For a nation whose recorded history dates back to 3000 BC and beyond, we are callous about preserving it for posterity.

If messages like ‘Rahul loves Priya’ scribbled on the walls of Shajehan’s personal hamam, irk you no end, or the sudden identification of a palm script, that might have passed through the hands of Raja Thodarmal gives you goose bumps, conservation is an area you should consider specialising in.

From restoring ancient havelies to recreating historical events, from researching on new forms of preservation to communicating the importance of heritage to school children, the job profiles are as diverse as the domain. But  they could demand tremendous patience and long hours of backbreaking work. After all most domes are arched and the entrances to many monuments, really small.

Know your domain: In general, there tends to be a lack of awareness on conserving historical artefacts and cultural heritage. Disciplines like art history, museology, archeology and conservation, can be studied and pursued, professionally. Museology encompasses the role and functions of a museum, its philosophy and multiform character, whereas conservation is the science of conserving, persevering and restoring art forms.

“We study ancient, medieval and contemporary art, architecture, miniature paintings and artists,” says Ruchi Sharma, 24,  a student of  MA (History of Art).

Be eligible: You must have a background in social sciences, liberal arts or fine arts for a Master’s in Art. For conservation, a science background or a graduate degree in art, architecture or archaeology is preferred. Sumitra Sunder, a BFA student from Bangalore, currently pursuing Museology had to the idea of conservation because of her arts background. Museology candidates need a BA, BSc or BFA background.

Job prospects: You can work as a curator in museums, art galleries, or as a researcher. You can also intern at NGOs such as India Foundation for the Arts (INTACH). “We placed our students at the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai, LD Museum, Ahmedabad, Palace Museum, Jaipur, among a few others,” says Dr. N R Shah who heads the Department of Museology, Faculty of Fine Arts at The  Sayajirao University of Baroda. There are several vacant posts but a lack of trained professionals. Sunder’s interest in curatorship may take her abroad for advanced studies in the display of art objects. She says, “Museums in the UK and US are organised, very differently.”

Shashikanta Sharma from Manipur, a second-year student of art history at the National Museum Institute, Delhi, opines that most museums in the North East are tended to by lay people who aren’t professionally qualified for the job. His classmate Nitin Kumar Saini adds, “The Government is not doing much to provide enough job opportunities in this sector.”

Where to study: The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda offers a Diploma, Bachelor’s and Master’s programme on archaeology, museology and fine arts. The National Museum Institute (NMI), Delhi, Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, Deccan College, Pune, CAVA College Mysore, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh are some well-established institutions for graduate and post graduate courses. NIMU offers PhD courses.

Entry level salaries: An assistant curator’s salary is approximately Rs. 20,000 and increases with promotion as deputy curator and then as director. Entry level salaries are anywhere between Rs. 5,500-8,000 per month.

“An art restorer can start with Rs. 10,000-20,000,” says Nasir, a student at NMI. He, however, rues  the lack of  opportunities in the sector. But as a nation’s wealth increases in size and strength, art and culture will become the means to maintain exclusivity, and that may be when one would see opportunities taking wings.

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