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Synopsis Archaeology is a neglected field of study in eastern India. However, the area from Arunachal to Orissa and Bihar covers a very large chunk of the subcontinent and is also along its most distinctive cultural areas. From this point of view the establishment of a new archaeological research institute, Centre for Archaeological Studies and Training, in Calcutta by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Bengal, is a welcome development. In September 1996 the author who possesses a grassroots familiarity with the issues facing archaeological research in this region delivered a number of lectures at the invitation of this institute. The purpose of these lectures was to assess the current status of archaeological knowledge about east India and highlight some of its research priorities. The picture has been portrayed as objectively as possible and may help in the planning of archaeological research in this part of India.