Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India has recently undertaken digitisation of historical and religious sites and antiquities. The initiative highlights its role in heritage conservation and archaeological research.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

Dimension	Key Details
Establishment	Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham
Headquarters	Headed by Director General based in New Delhi
Purpose	Provides survey exploration excavation and conservation of archaeological sites and monuments
Structure	Operates through 24 circles museums and specialised branches including excavation epigraphy science horticulture and underwater archaeology
Legal Framework	Governed by Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and manages Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972
Monument Protection	Administers and maintains over 3690 monuments and sites of national importance
Research Role	Conducts scientific exploration including discovery of Indus Valley Civilisation in the 1920s
Antiquities Regulation	Regulates export of non antiquities and prevents illicit trafficking under Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972
Public Engagement	Manages over 50 site museums and publishes Indian Archaeology A Review
UNESCO Sites in India	India has 44 World Heritage Sites comprising 36 cultural 7 natural and 1 mixed site
Global Ranking	India ranks sixth globally in number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Top Countries	Italy has 61 sites and China has 60 sites
Latest UNESCO Sites	Includes Maratha Military Landscapes 2025 and Moidams Ahom Mound Burials 2024