Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an attached office in the Ministry of Culture. It was set up in 1861 with the primary object of surveying antiquarian remains in this country and their study. ASI’s function is to “explore, excavate, conserve, preserve and protect the monuments and sites of National & International Importance.”

Functions and Powers

Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of department of Culture with headquarters in New Delhi. It has 24 regional Circles and 5 Regional Directorates.

Its main functions are:

·         preservation, conservation and environmental development of centrally protected monuments and sites, including World Heritage Monuments and antiquities

·         maintenance of gardens & development of new gardens surrounding centrally protected monuments and sites

·         exploration and excavation of ancient sites

·         specialized study of inscription and various phases of Indian architecture

·         maintenance of Archaeological site Museums

·         Operation of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act

·         Research and Training in different areas of Archaeology

ASI is the successor of The Asiatic Society of India. It was founded in its current form in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham with the help of the then Viceroy Canning.

It regulates all the archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, an ‘Ancient Monument’ is defined as follows:-

“Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years and includes—

·         Remains of an ancient monument,

·         Site of an ancient monument,

·         Such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument, a

·         The means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument;”

It defines archaeological site and remains as,

“any area which contains or is reasonably believed to contain ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance which have been in existence for not less than one hundred years, and includes—

·         Such portion of land adjoining the area as may be required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving it, and

·         The means of access to, and convenient inspection of the area;“

Monuments and sites

According to the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958, ASI protects monuments, sites and remains of national importance by giving a two-month’s notice for inviting objections, if any in this regard. After the specified two-month’s period, and after scrutinizing the objections, if any, received in this regard, the ASI makes decision to bring a monument under its protection.

·         At present nearly 3650 ancient monuments and archaeological sites are under the supervision of ASI.