The history and practice of archaeology in myanmar

Abstract

Archaeology in Myanmar was inaugurated under the Archaeological Survey of India during the British colonial era. An independent Archaeological Survey of Burma was established in 1902. Members of the Survey were not trained in archaeology, but some were expert epigraphers. Early on, prehistoric research was mainly conducted by foreigners. Local archaeologists only began carrying out their first systematic excavations in the 1950s. Collaborative research between foreign and local archaeologists continued despite the long period of military rule. Research and training has been hampered by a lack of communication with international networks of scholars. This situation is now beginning to improve, but a lack of both financial resources and experience with recent theoretical and technical advances will require some time to rectify.