I have great pleasure in presenting to the serious readers of early history of Bengal in general and students of archacology in particular the reprint of the monograph "Rajbadidanga 1962" by Dr. SR. Das, a noted archaeologist Archaeological evidence in the reconstruction of early history of any country has its own importance as in the cases of numismatic or epigraphic evidences In addition, this monograph would act as a manual to the students of archaeology undergoing training in the field of Archaeology with particular reference to the methodology used in exploration and excavation Besides, this monograph had revealed conclusive evidence regarding identification of "Karnasuvarna" and the monastery, "Raktamrittika Vihara" of Sasanka period.

I believe this monograph would still be appreciated as an important contribution to the study of Archaeology and the early history of Bengal as well.

An interim summary report on the exuviations at Fajb111g (latitude 24 2 27 N and longitude 88° 12' 18° N; near Chirutt Railway Station of the Eastern Railway, Sadar Subdivision of Berhampur, Murid b&d district, West Bengal) conducted by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Calcutta during 1961-62 is presented in this Monograph The Department of Archaeology is a new addition to the university's.

Post-graduate departments in sciences and humanities. In response to an Increasing demand for a systematic theoretical and practical training in archaeology a post-graduate department was established on the proposal and financial assistance given by the University Grants Commission. The department started functioning from the session 1960-61. For the establishment of this new post-graduate department in our university. The services of the late Professor J. N. Banerjea and Professor N. R. Ray are to be remembered with gratitude. Professor N. R. Ray has rendered dis tinguished service for the advancement of the cause of the science of archaeology in our university, and the Department of Archaeology owes to him all for which it stands today.

Field archaeology forms a major part of the curriculum of post- graduate study in archaeology, and the department undertakes regular field investigations including both explorations and excavations for imparting practical training to the students. For the purpose of field investigations the department chalked out a comprehensive plan for solving some outstanding problems of the early history of Bengal.