Jason Hawkes

Dr. Jason Hawkes is a College Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with St Edmund's College and Gonville and Caius College. His research focuses on historical and landscape archaeology, museums, and heritage, with a particular emphasis on South and Southeast Asia. He investigates the interplay between religion, society, cultural interaction, and urbanism across ancient to medieval periods. His work bridges textual and archaeological evidence, challenging traditional historiographical approaches.

Education and Affiliations:

• Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge
• McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research

Research Interests:

Dr. Hawkes' research examines the material culture of South Asia, including land grant inscriptions, temple institutions, and early medieval social formations. He employs innovative methodologies such as chaîne opératoire analysis for ceramics and multi-period regional surveys. His fieldwork in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, has revealed insights into settlement patterns and transitions between ancient and medieval societies.

Grants and Projects:

• Regional surveys in Vidarbha, India
• Analysis of copperplate charters and their archaeological contexts

Labs/Teams:

Collaborations with the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research and the Duckworth Laboratory. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining archaeology, art history, and historical analysis to explore complex societal changes.