Dr. Swarajya Prakash Gupta
(1931-2007)
The Doyen of Indian Archaeology
Dr. S.P. Gupta, an eminent archaeologist, renowned art historian and a famous
multifaceted personality died after prolonged illness at the age of about 76years
on 3rd October 2007 in New Delhi
Dr. Swarajya Prakash Gupta, Younger son of late Shri Onkar Nath and late Smt. Saraswati
Devi, was born on 22nd December, 1931 at Allahabad. His father, who was freedom
fighter during Nehru's time at Allahabad, died at an early age and there was none
to look after him except his mother and maternal grandfather from Etawah (U.P.),
who supported his education in the University and elsewhere. This led him to take
deep interest in higher studies. Initially he tried to become an IAS officer but
eventually History and Archaeology became special area of his interest.
He was educated and associated with different Universities in lndia and abroad.
He earned his degrees of M.A., L.L.B., Ph.D. and D.Litt. from Allahabad, Delhi and
Magadh Universities, respectively. He also obtained Certificate in Museology from
Ecole de Credit in Diploma in Archeology from the Institute of Archaeology, New
Delhi and was awarded Wheeler Prize for excellence in the Field of Archaeology.
He also obtained certificate of Merit in Environment Archaeology from the institute
of Archaeology, University of London.
After completing his studies, Dr. S.P. Gupta joined the Archaeological Survey of
lndia at Nagarjunkonda (Andhra Pradesh). Thereafter he worked in the Atlas Branch
of, ASI at Nagpur. Then he served National Museum, New Delhi as Deputy Keeper and
later rose to the rank of Assistant Director.
Dr. S.P. Gupta was invited to become Director of the Allahabad Museum where he served
for a period of two years. During his tenure this Museum became one of the best
Museums of the Country and also attained the status of a National.
Dr. Gupta after his superannuation came back to Delhi and took keen interest in
the development of Indian Archaeological Society and also established Center for
Research and Training in History, Archaeology and Paleo - Environment and lndraprastha
Museum of Art and Archaeology in the present premises of Indian Archaeological Society,
New Delhi,
Dr, S.P. Gupta wrote several books on Indian Art and Archaeology. Some of his pioneerbooks
are Disposal of the Dead and Physical Types in Ancient lndia (New Delhi, 1971),
Tourism, Museum and Monuments (New Delhi, 1975), Archaeology of Soviet Central Asia
and the lndian Borderlands (New Delhi, 1978) 2 Volumes, The Roots of Indian Art
(New Delhi, 1980), French Edition of this Book was published in Paris, 1990, The
Indus-Saraswati Civilization (New Delhi, 1996), The Elements of lndian Art (New
Delhi, 2002) and Cultural Tourism in lndia (New Delhi, 2002)
He also edited several books entitled India's Contribution to world Thought and
Culture (Madras 1972), Mahabharata: Myth and Reality - Differing Views (New Delhi
1976), and Masterpieces of the National Museum Collections (New Delhi, 1986)
Dr. S.P. Gupta was a widely traveled scholar covering as many as 32 countries in
the world besides the aforesaid books; he also contributed more than 100 articles
on Indian Art and Archaeology, which are still the source of information on archaeology
for the scholars and student alike.
Dr. Gupta's interest in Indian tradition and archaeology is also remarkable in terms
of providing useful and important evidences pertaining to Archaeology of Ayodhya
Indeed his contribution in identifying the birth place of Lord Rama at Ayodhya is
extremely fascinating and note-worthy. These facts are very well incorporated in
his joint-authored book entitled “Ayodhya Ka Itihas & Puratatv”
His noble thoughts high ideals, love inspiring words and caring advice will continue
to guide us in every moment of our lives. He will stay alive in our thoughts forever.
He was a great visionary, philanthropist and a novel soul. With tears in my eyes
and high respect in my heart, I
can only say that he was a man
Born for Archaeology-and the father figure Modern Archaeology in the country.
As long as the world remains, he will remain in our hearts and remembered by future
generations As in Shrimad Bhagvad Lord Krishna proclaimed that "no forces can
destroy the soul" and thus his soul also can never be destroyed.
Lets us all pray God that his soul may rest in peace.
........Added on 15/10/2008
Source: Nishant - 2007-08
By:Professor Arun Kesarwani
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