Archaeology in India has progressively changed from antiquarian pursuit to rigorous science. Leading this transformation has been the Archaeological Survey of India. Since its establishment in 1861, it has been ‘digging and discovering’ precious historical sites, and ‘deciphering and describing’ thousands of important inscriptions. The 150th anniversary is an occasion for the nation to acknowledge the ASI’s commendable track record and reflect on its future. Alexander Cunningham’s 1861 memorandum to Lord Canning, which impressed on the colonial power “the supreme need” to undertake a systematic survey of monuments in India, led to the appointment of the first Archaeological Surveyor. Ten years later, the ASI became a distinct department, with a monthly budget of Rs.54,000. Since then, it has taken up important excavations at sites such as Kusinagara, which provided an archaeological basis for Buddhist history. It recovered the famous Lion Capital at Sarnath, which has become a part of the national emblem. It unearthed key evidence at the urn burial site at Adichchanallur, which spotlighted the unique features of the Iron Age in South India. The high point in the ASI’s history was the 1921 discovery of Indus Valley sites at Harappa (by Daya Ram Sahni) and at Mohenjodaro (by R.D. Banerji).
While epigraphy, excavation, and setting up site museums were part of ASI activities from the start, the periodic conservation of monuments and sites was taken up only from the 1940s. Here too, much of the work has been first-rate, with the magnificent preservation of the millennium-old Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur standing out as an example. The ASI has shared its expertise with other countries and done significant work at Bamiyan and Angkor Vat. On the flip side, it has been able to protect only 3,676 historic sites, leaving an estimated 700,000 heritage structures unattended. If this huge deficit can be blamed on poor funding by the government and shortage of trained human resources, the delays in writing and publishing excavation reports and the loss of 35 nationally important monuments to encroachment represent serious professional failures. Another area where the ASI has not done well is in adopting cutting edge technologies for Archaeological Prospection. The way forward is to correct these deficiencies, provide more autonomy to the ASI’s regional circle offices, and do regular performance audits. Finally, the ASI must be encouraged to engage local communities in the protection of archaeological heritage, a strategy found to be rewarding in many countries.
Keywords: archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India
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Happy to note that ASI is having its 150 year celebrations,public should be with ASI to conserve and preserve Heritage Monuments. Temples in every village spread across the country should be taken. Big Temples have already made headlines and we should find a way to protect and preserve small and unknown temples which are ancient and is also carries trademark of ancient kingdoms.
Excellent article. However, preservation of historic sites is only a part of ASI's job. The real task lies in carrying on research activities, more particularly in respect of Indus Valley Civilization. Many of its mysteries remain unresolved, mainly the vexed issue of deciphering the Indus Valley script. For the purpose it would be necessary to find inscriptions containing at least 50 characters or signs. ASI should seek cooperation of the Archaelogical Survey of Pakistan, as many of Indus Valley sites are in Pakistan. Furthermore, new sites have been found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. A lot of research in this regard is required to be done.
ASI is doing an hounrable work it conserving our national property. Historic monuments are recognisation of our culture and society,these also provides employment to many people and also foreign money to our country by foreign tourister.It is duty of all Indians to save our historic monuments and ASI should effort that all our historic monuments and these should lighted to all our world . At last will say thanks to editor.
Your article is praiseworthy. Governments and States are not providing adequate attention, funds,staff and latest technological equipment urgently needed by ASI to do full justice to its tasks. The department gets only step motherly treatment. Many sites of importance are left in neglect and those maintained are not adequately protected; we have lost many temple inscriptions due to weathering and due to lack of competent experts for deciphering ancient scripts. Lots of work awaits in under-water and deep sea studies and excavations esp. south of Kanyakumari and along the Dwaraka coast.Only enlightened public awareness and insistence can improve matters.
One simple questions always troubles me that till when we would be complaining others for our deeds....really it tend to show the pathetic approach we have towards our society.Are we not responsible for conserving the Magnificient History of our country.A country rich and proud of its cultural heritage should have people ready to protect them.I can't think that a department or one people can do it for entire nation it has to start from each and every people.Really author Does good in appreciating the Works of ASI but to blame them or rather govt.solely for the loss would be a little too harsh on their part....Jago Bharat Jago!!!!!!!!
Excellent article, and timely one too. I've been fortunate to visit the Thanjavur Big-temple and the Shore temples in Mahabalipuram, both places take my breath away every time!.Congratulations to ASI for preserving Indian monuments from the past, and preserving it for our future.
Its an wonderfull article. Thanks for remembering about ASI 150th year celebration. The Govt should make maximum efforts to encourage the work of archeologists and they should support them to excavation of much more heritage structure which are unattended.
The editorial is called 'The importance of archeology',what you have presented is the chronology,achievements,failures and the way forward for the ASI.I also disagree with the following statement of yours: Archaeology in India has progressively changed from antiquarian pursuit to rigorous science. It is still a "pursuit".Just because it uses scientific techniques and elements from other disciplines does not make Archeology a science by itself.
An excellent article. I have been working in Ireland for last 5.5 yrs and always underestimated efforts on archaeology in India. This article is an eye opener. Having said that, as per your final comments, the importance we give in India is abysmal. Here, it is mandatory for every project to do an impact assessment on archaeology. Excavations have to be carried out considering potential archaeological finds.
A great achivement have been received by ASI. Significantly incorporating truth backed with proof from excavation sites.And adding the great faith in past.
Archaelogical survey of India has done a commendable job in preserving the monuments of national importance. but it hurts deeply when i see the commercialisation of these epic sites. I hail from Rajasthan and here the state government has given the historical places on lease to corporate houses just fill the coffers of both the state and corporates.
Although India has been a country with great historical backgorund, neither Indians have realized importance of this wealth nor Indian government.Persistent negligence has brought these historical signposts into bad shape.We are on the verge of loosing our past forever unless government wakes up at right time.
It is a proud moment for every Indian that ASI is celebrating its 150th Anniversary.It preserves the antiquities and monuments of India and works for the existence of ancient architects and buildings. The monuments are national pride and should be preserved at any cost. The ASI, at present is going to take up the work of 68 new projects and implement means to protect and preserve them. Conservation of monument is a continuous process which is attended to regularly depending upon the availability of resources and need of repairs. There are no delays in the restoration work of monuments and sites said an official of ASI. To celebrate this important day in December this year the ASi is holding seminars in the HQ and Regional Circles with the theme of the topics being Archaeology of Buddhism in India.
Asia, Agro-Pastoral Communities and Indo-Islamic Architecture.
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