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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural heritage in India.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization in India that is responsible for the conservation, protection, and preservation of the country’s cultural heritage. Archaeological Survey includes monuments, archaeological sites, and ancient artifacts. Established in the 19th century, the ASI has played a crucial role in uncovering and safeguarding India’s rich historical legacy. Operating under the Ministry of Culture, ASI plays a pivotal role in unearthing, preserving, and showcasing India’s rich historical legacy.
The ASI was established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, a British Army engineer and archaeologist. Recognizing the need for systematic documentation and preservation of India’s ancient monuments, Cunningham, often called the “Father of the Archaeological Survey of India,” laid the foundation for organized archaeological studies in the country. His efforts were instrumental in uncovering significant sites and artifacts, providing insights into India’s ancient civilizations.
Over the years, ASI has expanded its scope, undertaking extensive excavations, conservation projects, and research initiatives. The organization has been pivotal in discovering and preserving numerous historical sites, contributing significantly to understanding India’s past.
It is a statutory body
The headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India is located in New Delhi, India. The organization operates through various circles and branches, each responsible for specific regions and functions, ensuring effective management and conservation of archaeological sites across the country. Here is the list of 37 Circles and their Headquarters of ASI:
| Circle Number | Circle Name | Headquarters | Key Responsibilities |
| 1 | Agra Circle | Agra | Management of Mughal heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. |
| 2 | Aizawl Circle | Aizawl | Preserving archaeological sites and heritage in Mizoram and the Northeast region. |
| 3 | Amaravati Circle | Amaravati | Focus on Andhra Pradesh’s Buddhist stupas and temple architecture. |
| 4 | Aurangabad Circle | Aurangabad | Conservation of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| 5 | Bangalore Circle | Bangalore | Preservation of Karnataka’s temple architecture, including Hampi and Pattadakal. |
| 6 | Bhopal Circle | Bhopal | Overseeing monuments in Central India, including Sanchi Stupa. |
| 7 | Bhubaneswar Circle | Bhubaneswar | Focus on Odisha’s temple architecture, including Sun Temple, and Konark. |
| 8 | Chandigarh Circle | Chandigarh | Management of historic sites in Northern India, including forts and ancient temples. |
| 9 | Chennai Circle | Chennai | Preserving South Indian Dravidian-style architecture, including Mahabalipuram. |
| 10 | Dehradun Circle | Dehradun | Monitoring Himalayan archaeological sites and conservation in Uttarakhand. |
| 11 | Delhi Circle | Delhi | Conservation of Delhi Sultanate and Mughal-era structures, such as Qutub Minar. |
| 12 | Dharwad Circle | Dharwad | Conservation of Chalukyan and Vijayanagara-era monuments in Karnataka. |
| 13 | Goa Circle | Panaji | Preserving Portuguese-era churches and convents, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 14 | Guwahati Circle | Guwahati | Management of ancient temple ruins and archaeological finds in Northeast India. |
| 15 | Hampi Circle | Hampi | Focus on monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire and surrounding regions. |
| 16 | Hyderabad Circle | Hyderabad | Overseeing Deccan monuments, including the Charminar and Golconda Fort. |
| 17 | Jaipur Circle | Jaipur | Focus on Rajasthani forts and palaces, including Amber Fort. |
| 18 | Jabalpur Circle | Jabalpur | Preservation of archaeological sites in Madhya Pradesh, including tribal heritage. |
| 19 | Jhansi Circle | Jhansi | Conservation of Bundelkhand heritage, including forts and temples. |
| 20 | Jodhpur Circle | Jodhpur | Management of desert heritage sites and ancient temples in Rajasthan. |
| 21 | Kolkata Circle | Kolkata | Conservation of colonial-era heritage and historic sites in Eastern India. |
| 22 | Leh (Mini Circle) | Leh | Preservation of Ladakh’s monasteries and Himalayan Buddhist heritage. |
| 23 | Lucknow Circle | Lucknow | Management of Nawabi-era architecture and cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. |
| 24 | Meerut Circle | Meerut | Focus on archaeological sites in Western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas. |
| 25 | Mumbai Circle | Mumbai | Focus on Elephanta Caves and other coastal heritage sites. |
| 26 | Nagpur Circle | Nagpur | Preservation of tribal heritage and central Indian archaeological sites. |
| 27 | Patna Circle | Patna | Conservation of ancient Buddhist heritage sites, including Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. |
| 28 | Puri Circle | Puri | Focus on the preservation of Jagannath Temple and other heritage sites in Odisha. |
| 29 | Raiganj Circle | Raiganj | Management of archaeological finds in West Bengal’s northern regions. |
| 30 | Raipur Circle | Raipur | Conservation of Chhattisgarh’s tribal heritage and Buddhist sites. |
| 31 | Rajkot Circle | Rajkot | Focus on Gujarat’s coastal heritage and ancient structures. |
| 32 | Ranchi Circle | Ranchi | Management of archaeological sites in Jharkhand, including tribal monuments. |
| 33 | Sarnath Circle | Varanasi | Preserving Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa. |
| 34 | Shimla Circle | Shimla | Management of British colonial heritage and hill forts in Himachal Pradesh. |
| 35 | Thrissur Circle | Thrissur | Focus on Kerala’s temple architecture and cultural heritage sites. |
| 36 | Trichy Circle | Trichy | Preservation of Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian temple architecture. |
| 37 | Vadodara Circle | Vadodara | Conservation of Gujarat’s stepwells and ancient temples, including Rani Ki Vav. |
ASI manages numerous archaeological sites across India. Here is the list of archaeological sites in India of the most significant ones:
| List of Archaeological Sites in India | |||||
| Archaeological Site | Location | Significance | Year of Discovery | Era | UNESCO World Heritage |
| Sanchi Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Iconic Buddhist stupa built by Emperor Ashoka, symbolizing Buddhist teachings. | 1818 | 3rd Century BCE | 1989 |
| Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Rock-cut caves showcasing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture; home to the Kailasa Temple. | 1819 | 600–1000 CE | 1983 |
| Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist caves with exquisite frescoes and sculptures, representing ancient Indian art. | 1819 | 2nd Century BCE–480 CE | 1983 |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Capital of Vijayanagara Empire; renowned for Dravidian architecture and grand temples. | 1800s | 14th–16th Century CE | 1986 |
| Khajuraho Temples | Madhya Pradesh | Famous for intricate carvings and symbolic sculptures on Hindu and Jain temples. | 1838 | 950–1050 CE | 1986 |
| Nalanda University Ruins | Bihar | World’s oldest university; center for learning and Buddhism. | 1915 | 5th–12th Century CE | 2016 |
| Konark Sun Temple | Odisha | A chariot-shaped temple dedicated to the Sun God with intricate carvings and wheels. | Early 19th Century | 13th Century CE | 1984 |
| Rakhigarhi | Haryana | Largest Harappan site in India, showcasing Indus Valley urbanization and burial practices. | 1960s | 2600–1900 BCE | Not Yet |
| Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | Temples showcasing Dravidian architecture and Chola cultural achievements. | Early 20th Century | 10th–12th Century CE | 1987 |
| Qutub Minar | Delhi | The tallest brick minaret in the world, representing Indo-Islamic architecture. | 1871-72 | Early 13th century | 1993 |
These sites reflect the diverse cultural and historical heritage of India, preserved meticulously by ASI.
Centrally Protected Monuments
India is home to a vast array of historical monuments and archaeological sites that reflect its rich cultural heritage. To safeguard these treasures, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) oversees the protection and maintenance of centrally protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
Check out the complete list of Centrally protected monuments from below:
The major objectives and functions of the Archaeological Survey of India is to ensure the protection and preservation of Indian cultural heritage and archeological wealth. ASI’s primary objectives include:
ASI faces challenges such as limited funding, threats from urbanization, and the need for advanced technological integration in archaeological practices. However, with ongoing efforts to modernize and collaborate with international organizations, ASI aims to enhance its conservation techniques and promote India’s heritage globally.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. With its extensive network of circles spread across the country, the ASI ensures the preservation, conservation, and promotion of historical sites and monuments. To stay updated about the latest surveys, you can regularly visit their official website.
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