From Handaxes to Hoes: Science Communication in Indian Prehistory

Shanti Pappu*1,2, Kumar Akhilesh1, Prachi Joshi1, and Sutonuka Bhattacharya1

In India, the rich record of prehistoric antiquities, fossils, and other proxies for past environments and lifeways is often confined to brief mentions in textbooks and occasional news reports. This paper examines why prehistoric heritage has failed to capture the public’s imagination in India and explores ways to address this imbalance. We review museum- and research institution- and university-led initiatives to represent prehistory through structured galleries and exhibitions, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. We also examine alternative modes of communication, including workshops, online and social media engagement, and educational courses for adults and children, which seek to develop innovative pedagogical approaches. The role of popular media and social platforms in disseminating new discoveries is critically assessed, raising important questions about the nature and effectiveness of science communication in India. Further, we discuss how themes such as chronology, fossil fauna, and population migrations have often dominated public and academic attention, sometimes at the expense of broader cultural, technological, and behavioural dimensions of prehistory. Finally, we explore the potential of emerging digital tools, particularly in the context of the Global South, while emphasising the continued importance of accessible and cost-effective traditional communication strategies. Drawing on two decades of experience, we reflect on the evolution of our own approaches to communicating prehistory and outline directions for future engagement.