Dr Arjun Rao is a field archaeologist specialising in the late prehistory and early history of South Asia. His research integrates landscape archaeology and settlement-pattern studies to investigate the spatial organization, cultural material, subsistence economy, urbanisation and environmental interactions of past societies. He seamlessly blends traditional field archaeology with cutting-edge computational approaches, including GIS-based spatial modelling, to uncover the intricacies of past human landscapes. His research spans the vibrant regions of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh, focusing on settlement patterns, material culture, and the evolving interaction between humans and their environment. Over the years, Dr Rao has led and collaborated on numerous national and international projects, partnering with the National Geographic Society (Washington), Luigi and Laura Dallapiccola Foundation (Edinburgh), Ancient India and Iran Trust (Cambridge), Ghent University, Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, and the Indian Council of Historical Research (New Delhi).