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Archaeological Survey Of India
The Archaeological Survey of India or the ASI works under the supervision of Ministry of Culture and is the apex organization responsible for the preservation of archeological and cultural heritage of India. The ASI maintains all the ancient monuments and archeological sites and site of historical importance for the Government of India and overlooks all archaeological operation in the country as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also supervises all matters regarding antiquities as per the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
History
On 15th January 1784 in Calcutta Sir William Jones formed the Asiatic Society and later similar societies were founded at Bombay (Mumbai) in 1804 and at Madras (Chennai) in 1818. Alexander Cunningham in 1848 drafted a plan for an Indian Archaeological Survey which did not receive the sanction of the British Government and later due to the First Indian Uprising in 1857 all archeological pursuits were halted. A second proposal by Alexander Cunningham was noticed by Lord Canning, by sanctioning a survey of northern India with Cunningham as the first Archaeological Surveyor during December 1861. The Archaeological Survey was reformed as a department of the government and in February 1871 Cunningham assumed his duties as the Director General.
In 1902 John Marshall assumed the office of Director General while Lord Curzon completely centralized the Survey with Director General as the apex of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 and Devolution Rules of 1921 together elevated the status and importance of the Survey. During 1921-22 the Indus Civilization was discovered and a new Exploration Branch with a Deputy Director General and three Assistant Superintendents was formed.
N.P. Chakravarti became the Director in April 1948. He ensured the large scale promotion of the Archeological survey of India with the help of exhibits that were previously in London. On their return to India they formed very core of the National Museum which was inaugurated on 15th August 1949.
Organization
The ASI is an ‘attached office’ to the Department of Culture and therefore has its own authority as Director General who is assisted by a staff consisting of an Additional Director General, two Joint Director General and 17 Directors.
The entire country is divided into 24 administrative Circles with each Circle consisting of the following personnel in the descending order of rank:- Superintending Archaeologist
- Deputy Superintending Archaeologist
- Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer
- Assistant Superintending Archaeologist
- Assistant Superintending Archaeological Engineer
- Assistant Archaeologists
- Conservation Assistants
Whereas the technical specialist departments for various branches in research are:
- Excavation – 6 Divisions
- Prehistory Department
- The Building Survey Project
- Temple Survey Project – 2 Divisions
- Epigraphy – 2 Divisions
- Science Department
- Underwater Archeology Wing
Activities
The major activities of the ASI include:
- Undertake archaeological explorations and excavations
- Preserve and maintain historical monuments, archaeological sites and remains of sites of national importance
- Chemically preserve monuments and remains of antiquities
- Architectural survey of monuments
- Epigraphic and numismatic studies
- Setup and organization of various Site Museums
- Provide competent training in Archaeology
- Introduce archeological publications
- Undertake international expeditions
- Horticultural preservation at ancient monuments and sites.
Implement and regulate The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 and of The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of1972, etc.