Archaeological Survey of India
About:
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
- Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
- It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
- The organization has a large workforce of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its circles, museums, excavation branches, prehistory branch, epigraphy branches, science branch, horticulture branch, building survey project, temple survey projects and underwater archaeology wing.
Functions and Powers
- 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 Research and Training in different areas of Archaeology
- Some of the conservation works done by ASI are in Junagadh in Gujarat, Taj Mahal, Tomb at Sikandara, Qutb Minar, Sanchi and Mathura.
- Conservation work in other countries includes Bamiyan in Afghanistan, Angkor Vat of Cambodia etc.
Constitutional Provision
The Constitution of India has divided the jurisdiction over these monuments, cultural heritage, and archaeological sites as follows:
Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological sites and remains, declared by Parliament, by law to be of national importance.
Ancient and Historical Monuments other than those declared by Parliament to be of national importance.
Besides the above, both the Union and States have concurrent jurisdiction over archaeological sites and remains other than those declared by law and Parliament to be of national importance Article 253 of the Constitution of India, enables Parliament to legislate for the implementation of any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or countries, or any decision, made at any international conference, association or other body. Any such legislation can be enacted even if the subject matter of the legislation is an item in the State List of the Constitution of India. |
Why in News?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of M/o Culture has removed the cap on the number of visitors to its Centrally Protected Monuments/ sites .
References:
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1682143
- https://indianculture.gov.in/MoCorganization/archaeological-survey-india
- https://www.indiaculture.nic.in/built-heritage
