Dr. M.B. Rajani

Associate Professor
National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), IISc Campus, Bangalore 560 012

Dr. M.B. Rajani is an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), IISc Campus, Bangalore. Her research focuses on analyzing cultural landscapes using geospatial data to identify archaeological features and applying these methods for heritage preservation amid rapid urbanization. She has pioneered methodologies for detecting past human activities through satellite imagery, integrating findings with spatial data to generate new insights. Her work on Nalanda in 2016 revealed an expansive archaeological landscape far beyond protected zones, challenging existing World Heritage methodologies. Similarly, her research on Mahabalipuram has used historical maritime maps to uncover new perspectives on coastal archaeology. She has shared her findings through a TEDx talk and her book Patterns in Past Settlements (2021), which expands knowledge on geospatial applications in archaeology. Her broader research interests include ancient Indian sciences, traditional textiles, and the musicology of Indian music, where she has contributed through teaching, supervision, and ongoing projects. She continues to lead efforts in capacity building and fostering a research community in geospatial analysis for cultural heritage.