ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1/2 – Art& culture/Gov. Bodies)

Context: The ASI informed a Parliamentary panel that shared ownership of protected monuments with the Waqf Board has led to conflicts. This issue is a key concern in the ongoing discussions on the Waqf Bill.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act)

• Passed by: Parliament in 1958.
• Aim: To protect and preserve ancient monuments for future generations.
• It also provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other such objects.
• Applicability: Covers monuments over 100 years old, regardless of ownership (public or private).
• Protected Area: A 100-metre radius around the monument is off-limits for construction.
• Ancient Monument is defined as: “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”.
• Archaeological sites and remains: It mean “any area which contains or is reasonably believed to contain ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance which have been in existence for not less than 100 years”.
• AMASR Amendment Bill: 

oThe Bill allowing the construction of public works in “prohibited areas”, and the approval and impact assessment of such public works.

oDefinition of Public Works: “Construction works related to infrastructure financed and carried out by any department or offices of the central government for public purposes which is necessary for the safety or security of the public at large and emergent necessity is based on specific instance of danger to the safety or security of the public at large and there is no reasonable possibility of any other viable alternative to such construction beyond the limits of the prohibited area”.

Archaeological Survey of India

• About: It is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
• Founded in: 1861
• Father of Indian Archaeology: Alexander Cunningham
• Function: The organization is responsible for the management and preservation of over 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and national heritage.
• Heritage Preservation: Engaging in a range of activities, the organization conducts surveys of antiquarian remains, explores archaeological sites, and undertakes excavation projects.