Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Mandate and Limitations
The Archaeological Survey of India, established in 1861 under Alexander Cunningham and functioning under the Ministry of Culture, is the primary agency for archaeological research and conservation of cultural heritage in India. Its mandate covers: (1) maintaining and preserving CPMs; (2) conducting archaeological excavations; (3) licensing archaeological excavations by other agencies; (4) chemical preservation and scientific conservation of monuments; (5) running museums co-located with monuments.
- ASI has no jurisdiction over state protected monuments (governed by State Archaeology Departments) or unprotected heritage structures.
- Significant CPMs include the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Hampi Group, Konark Sun Temple, Ajanta-Ellora Caves, and Harappan sites.
- The AMASR Act's 100-year age threshold means post-1924 structures technically cannot yet qualify — many early post-Independence buildings are approaching or have crossed this threshold.
- Annual budget and staffing constraints limit ASI's capacity to absorb additional monuments into its protection regime.
● Tracked since March 27, 2026 · last seen May 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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