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Om Prakash Sharma (Hindi: ओम प्रकाश शर्मा, (25 December 1924 – 14 October 1998) popularly known as Kukki, is recognized as one of the foremost and most talented archaelogist. He has discovered more than 75 rock painting sites, coins of various dynasties, ancient dice, stone tools, shards of pottery, utensils made out of terracotta and evidence of a previously unknown civilization.

Early Life:- Om Prakash Sharma alias "Kukki" was born and raised in Bundi.

He has a dual personality the kind you read about in Fairytales. Lack of formal education has never come in the way of Om Prakash Sharma, a class VII dropout having thirst for knowledge about archaeology. His passion for archaeology augmented when he was nine years old after finding some ancient coins at "Mordi ki Chatri" on the mountains of Bundi.

Life and Work:-

He is a candid, jovial and proclaimed archaeologist by profession. He has spent more than 20 years of his life scouring the hills and rivers around Bundi. Without any support and funds he has discovered more than 75 rock painting sites, coins of various dynasties, ancient dice, stone tools, shards of pottery, utensils made out of terracotta and evidence of a previously unknown civilization.

From his early childhood he was fond of ancient coins. Kukki started his career by running a grocery shop for a livelihood but not for long time as his passion came in the way and in turn he paid a price for his passion by selling his shop. The discoveries of this barely literate grocer have prompted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to give him the status of 'honorary archaeologist' as well as set up a one man museum housing of his collection.

Once known only for its magnificent fort, Bundi has now been put on the tourist map by this 55-year-old, a one-time sweet-shop owner. Now,a number of archaeologists and enthusiasts from across the world visit the region to see the paintings that Mr. Om Prakash Sharma alias Kukki says have been "discovered" by him. And for all his efforts, the only thing he yearns for is a bit of recognition.

For years he has been wandering amidst ruined monuments looking for archaeological artifacts and antiques and discovered weapons of stone, pottery and utensils of terracotta and coins belonging to various periods. One coin dates back to 6 BC. His famous past time is searching and discovering artifacts and ruins.The well known rock painting expert Ervin Neumayer from Austria had verified the sites at Bundi and the self styled Kukki's discoveries are likely to be included in his next publication soon. Unfortunately Kukki is not so rich but his unending desire to search and search never seemed to be ending.

He has scanned the region extensively to have the sites information at his tips. He is quite adapt in his art that he can promise you a sure find in a time period. Many of the archaeology experts may not agree to his views but his enthusiasm and style is indeed unique and has yielded positive results on many occasions. In the process he has also become a sort of a celebrity but has been often mistaken as an intruder by the villagers. He talked in his unassuming ,confident and raw style about his discoveries and his favourite passion to Chandan Sen.

Achievements:- → Almost 78 rock paintings sites, world longest rock painting site (that is 35 km.), Ostrich egg shells estimated to be 25000 year old, earthen dices of Kushan period and copper tools and scraper belonging to the pre-Harappan period, all titles discovered by him.

For the first time Kukki was honored on 15August,1995 for his 1993 discovery when he came across the remnants of the tone and Copper Age at Namana, Gagosh, Rajgarh, Chatras, Bijnawar and Khatkar-all in the vicinity of Bundi.

In 2007 he got award by hon. Governor of Rajasthan, Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil. He is also recognized by National Center for the Arts, New Delhi & World Rock Art Society from France.

In year 2007, on the eve of Republic Day he was given a token of appreciation for his remarkable contribution in discovering ancient history of Bundi. Department of Archaeology and museums, Rajasthan(India) awarded him with a certificate in 2008 for having wide knowledge of cave paintings and archaeological sites located in Bundi and Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. They were keen to utilize his knowledge in this field for restoration and conservation of these sites.

On Feb 26, 1997, Times Of India published an article on Son of the Soil, in which his discoveries like small and big weapons made of stones, potteries, and utenselis made of terracotta and coins of various ages and periods were mentioned.

Again on June 6,1999, Hindustan Times published an article on kukki Grocer puts Bundi in the sharp focus of History. At that time he discovered 15,000-year old rock painting in Gardada, 35kms south of Bundi.

In 2003, Hindustan Times again discussed the life and works of Kukki in the article The story of a class VII drop out archaeologist and Pioneer news published the article Country Roads which too mentioned the discoveries of Kukki.

In 2006, issue of the immersion of rock paintings after completion of Garada dam was discussed in Hindustan times. Being the discoveror of dozens of painting, he came into scene and put his opinion on this matter through media.

One of the most popular newspaper, The Hindu issued an article on 25,000 year-old ostrich eggshells found in Rajasthan on January 30, 2010 throwing light on late additions of treasures like ostrich eggshells.