Archaeologist B.B. Lal passes away

Former ASI chief B.B. Lal's works formed the basis of the argument that a Ram Temple existed in the place where the Babri Masjid once stood

File picture of former ASI Director General B. B. Lal | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Former Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) B. B. Lal passed away, Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy has said.

"In the passing of Prof BB Lal Ji, we have lost one of the brightest minds who has contributed significantly towards our archeological excavations & endeavours and trained archeologists for over 4 decades," Mr. Reddy tweeted mourning Lal's demise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness over the passing of the renowned archaeologist.

“Shri BB Lal was an outstanding personality. His contributions to culture and archaeology are unparalleled. He will be remembered as a great intellectual who deepened our connect with our rich past. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Om Shanti,” Mr. Modi tweeted.

A Padma Vibhushan awardee, Professor Lal's works formed the basis of the argument that a Ram Temple existed in the place where the Babri Masjid once stood. Eventually, a Supreme Court verdict paved way for constructing a temple in the disputed site, with Muslims being compensated with land elsewhere.

The Archaeological Survey of India noted that Lal’s contribution to archaeology was “beyond measure”.

“The contribution of Padma Vibhushan Prof BB Lal in Archaeology is beyond measure. A doyen in his field, he devoted his entire 101-year life to the subject. He may be gone but his work lives on & will continue to teach & influence generations to come. Our homage to the great soul.,” the ASI said in a tweet.