Winner Ravindra Korisettar

Ravindra Korisettar, one of India’s most respected scholars in prehistoric and geoarchaeological studies, has been honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2025, one of the state’s highest civilian recognitions. This award acknowledges his decades of contributions to archaeology, research, and education. 

About Professor Ravindra Korisettar

Professor Ravindra Korisettar is a UGC Emeritus Fellow in the Department of History and Archaeology at Karnatak University, Dharwad. With over four decades of experience, Ravindra Korisettar is considered a leading Indian archaeologist specialising in prehistoric India and geoarchaeology.

His groundbreaking research has been published in prestigious international journals such as Science (2007) and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.), marking him as an internationally recognised Indian archaeologist, Korisettar.

Academic Journey and Education

Born in 1951, Ravindra Korisettar studied archaeology and quaternary studies at Poona University and later pursued advanced training at INQUA (International Union for Quaternary Research) in Beijing, China. His strong academic background and exposure to global research networks helped establish him as a geoarchaeology expert in India.

He has received several prestigious international fellowships, including:

• Charles Wallace–AIIT Fellowship, University of Cambridge

• Fulbright Visiting Scholar, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

These experiences reflect the contributions of Ravindra Korisettar to archaeology and his efforts to connect archaeological studies in Karnataka with global research.

Major Research Contributions

Over his remarkable career, Professor Ravindra Korisettar Dharwad has led and contributed to numerous multidisciplinary research projects, such as:

• Multidisciplinary Kashmir Palaeoclimate Project (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad)

• Computer Application in Archaeology Project – developed a Gazetteer of Prehistoric Sites in India (Ford Foundation)

• Prehistory and Geoarchaeology of the Middle Krishna Basin

These studies have significantly advanced our understanding of India’s prehistoric past, ancient environments, and human evolution. Archaeological research by Professor Ravindra Korisettar has been crucial in developing scientific approaches to prehistoric research in India and understanding early human settlements in South Asia.

Contributions to Institutions and Museums

In addition to his research, Ravindra Korisettar has been instrumental in establishing prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad, preserving India’s ancient heritage for educational and cultural development.

As a Karnataka archaeologist, he has contributed to:

• Designing new academic programs at Karnatak University

• Proposals for upgrading Karnatak University to a Central University

• Serving as a member of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan State Committee

The achievements of the Karnatak University archaeologist highlight Ravindra Korisettar’s dedication to advancing both higher education and heritage conservation in India.

Global and National Recognition

Ravindra Korisettar has worked with premier institutions such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He is associated with several international academic bodies, including:

• Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, Canberra, Australia

• INQUA Commission on Tephrochronology, U.K.

• INQUA Commission on Palaeoecology and Human Evolution

His continued engagement with global research organisations demonstrates why Ravindra Korisettar is widely regarded as a noted archaeologist from Dharwad and an eminent Indian archaeology scholar.

Other Rajyotsava Award 2025 Recipients

Along with Professor Ravindra Korisettar, the Rajyotsava Award 2025, several distinguished personalities from the Mumbai–Karnataka region have also received this prestigious honour:

• H.M. Pujar – Writer from Vijayapura

• Sannaningappa Mushennagol – Folk artist from Belagavi

• Somanna Dhanagonda – Folk artist from Vijayapura

• Pundalika Shastri – Budabudike player from Belagavi

• S.V. Hittalmani – Agriculture expert from Haveri

• R.V. Nadagouda – Scientist from Gadag

• L.B. Sheikhmaster – Theatre personality from Vijayapura

• Rajshree Nagaraju (Halgekar) – Chairperson, Maratha Mandal Society, Belagavi

• Pavan Kumar Bhajantri – Judicial officer from Bagalkot

• Nagalingappa Gangur – Sculptor from Bagalkot

This reflects how the Rajyotsava Award honours archaeologists from Dharwad and other individuals contributing across diverse fields.

Final Thoughts

Renowned archaeologist Ravindra Korisettar, a UGC Emeritus Fellow at Karnatak University, Dharwad, has been honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2025 for his outstanding contributions to archaeology, research, and education.

With over four decades of experience, Ravindra Korisettar is widely recognised for his pioneering work in prehistory and geoarchaeology. His research, published in leading international journals like Science, has deepened understanding of India’s prehistoric past and human evolution.

Beyond research, he helped establish prehistory museums in Ballari and Dharwad, promoting heritage conservation. The Rajyotsava Award highlights his lifelong dedication to advancing archaeology and preserving India’s ancient legacy.