---
title: "Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy's Works Go Open Access"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/archaeologist-r-nagaswamy-works-open-access-fffj7
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-12T06:00:15.911Z
modified: 2026-08-12T09:00:14.646Z
language: en-IN
---

# Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy's Works Go Open Access

The Tamil Arts Academy has made all works by archaeologist R. Nagaswamy available under open access to honor his 96th birth anniversary. This move removes copyright restrictions, allowing for free sharing and redistribution of his extensive scholarship.

## Key takeaways

- Archaeologist R. Nagaswamy's works are now available under open access by the Tamil Arts Academy.
- The initiative removes copyright restrictions, allowing free sharing and redistribution of his publications.
- Nagaswamy was a Padma Bhushan recipient and the first Director of the Department of Archaeology in Tamil Nadu.
- His extensive body of work includes over 50 books and numerous articles on archaeology, epigraphy, and South Indian culture.

The Tamil Arts Academy has announced that all works by archaeologist and epigraphist R. Nagaswamy will now be available under open access. This decision coincides with his 96th birth anniversary and aims to ensure his scholarly contributions continue to inspire future generations without copyright limitations.

The non-profit organization, managed by Nagaswamy's children and daughters-in-law, stated that his books and articles can be freely shared and redistributed. Nagaswamy, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2018, was the founding Director of the Department of Archaeology in Tamil Nadu. His expertise spanned archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, iconography, South Indian bronzes, and temple rituals, with deep knowledge in Tamil and Sanskrit.

His academic achievements include a master’s degree in Sanskrit from the University of Madras and a Ph.D. in Indian Arts from Pune University. Nagaswamy also played a role in establishing the Natyanjali festival in Chidambaram. His published works include over 50 books in English and Tamil, such as 'Senthamizh Naadum Pannum,' 'Tirukkural,' 'Vedic Roots of Hindu Iconography,' and detailed studies on Mamallapuram and Brahadishwara Temple. Numerous articles on topics like 'Pancatantra in Silappatikāram' and 'Brahma Deyam' have also been published.

All materials published by the Academy are accessible on the website www.tamilartsacademy.com. According to his daughter, Uma Nagaswamy, her father believed in sharing his knowledge widely, from college students to scholars and beyond.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/archaeologist-r-nagaswamy-works-open-access-fffj7
Reported from: Multiple Sources