9-Oct-2022: ASI organises a two-day National Conference on Project Mausam - Jaladhipurayatra: Exploring Cross- Cultural Linkages along the Indian Ocean Rim Countries

In an attempt to understand the Monsoon Winds and other climatic factors and the ways  in which these natural elements impacted, at different periods of history, the interactions  between different countries in the Indian Ocean region, ‘Project Mausam’ was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India at UNESCO’s 38th World Heritage Committee Meeting held at Doha, Qatar, in 2014. Currently, the Project is being administered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

With the objective of promoting further research and broadening our understanding of this  subject, the ASI organized a two-day National Conference at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 7th and 8th October, 2022. Christened “Jaladhipurayatra: Exploring Cross- Cultural Linkages along the Indian Ocean Rim Countries”, the Conference incorporated manifold aspects of maritime exchanges and interactions.

The Inaugural Session of the Conference was inaugurated by Minister of State  for Culture and Parliament Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi. Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Govt of India and the ambassadors of several Indian Ocean Regional countries, currently stationed in Delhi participated in the conference.

Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General (World Heritage and Conservation), ASI, formally welcomed the dignitaries and the guests. Shri Govind Mohan’s interesting talk dealt with several little-known aspects of India’s economic history. Addressing the audience, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, stressed the need for unbiased research on several  aspects of India’s economic and cultural relations with other lands. In his address, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal shared several interesting historical episodes pertaining to India’s contacts with other countries. A brochure on the objectives and scope of Project Mausam with a brief outline of the maritime heritage of India and a catalogue of India’s World Heritage properties were released on the occasion.

The Conference consists of a Plenary Session followed by six Academic Sessions, each  dealing with a particular aspect of India’s maritime interactions. One session exclusively deals with issues relating to the World Heritage properties with special reference to identification of historical sites and structures located in different countries of the Indian Ocean region and exemplifying inter-country relations, thus qualifying for trans-national nomination for UNESCO World Heritage certification. This was followed by a unique session in which the representatives and ambassadors of the different Indian Ocean region countries discussed different aspects of the region’s inter-country ties and trans- national nomination of important sites in the region for the World Heritage status.

On second day an interactive session with the distinguished Ambassadors of the Indian Ocean Rim Countries was organized, and was chaired by Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, wherein, issues related to the Project Mausam were discussed with the Ambassadors particularly inter-country links pertaining to textiles, spices and spicy cuisine, architecture and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage.

Over twenty scholars from different parts of India participated in the Academic Sessions of the Conference. These include meteorologists, archaeologists, historians and internationally-renowned experts in the fields of climate change, underwater explorations and intangible cultural heritage.

28-Sep-2022: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unravels remarkable Archaeological remains in Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve

In a major find, ASI has unraveled remarkable archaeological remains in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve.

During the exploration conducted by ASI, 26 ancient temples/relics of Kalachuri period (9th century CE to 11th Century CE), 26 caves (2nd Century CE to 5th century CE mostly Buddhist in nature), 2 monasteries, 2 stupas, 24 Brahmi inscriptions (2nd century CE to 5th century CE), 46 sculptures, 20 scattered remains and 19 water structures (c.2nd-15thCE) are recorded. Among the 46 sculptures, also is a Varah sculpture which is one of the largest.

The time period of the findings covered the reigns of the kings Shri Bhimsena, Maharaja Pothasiri, Maharaja Bhattadeva. Placed deciphered in the inscriptions are Kaushami, Mathura, Pavata (Parvata), Vejabharada and Sapatanaairikaa.

An ASI team covered nearly 170 sq km falling in the area of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve over months-long exploration of the region which was undertook for the first time since 1938.

The exploration was conducted under by the Jabalpur Circle of ASI.

21-Oct-2021: Archaeological Survey of India illuminates 100 Monuments in Tri-color to celebrate the landmark achievement of 100 crore vaccinations

The Archaeological Survey of India of Ministry of Culture is illuminating 100 Monuments in Tri-color across the country as India achieved the landmark milestone of administrating 100 crore COVID vaccinations in one of the World’s largest and fastest vaccination drive. The illumination is taking place as a mark of respect and gratitude to corona warriors who have contributed relentlessly in the fight against covid pandemic.

The 100 monuments being lit up in Tri-color include UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, Konark Temple in Odisha, Mamallapuram Rath temples in Tamil Nadu, St Francis of Assisi Church in Goa, Khajuraho, the forts of Chittoor and Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, the excavated ruins of the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar and Dholavira (recently accorded world heritage status) in Gujarat.

To express gratitude towards corona warriors - vaccinators, sanitation staff, paramedical, auxiliary workers, police personnel etc., who have worked beyond their call of duty to help the Country face the pandemic effectively and for their selfless services to the humankind the 100 monuments will remain lit in Tri-Color on the night of 21st October 2021 as India achieved the landmark 100 crore vaccination mark.

Vaccination played an important role in controlling the spread of the virus and halting the third wave and by administrating 100 crore COVID vaccine doses India becomes the only country along with China to be in the billion-dose club.

9-Feb-2021: Preservation of Historical Monuments

There are 3693 monuments of national importance under protection of Archaeological Survey of India. The encroachment in the premises of the protected monuments/area are removed as per the provisions contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules framed thereunder.

The Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the Circles has also been vested with the powers of an Estate Officer to issue eviction notices/orders to the encroachers under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Assistance in containing and removing encroachments is also sought from the respective State Government/Police force and where there are no fruitful results, actions are initiated against the encroachers by filing cases in the court of law.  Regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel, State Police guards and CISF have also been provided for the safety and security of selected monuments.

The Archaeological Survey of India has a list of 24 monuments which remain untraceable.  The Archaeological Survey of India has made efforts to locate/identify the untraceable monuments through field offices based on inspection, old records, revenue maps and published reports.

State-wise list of Centrally Protected Monuments/Sites in the country

Name of State / U.T.	No. of Monuments
Andhra Pradesh	135
Arunachal Pradesh	03
Assam	55
Bihar	70
Chhattisgarh	46
Daman & Diu (U.T.)	11
Goa	21
Gujarat	203
Haryana	91
Himachal Pradesh	40
Jammu & Kashmir (U.T.)	56
Jharkhand	13
Karnataka	506
Kerala	29
Ladakh (U.T.)	15
Madhya Pradesh	291
Maharashtra	286
Manipur	01
Meghalaya	08
Mizoram	01
Nagaland	04
N.C.T. Delhi	173
Odisha	80
Puducherry (U.T.)	07
Punjab	33
Rajasthan	163
Sikkim	03
Telangana	08
Tamil Nādu	412
Tripura	08
Uttar Pradesh	743
Uttarakhand	43
West Bengal	135
TOTAL	3693

2-Feb-2021: 6 New Circles of Archaeological Survey of India created

Archaeological Survey of India, an attached office of Ministry of Culture, Government of India vide Notification dated 28th August 2020 established Six new Circles by bifurcation of its existing Circles as per details given below:-

1. Rajkot Circle, Gujarat – by bifurcation of Vadodara Circle.
2. Jabalpur Circle, Madhya Pradesh – by bifurcation of Bhopal Circle.
3. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Circle, Tamil Nadu – by bifurcation of Chennai & Thrissur Circle.
4. Meerut Circle, Uttar Pradesh – by bifurcation of Agra circle
5. Jhansi Circle, Uttar Pradesh – by bifurcation of Lucknow Circle.
6. Raiganj Circle, West Bengal – by bifurcation of Kolkata Circle.

In addition Hampi Mini-Circle has been upgraded as full-fledged Circle and Delhi Mini-Circle merged with Delhi Circle.

The jurisdiction over the Districts of the respective States redistributed among the existing and new Circles of ASI as under:-

26-Aug-2020: Ministry of Culture announces 7 new circles of Archaeological Survey of India

The Ministry of Culture has announced 7 new circles of Archaeological Survey of India. This information was shared by the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a video message tweeted by him today. Shri Patel said that the Ministry of Culture has taken this step in accordance with the Prime Minister’s call to facilitate and strengthen the process of preservation and registration of archaeological monuments along with registration of artefacts with self-declaration. The Minister informed that new circles have been created in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Gujarat. He said that Trichy, Raiganj, Rajkot, Jabalpur, Jhansi & Meerut have been announced as new circles. In Archaeology, the Hampi city in Karnataka is a place of international repute hence Hampi Mini Circle has been converted into a full-fledged circle, The Minister added. Earlier there were 29 ASI circles across the country.

Shri Patel said that in a large state like Tamil Nadu which has thousands of temples and glorious memories of the Chola kings, Trichy has been made a new circle along with the circle of Chennai. Karnataka is an important state in terms of holiness. Hampi city in Karnataka is a place of international importance from the point of view of archaeological heritage therefore the Hampi Sub-Circle now has been made a new full-fledged circle. In West Bengal, Raiganj has been made a new circle along with Kolkata, this will eliminate geographical inconvenience in a big state like Bengal. In Gujarat, Rajkot has been announced a new circle along with Vadodara.

Shri Patel said that Jabalpur has been announced a new circle along with Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. This will include the monuments from Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions. The Minister also informed that Jhansi in Bundelkhand and Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh have been announced two new circles along with Lucknow and Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

7-Jun-2020: 820 centrally protected monuments under the ASI which have places of worship will open from tomorrow

Union Minister for Culture & Tourism (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel announced that Culture  Ministry has approved opening of 820 centrally protected monuments under the Archeological Survey of India which have places of worship from 8th June, 2020. Shri Patel also said that all the protocols issued by the MHA and the Health ministry will be followed in these monuments.

In its order, Culture Ministry said that ASI shall ensure that preventive measures as stipulated in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, on 4.6.2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the religious places/places of worship  are effectively put in place and scrupulously followed while opening and managing these Centrally Protected Monuments. ASI shall also further ensure that it follows all other directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India in this regard.

Ministry of Culture also requested ASI to share the list of these 820 CPMs proposed to be opened on 8.6.2020 with respective States and the Districts concerned and that any state and/or district specific orders with regard to containment and prevention of spread of COVID- 19 are also comprehensively implemented.

31-Dec-2018: ASI declared 6 monuments of national importance in 2018

The 125-year-old Old High Court Building in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and two Mughal-era monuments in Agra — Haveli of Agha Khan and Hathi Khana — are among the six monuments declared protected and of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2018.

The ancient Neemrana Baori in Rajasthan's Alwar district; the Group of Temples at Ranipur Jharail in Odisha's Bolangir district; and the Vishnu Temple in Kotali, Pithoragarh district, Uttarkhand, are the three other monuments listed.

In 2016 and 2017, no new monument was included in the list of sites of national importance. The last monument to be included in the list, in 2015, was the Vishnu Temple in Nadavayal in Kerala's Wayanad district.

ASI takes up a survey for documenting/reporting ancient monuments/sites through exploration, and village-to-village survey and conservation of monuments is a continuous process.

According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, an “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."

There were 3,686 centrally protected monuments/sites under the ASI in the country; the number has now increased to 3,693. Uttar Pradesh (745 monuments/sites), Karnataka (506) and Tamil Nadu (413) have the highest number of ASI-maintained sites.

According to information available with the Ministry of Culture, 321 of these sites have been encroached upon.

12-Sep-2018: ASI discovers 254 copper coins belonging to the medieval period in the premises of Khirki Mosque in New Delhi

The Archaeological Survey of India (Delhi Circle) of Ministry of Culture has discovered a hoard of 254 Copper Coins in the premises of Khirki Mosque during the course of conservation of the monument. This mosque lies on the southern periphery of the village Khirki. The mosque was built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the Prime Minister of Firoz Shah Tughluq (1351-88), and is believed to be one of the seven mosques built by him.

Archaeological Survey of India had taken up the task of cleaning of the area to initiate conservation of Khirki Mosque and during the cleaning, a hoard of 254 Coins of medieval period were found near entrance of the monument. Immediately, a team of archaeologist, consternation assistant and photographers rushed to the site and took the hoard of coins under their possession. Few coins got cleaned by the experts of Science of Branch of Archaeological Survey of India and on the basis of preliminary observation, it can be said that some of the coins belong to the reign of Shershah Suri and his successors.

It is pertinent to mention that in the year 2003 a hoard of 63 Coins was found from the same premises during cleaning and conservation. Delhi Circle has started scientific clearance of the area under technical supervision of archaeologists. After cleaning of the coins process to decipher the same will be initiated with the help of experts.

Built with rubble stone, and thickly plastered, the Khirki Mosque is double-storeyed,  The lower storey consisting only of a series of basement cells. Battered bastions occupy its four corners, imparting it the look of a fortified building. Gateways project from its three sides, except on the west, each flanked by tapering minarets, the main entrance being from the east. Corresponding with the openings of cells on the lower storey, the upper storey contains perforated windows (khirkis), which have given it its present name. The pillared courtyard is divided into twenty- five squares, five on each side, each square consisting of nine smaller squares. Among the larger squares, three on each side, two on the corners and one in the middle, together with the square in the centre of the courtyard, are each covered with a cluster of nine small low domes of Tughluq pattern. Among the remaining squares, four on the diagonals are left uncovered to admit light, while the others are covered with flat roofs. This ingenious way of covering the courtyard is repeated only in one other mosque erected by the same builder. These two are the only examples of closed mosques in northern India.