Dr. Smita P. Surebankar is a distinguished historian, heritage researcher, and academic from Karnataka, widely recognized for her pioneering field-based studies on the history, archaeology, and architectural heritage of the Belagavi (Belgaum) region. She served as the Principal and Head of the Department of History at Rani Parvati Devi (RPD) College of Arts and Commerce, Belagavi, where she played a significant role in promoting local history, heritage awareness, and community-based historical research. She holds a Master's degree in History and Archaeology and earned her Ph.D. from Karnatak University, Dharwad, with a dissertation titled Halasi: A Study, focusing on the historical development of one of Karnataka’s important early medieval centers. Her research interests include regional history, archaeology, architectural heritage, memorial monuments, and cultural landscapes. She has led and completed several UGC-funded research projects, including studies on the memorial monuments and architectural heritage of the Belagavi region, as well as large-scale documentation of archaeological and historical antiquities. Dr. Surebankar is also the author of Architectural Splendors of Belagavi, a landmark work documenting the district’s rich built heritage. Through lectures, field study, publications, and public outreach initiatives, she has made significant contributions to the preservation and popularization of Belagavi’s historical legacy.