ARCHAEOLOICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Origin:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a premier organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and exploration of India’s rich archaeological heritage. It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, a British archaeologist, and is one of the oldest archaeological institutions in the world.

Ministry and Legal Backing:

ASI operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its establishment and operations are backed by several legal provisions, including the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. This act provides the legal framework for the protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.

Administration:

ASI is headed by a Director-General, who is a senior-level officer in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The organization is divided into several circles, each responsible for a specific geographical area in India. These circles are further subdivided into regional and sub-regional offices, ensuring that ASI’s activities cover the entire country.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the Archaeological Survey of India include:
1.Conservation and Preservation: ASI is responsible for the conservation and preservation of India’s vast cultural heritage, including ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical structures.

2.Excavation and Exploration: The organization conducts excavations and explorations to unearth new archaeological discoveries and gain insights into India’s ancient history and civilizations.

3.Research and Documentation: ASI conducts research on various aspects of Indian archaeology and documents its findings. This research contributes to a better understanding of India’s cultural heritage.

4.Publication: ASI publishes a wide range of reports, journals, and books that disseminate information about its discoveries and research. These publications are valuable resources for scholars, historians, and archaeologists. ASI publications:

• Ancient India
• Epigraphia Indica
• Indian Archaeology: A Review

5. Promotion of Tourism: ASI promotes tourism by maintaining and showcasing historical sites and monuments, making them accessible to the public while ensuring their preservation.

For more information- https://asi.nic.in/en/