Heritage and the Public: The Idea of Authenticity

Heritage and the Public: The Idea of Authenticity

Ever wondered what it actually means when someone says the word "authentic"? What exactly is authenticity when looking at heritage? Can there be multiple meanings of the same word? Who gets to decide what heritage site is authentic and what is not? In this episode, join Ms. Simran Kaur as she delves deeper into the concept of authenticity while looking at the various stakeholders that govern the word's shifting meaning. In this introductory episode, we will look into how important it is to understand the way the public interacts with a heritage site. Because the public is never a passive participant.

Discussing Early Indian Coinage with Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar

Join Dr. Shriya Gautam and Ms. Simran Kaur for an exciting conversation with Prof. Susmita Basu Majumdar (University of Calcutta), a leading numismatist and epigraphist. Following from her recent talk at Speaking Archaeologically about early Indian coinage in the collections of UK museums, this episode brings to you the Q&A session where we talked more about how to approach the study of Indian coinage and the challenges associated with it.

What Is Public Archaeology And Why Does It Matter?

Public archaeology is one of those terms that sounds self-explanatory: until you try to define it. It's not simply outreach. It's not just digging with volunteers or making documentaries. At its core, it's a question about who the past belongs to, and who gets to decide what it means. In this episode, we unpack the field a little: where the idea came from, how its definition has shifted over five decades, and why the tension between specialists and the public is still very much alive. Because all archaeology is public archaeology. The question is whether we're honest about that or not.

Archaeology, Misinformation, and the Power of the Podcast

You have probably heard a theory about the ancient world that sounded just plausible enough. It seemed intriguing. Perhaps, even pulled you in further into the world of alternative archaeologies. In this episode, we explore how pseudoarchaeology conquered the internet, why professional silence is not neutral, and what is actually at stake when myths about the past get weaponised in the present. This is about digital public archaeology: why it exists, why it matters, and why archaeologists showing up online is not optional anymore.

Reimagining Heritage: The Promise and Challenges of Adaptive Reuse

What happens when a historic building can no longer serve its original purpose? Should it be preserved exactly as it is, or adapted for new uses? In this episode of the Speaking Archaeologically Podcast, Simran Kaur explores the concept of adaptive reuse in heritage conservation. From medieval churches and industrial complexes to stepwells, palaces, and forts in India, the episode examines how historic structures are being transformed to meet contemporary needs. Through examples from the United Kingdom and India, this episode explores the ongoing debate between conservation and development and asks whether change may sometimes be the key to ensuring the survival of heritage sites.