The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

1-The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.

2-The prime concern of the ASI is the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.

3-The ASI is the nodal public agency for the project. Conservation works are underway or will be undertaken on several protected and heritage buildings standing within the project area.

4-All conservation work is guided by prevalent International and Indian Charter/Philosophy and will be carried out in consultation with the ASI.

5- An ASI Core Committee reviews conservation components of the project on a monthly basis.

6-The ASI is responsible for archaeological studies and the preservation of archaeological heritage of the country in accordance with the various acts of the Indian Parliament.

7- According to its website, the ASI's function is to "explore, excavate, conserve, preserve and protect the monuments and sites of National & International Importance."

8-ASI has the mandate to regulate the export trade in antiquities and art treasures, to provide for the prevention of smuggling of, and fraudulent dealings in, antiquities, to provide for the compulsory acquisition of antiquities and art treasures for preservation in public places and to provide for certain other matters connected therewith or incidental or ancillary thereto.

9-The survey performs numerous other activities, including: imparting training to the young professionals in the field of Archaeology^.

^10- The Archaeological Survey of India runs a premier institute in New Delhi for this purpose.