7th International Congress of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA) Webinar (18th – 21st September – 2020) was organized by the Department of History and Archaeology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. In collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO.

Three leading archaeologists of South Asia, Prof. Vasant Shinde from India, Prof. Sudershan Seneveratne from Sri Lanka and Prof. Ihsan Ali from Pakistan were instrumental in evolving the concept of having Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA) in South Asia somewhere so that the younger generation benefits academically as a result of participation in activities of scholars from all over the world working in this part of the globe. Prof. Vasant Shinde established in 2005 the Society of South Asian Archaeology at Deccan College, Deemed University, Pune, India, which has one of the finest Archaeology Departments in the world. The objective of the SOSAA is to promote scholarship and take South Asian Archaeology to the global level.  Biannual International Congress of the Society of South Asian Archaeology is one way by which we can achieve objectives of the SOSAA. This Congress is held in different parts of South Asia for the benefit of the entire South Asian scholarship. The SOSAA brings Archaeologists, Historians, Anthropologists and Social scientists on one platform to discuss some common issues related to population movements, cultural interaction, trade exchange, the impact of climate on cultures, social formation etc. in South Asia. This provides an opportunity to exchange data, ideas and insights into recent discoveries made in the last couple of years in South Asia. Comprehensive picture of the history of South Asia is thus emerging due to sharing and discussing new research and discoveries. The South Asian countries share a common cultural heritage and we will not get proper perspective if it is studied in isolation.

So far the Society has organized six international congress, three in India, two in Iran and one in Sri Lanka. This year with the Department of History and Archaeology University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo Sri Lanka in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre High Commission of India, Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO was to organize 7th International Congress of SOSAA. But due to the Corona pandemic it cannot be held physically and hence the Executive Committee of the SOSAA decided to hold it through Video Conferencing from 18-21 September 2020, which is agreed by the organizing Institute.  On the behalf of organizing committee, we warmly invite Archaeologists, Scientists, Anthropologists and scholars working on the topics related to history, Archaeology and Anthropology of South Asia. 

SOSAA has policy to give opportunity to young scholars to present their research on International platform. So huge number of young scholars from India and Sri Lanka would be given opportunity to speak about their research on International platform and get benefitted with suggestions of well known scholars. 

This conference is not limited to South Asian scholars only but delegates from around the world working in South Asia have submitted their research papers associated with broad theme of archaeology/ history of South Asia. Two special sessions- one on the Rajagala Archaeological Project in Sri Lanka and the other on Rakhigarhi Excavations in India are also organized on this occasion to discuss applications of new scientific research methodologies and breakthrough results obtained. The main objective of this conference is to Promote, Protect and Preserve our heritage for future generations. More than 130 scholars will present their finds in this congress. The scholars are participating from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Iran, China, Indonesia, UK, USA, etc. In this conference various researchers are going to present their research on broader themes like Archaeology, History, Environmental Archaeology, Physical Anthropology, Ancient Literature and Languages, Architecture and Art History, Epigraphy and Numismatics, Heritage Management and Conservation, Ancient Technology and Computer Application, Museum Studies and Development, Archaeology of Indian Ocean Interaction Sphere, Folklore and Ethnology, research associated with Natural sciences and sacred/religion studies. Multidisciplinary research associated with Heritage management will give us insights to Promote, Protect and Preserve our heritage. It will also benefit our current ongoing researches by updating of knowledge and technology.

Accordingly, all arrangements have been made to commence the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSAA)’s Web Conference of Archaeologists on September 18 at the University of Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. One can watch this conference live through social media networks and YouTube channels.