"Across civilisations and generations, ideas leave traces. Research helps us follow them.”
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The questions change. The search continues.
BEYOND THE UNKNOWN
Exploring what we know, what we have forgotten and what we have yet to discover.
Windows Into Research
Be part of our story with Dr. Ajay Prabhakar as he travels through museums and research sites across the world, rediscovering human ingenuity, award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories that connect our past to the present—and help shape our future.
Dr. Ajay Prabhakar has researched ancient civilisations, archaeology and cultural heritage across Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA, with extensive fieldwork in West Africa. His work has included archaeological investigations at Igbale Aiye in Benin, Igbo Ukwu and the Ikom Monoliths in Nigeria, studying ancient settlements, artifacts, inscriptions and evidence of cultural exchange.
His research has involved fieldwork, excavation, site documentation, artifact identification and comparative study, including investigations into ancient African contributions to world civilisation and the reconstruction of historical timelines.
Igbale Aiye, The Lost City - An Archaeological Excavation & Heritage Research
Deep in the heart of Apkotokou Forest, in the border town of Ketou, Republic of Benin, lies Igbale Aiye, the archaeological site studied by our team. Tagged Renaissance Challenge Project, the promoters of the ancient, excavated city led by Olofindji Akande, The Vizier, are convinced that such archaeological efforts will transform the stigma of slavery, which is believed to have stunted growth and the development of African nations, into huge wealth, thus promoting rebirth of humanity, by the rebirth of Africa and her culture.
Igbo Ukwu - An Archaeological Project
The ancient site of Igbo Ukwu is situated in the modern-day homelands of Igbo people of southern Nigeria. The Igbo Artifacts which have been excavated here include jewelry, ceramics, a corpse adorned in what appears to be regalia, and many assorted bronze, copper, and iron objects. Some of these contain materials that are evidence of a long-distance trading system extending to Egypt and India. The CARC team, with Dr. Ajay Prabhakar, is assisting with and studying the research material emerging from the site.
The Ikom Monoliths Project - A Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development Project
The Ikom monoliths, (over 300 of them) are carved stones with enigmatic inscriptions that were discovered at the turn of the 20th century, located in the villages of Ikom Local Government (and environs) in Cross River State Nigeria, left behind by ancient Africans dating back thousands of years. The CARC team, headed by Dr. Ajay Prabhakar, has been studying the monoliths and succeeded in having them listed on the World Monuments Fund 2008 Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites, bringing attention to these pillaged pieces of culture.
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His research extends beyond archaeological sites to languages, symbols and cultural evidence through which earlier societies recorded knowledge. This includes the study and comparison of Ikom Monoliths, Turoe Stone, Castlestrange Stone and Newgrange, alongside research into rock art, ancient writings and linguistic connections.
He has also studied and documented paintings, sculptures, textiles, books and manuscripts, combining historical, linguistic and archaeological evidence to understand the people, cultures and knowledge systems behind them.
A Linguistics and Archaeological Project
Extensive field research on ancient rock art in West Africa, together with comparative and technical analysis of the monolithic writings in Ireland—including the Turoe Stone, the Castlestrange Stone and the Newgrange burial mound—and the Ikom Monoliths is being carried out by our team. The research has found evidence that appears to suggest that they all refer to the same language belonging to the Kwa linguistic family. Research is ongoing.
A Genealogy and Literary Project
This project studies and celebrates the life, the legacy and the work of Gustavus Vassa or Olaudah Equiano, the first slave to write his biography. Equiano was a great literary craftsman who wrote to successfully appeal to all segments of the society and his book was an instant bestseller. At the same time, it was a slave narrative, a sentimental novel and an adventure story, but more than all that, an irrepressible abolitionist tool.
The Africa Renaissance Project - A Tourism, Linguistics and Oral History Project
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, in and after the 15th Century, saw millions of African peoples transported in slave-ships through the Atlantic Ocean to Europe and the Americas. This project portrays and brings to the fore the untold stories of countless people who gave up their lives for the sake of freedom and identity. It also celebrates the lost or near-extinct traditions and tales of Africa.
From Research to Conversation
Moments that capture different aspects, milestones, perspectives and stories from Dr. Ajay Prabhakar's journey and work.
Rethinking Education for the Future
A thoughtful conversation on education, learning and the way young people are prepared for the future. Dr. Ajay Prabhakar and Vasant explore how traditional approaches to education can struggle to keep pace with changing needs.
This conversation asks a simple question: What should learning look like for the future?
Where Language Begins
Tracing Prakrit, language and the deeper connections between cultures and civilisations. Dr. Ajay Prabhakar joins Abhilasha for a conversation exploring Prakrit and the roots of first language, opening a wider inquiry into language, history and the Indo-European connection.
Unveiling of the Gram Code at The Schomburg Center for Research
The Gram Code of African Adam: Stone Books and Cave Libraries and Reconstructing 450,000 Years, co-authored by Dr. Ajay Prabhakar, won the 2009 International Book Awards and was aired multiple times on C-SPAN Book TV in 2009. The research won the Phillis Wheatley and Flora Nwapa Awards in New York in 2009.
Dr. Prabhakar has worked on the documentation, preservation and conservation of cultural and historical material, including archaic monuments, temples, artifacts, books and manuscripts. His work includes archival documentation, restoration and the development of digital and physical archives, oral histories and cultural collections.
He also carries the research into practice by training archaeologists through hands-on field experience and lectures, while developing innovative approaches to education and learning. This includes work that evolved into Innovative Pedagogies and Pioneers Nation.
Temples and Archaic Monuments
Dr. Ajay Prabhakar has helped Chinmaya Mission to document, preserve and conserve archaic monuments of Chinmaya Mission. The temples, some of which are several thousand years old and also the Adi Shankara Nilayam, the hallowed maternal birth home of the great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya are being chronicled for posterity.
CCMT Archives - A Corporate Archives and Oral History Project
CCMT was established in India in 1953 and today the organization encompasses and conducts a wide range of educational, and charitable activities, enriching the lives of thousands in India and across the world. The trust in its archives, has hundreds of thousands of books, publications, manuscripts and other personal artifacts which it preserves with expert advice from Dr. Ajay Prabhakar.
Innovative Pedagogies and Learning Outcomes - A research in education project
the Innovative Pedagogies Project, conceived by Dr. Ajay Prabhakar, began as a pilot in schools founded by former Nigerian President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, including El-Amin International Schools in Minna and Abuja.
The project later grew into Pioneers Nation, and its approach is now being used in schools in India and around the world, including leading schools that have recognised and adopted its innovative approach.
Technology has become an integral part of Dr. Prabhakar’s approach to research. He has worked with artificial intelligence, machine learning, satellite imagery, digital and virtual mapping, data science, predictive analytics and digital archives to study archaeological sites, ancient settlements, inscriptions and historical records.
His technology work also extends into AI strategy, business analytics and new learning systems, including Transform LXP, an AI-powered Learning Experience Platform developed to connect people, ideas and technology.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research
Research involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify patterns, study complex systems and support research. This includes AI-assisted analysis of scripts and archaeological records and the use of technology to study historical knowledge.
Satellite Imagery and Digital Mapping
The use of satellite imagery, digital mapping and virtual mapping to study archaeological sites, ancient settlements and patterns of human habitation.
AI-Powered Learning Experience Platform
An AI-powered Learning Experience Platform developed through the Innovation Incubator to connect people, ideas and technology and create new approaches to learning.
CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE FUTURE
Research across history, civilisation, culture and technology to uncover connections that continue to shape our world.
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