Dr. R. Nagaswamy was a towering authority on Indian art, archaeology, and epigraphy. Over a distinguished career spanning more than six decades, he served as Director of Archaeology for the Government of Tamil Nadu (1966–1988), where he is widely credited with professionalising and institutionalising state archaeological research. A former Vice-Chancellor of Kanchipuram University and an advisor to UNESCO, his scholarship uniquely bridged ancient Sanskrit textual traditions and material archaeology, setting new standards in interdisciplinary research.
He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2019), the Kalaimamani award, and the National Guru Fellowship from the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).
Dr. Ramadevi Sekhar is a distinguished academician and researcher whose work explores the intersection of Sanskrit literature and Indian heritage. She undertook extensive research on the Nallur settlements under the direct mentorship of Dr. R. Nagaswamy, as part of the prestigious ICHR Gurukul Fellowship.
An accomplished filmmaker, she has directed award-winning documentaries, including 'Dr. B. B. Lal – A Doyen of Indian Archaeology' and the internationally acclaimed 'Anmol Virasat: Jainism in Tamil Nadu'. Her areas of expertise include the Natyasastra, temple architecture, epigraphy, and ancient agricultural systems.
