People in the Anthropology Department
Robert Simpkins
Lecturer Go to This Semester's Courses to find out which classes Robert Simpkins is teaching this term. Robert Simpkins is by training an Archaeologist, but tries his best to maintain a traditional four-fields approach in his research and teaching. His major geographic area of specialization is South Asia, and his topics of research include complex social organization and the development of urbanism and long-distance trade networks, architecture and social landscapes, and writing systems and visual communication. Robert has conducted fieldwork in Asia and North America, including fouryears with the Harappa Archaeological Research Project and two field seasons excavating at the Bronze Age city of Harappa, Pakistan, and five years with the Office of the State Archaeologist at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
		Office: CL-404-G Phone: (408) 924-5342 Email: bobsahib@earthlink.net

His current research project examines the growth and expansion of the Qutb Shahi Dynastic State, a lineage of rulers that controlled a large part of the eastern Deccan of South India from their capitals of Golconda and Hyderabad in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Qutb Shahis were famous around the world for their diamond and pearl markets, beautiful architecture and gardens, but are largely unknown to American audiences.

In addition to his SJSU courses, Robert also teaches at DeAnza College. He has taught Introduction to Physical Anthropology, Introduction to Archaeology, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Reconstructing Lost Civilizations, and Magic, Witchcraft and Religion.

He is also currently President of the Santa Clara County Archaeological Society, and as a native of the South Bay, has a passionate interest in educating and preserving local historic and archaeological sites. He is currently preparing a guidebook to surviving early historic buildings in Santa Clara County, among other projects.