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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 04 August, 2022

  • 5 Min Read

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

The “regular monitoring” is done by the Archaeological Survey of India to assess the damage to its monuments by any atmospheric agents and the natural causes.

About archaeological survey of India

  • It is the premier institution in India for archaeological research.
  • ASI is an attached agency of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India.
  • The ASI is headed by a Director-General and is headquartered in New Delhi.
  • ASI has more than 3693 protected monuments and archaeological sites of National Importance that it protects and preserves.
  • It is a statutory body after independence, under the AMASR Act, 1958.

History

  • It was founded in the year 1861 by a British Army engineer who took a deep interest in archaeology in India, James Cunningham.
  • Archaeological pursuits started much earlier, in the 18th century, when Sir William Jones formed the Asiatic Society in 1784 together with a group of antiquarians.
  • Alexander Cunnigham is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology.

The function of ASI

  • It conducts archaeological excavations and explorations.
  • It maintains, conserves, and preserves protected monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
  • It engages in the chemical protection of monuments and antiquarian remains.
  • It performs the architectural survey of the monuments.
  • It conducts epigraphical and numismatic studies.
  • It sets up site museums.
  • It gives training in archaeology.
  • It publishes material in archaeology.

Source: The Print


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