https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Narayan_VyasNarayan Vyas - Revision history2026-08-17T19:58:01ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Narayan_Vyas&diff=520523&oldid=prevRenaldoParadis: info!2026-02-16T19:08:06Z<p>info!</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Indian archaeologist}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}}<br />
{{Infobox person<br />
| name = Narayan Vyas<br />
| image = Narayan Vyas in 2024.png<br />
| caption = Vyas in 2024<br />
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1949|1|5}}<br />
| citizenship = Indian<br />
| occupation = Archaeologist<br />
| known_for = Extensive work in prehistoric and ancient Indian history, particularly in Madhya Pradesh<br />
| awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2026)<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Narayan Vyas''' (born 5 January 1949)<ref>{{cite web |title=Rock Art Research in India |url=https://ignca.gov.in/invitations/02052019_National-seminar-on-rock-art-research-in-india_Brochure.pdf |website=National Seminar on Rock Art Research in India (2nd – 4th May, 2019) |publisher=[[Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts]] |access-date=7 February 2026}}</ref> is an Indian archaeologist known for his extensive work in the field of prehistoric and ancient Indian history, particularly in the state of [[Madhya Pradesh]]. In 2026, he was awarded the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to the field of [[archaeology]].<ref name="Hans25">{{cite web |title=Padma Shri awardee archaeologist Narayan Vyas says he is still working |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/padma-shri-awardee-archaeologist-narayan-vyas-says-he-is-still-working-1042427 |website=The Hans India |date=2026-01-26 |access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref><br />
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==Early life and education==<br />
Vyas developed an interest in archaeology during his student years. He was significantly influenced by the renowned archaeologist [[V. S. Wakankar]], with whom he shared a close professional relationship. Vyas was part of several explorations led by Wakankar, including the discovery and study of the [[Bhimbetka rock shelters]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Santoshi |first1=Neeraj |title='Rock' star of archaeology in central India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/the-grand-old-man-of-archaeology-in-madhya-pradesh/story-xazwon2lzVLfjxew7i1WdO.html |access-date=7 February 2026 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=7 December 2015 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="FPJ_Bhimbetka">{{cite web |title=Wakankarji first saw Bhimbetka rocks from Obaidullaganj railway station, says archaeologist Narayan Vyas |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-wakankarji-first-saw-bhimbetka-rocks-from-obaidullaganj-railway-station-says-archaeologist-narayan-vyas |website=Free Press Journal |access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Sravani |title=Return of the past |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/specials/2021/02/19/return-of-the-past.html |access-date=7 February 2026 |work=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |date=19 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref><br />
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==Career==<br />
Vyas served in the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) for several decades, retiring as a Superintending Archaeologist. During his tenure, he conducted numerous excavations and explorations across Madhya Pradesh. He has been described as the "Grand Old Man of Archaeology" in the region due to his vast knowledge of the local terrain and historical sites.<ref name="HT_GrandOld">{{cite web |title=The grand old man of archaeology in Madhya Pradesh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/the-grand-old-man-of-archaeology-in-madhya-pradesh/story-xazwon2lzVLfjxew7i1WdO.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref><br />
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His work primarily focused on:<br />
* Rock art: Vyas has spent significant time documenting and preserving prehistoric rock paintings, particularly those in the [[Vindhya Range]].<br />
* Temple restoration: He oversaw the conservation and restoration of several ancient temples and monuments under the jurisdiction of the ASI.<br />
* Documentation: He has been involved in the detailed cataloging of artifacts and historical remains found in Central India.<ref name="TOI_Faith">{{cite web |title=Artifacts article of faith for him |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/artifacts-article-of-faith-for-him/articleshow/45841961.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref><br />
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Even after his retirement, Vyas continues to be active in the field, providing guidance to young archaeologists and participating in heritage awareness programs.<ref name="Hans25" /><br />
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==Significant discoveries and views==<br />
Vyas has spoken extensively about the discovery of Bhimbetka, noting that V. S. Wakankar first spotted the rock formations from the Obaidullaganj railway station before trekking to the site for further investigation.<ref name="FPJ_Bhimbetka" /> He has also emphasized the need for better protection of unprotected archaeological sites that are often subject to encroachment or natural decay.<ref name="TOI_Faith" /><br />
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==Awards==<br />
* [[Padma Shri]] (2026)<ref name="Hans25" /><br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in other fields}}<br />
{{Authority control}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Vyas, Narayan}}<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Archaeologists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Ujjain]]<br />
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in other fields]]<br />
[[Category:1949 births]]</div>RenaldoParadis