Shri Rao Inderjit Singh. Minister of State for Culture. Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Visit Ajanta Caves

Cunningham was appointed as the first Archaeological Surveyor from December 1861. He surveyed areas stretching from Gaya in the east to the Indus in the northwest, and from Kalsi in the north to the Narmada in the south, between 1861 and 1865.

There are 38 World Heritage Properties in India out of which 30 are Cultural Properties, 7 are Natural Properties and 01 is Mixed Property. In addition to this, there are 48 monuments/sites included in Tentative List of World Heritage.

At present, Archaeological Survey of India is shouldering responsibility of protecting and maintaining these 3679 monuments and archaeological sites declared as of national importance, through its field offices- Circles and Mini-circle.

Carrying out problem-oriented survey including exploration and excavation of ancient sites and mounds; Research on the ensuing exploration and excavation work; Preparation of reports based on the field work; Interaction with various universities and research institutions.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.

Maintenance conservation, preservation and environmental developmental of 3679 centrally protected monuments/sites is one of the major activities of the Archaeological Survey of India, which is performed after preparation of conservation programme every year.

The Science Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India came into existence in 1917 with the appointment of Mohammed Sanaullah Khan on 29 th June 1917. His basic tasks included chemical treatment and preservation of museum-exhibits and other antiquities.

Subjects - Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, Architecture, Ancient History, Indian Culture, Sociology, Epigraphy, Indology, etc. Digitized collections – 12,261 rare books available on our website for general academic persuits.

‘Ancient India’ the Bulletin of the Archaeological Survey of India was started in 1946, which contained general and research articles on different aspects of archaeology in India and adjacent countries.