaeological research, they do not have skilled manpower to use any such machine. “Data gained from the GPR survey needs to be interpreted and processed before a clear picture which is understood by normal people emerges. These skills require special knowledge.”