Archaeological Survey of India plays a key role in protecting and guarding India's rich cultural heritage. With a legend-based history dating back to colonial times, the ASI continues to be instrumental in discovering, preserving, and promoting archaeological treasures across the nation. This guide details into what is the Archaeological Survey of India, its history, functions, achievements, and challenges.
Source: asi.nic.in
Headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India | |||
Circle Number | Circle Name | Headquarters | Key Responsibilities |
1 | Agra Circle | Agra | Management of Mughal heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. |
2 | Aurangabad Circle | Aurangabad | Conservation of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
3 | Bhopal Circle | Bhopal | Overseeing monuments in Central India, including Sanchi Stupa. |
4 | Bhubaneswar Circle | Bhubaneswar | Focus on Odisha’s temple architecture, including Sun Temple, and Konark. |
5 | Chandigarh Circle | Chandigarh | Management of historic sites in Northern India, including forts and ancient temples. |
6 | Chennai Circle | Chennai | Preserving South Indian Dravidian-style architecture, including Mahabalipuram. |
7 | Dehradun Circle | Dehradun | Monitoring Himalayan archaeological sites and conservation in Uttarakhand. |
8 | Delhi Circle | Delhi | Conservation of Delhi Sultanate and Mughal-era structures, such as Qutub Minar. |
9 | Goa Circle | Panaji | Preserving Portuguese-era churches and convents, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
10 | Guwahati Circle | Guwahati | Management of ancient temple ruins and archaeological finds in Northeast India. |
11 | Hyderabad Circle | Hyderabad | Overseeing Deccan monuments, including the Charminar and Golconda Fort. |
12 | Jaipur Circle | Jaipur | Focus on Rajasthani forts and palaces, including Amber Fort. |
13 | Jammu Circle | Jammu | Preserving ancient temples and forts in the Jammu region, including Bahu Fort. |
14 | Kolkata Circle | Kolkata | Conservation of colonial-era heritage and historic sites in Eastern India. |
15 | Lucknow Circle | Lucknow | Management of Nawabi-era architecture and cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. |
16 | Mumbai Circle | Mumbai | Focus on Elephanta Caves and other coastal heritage sites. |
17 | Nagpur Circle | Nagpur | Preservation of tribal heritage and central Indian archaeological sites. |
18 | Patna Circle | Patna | Conservation of ancient Buddhist heritage sites, including Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. |
19 | Puducherry Circle | Puducherry | Preserving French colonial heritage and ancient temple architecture. |
20 | Raipur Circle | Raipur | Conservation of Chhattisgarh’s tribal heritage and Buddhist sites. |
21 | Ranchi Circle | Ranchi | Management of archaeological sites in Jharkhand, including tribal monuments. |
22 | Sarnath Circle | Varanasi | Preserving Buddhist pilgrimage sites, including Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa. |
23 | Shimla Circle | Shimla | Management of British colonial heritage and hill forts in Himachal Pradesh. |
24 | Shillong Circle | Shillong | Preservation of tribal heritage and megalithic sites in Northeast India. |
25 | Thrissur Circle | Thrissur | Focus on Kerala’s temple architecture and cultural heritage sites. |
26 | Vadodara Circle | Vadodara | Conservation of Gujarat’s stepwells and ancient temples, including Rani Ki Vav. |
27 | Vijayawada Circle | Vijayawada | Management of Andhra Pradesh’s Buddhist monuments and temple architecture. |
28 | Visakhapatnam Circle | Visakhapatnam | Preserving coastal heritage and Buddhist archaeological sites in Andhra Pradesh. |
List of Archaeological Sites in India | ||||||
S.No. | Archaeological Site | Location | Significance | Year of Discovery | Era | UNESCO World Heritage |
1 | Sanchi Stupa | Madhya Pradesh | Iconic Buddhist stupa built by Emperor Ashoka, symbolizing Buddhist teachings. | 1818 | 3rd Century BCE | 1989 |
2 | Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Rock-cut caves showcasing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture; home to the Kailasa Temple. | 1819 | 600–1000 CE | 1983 |
3 | Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist caves with exquisite frescoes and sculptures, representing ancient Indian art. | 1819 | 2nd Century BCE–480 CE | 1983 |
4 | Hampi | Karnataka | Capital of Vijayanagara Empire; renowned for Dravidian architecture and grand temples. | 1800s | 14th–16th Century CE | 1986 |
5 | Khajuraho Temples | Madhya Pradesh | Famous for intricate carvings and symbolic sculptures on Hindu and Jain temples. | 1838 | 950–1050 CE | 1986 |
6 | Nalanda University Ruins | Bihar | World’s oldest university; center for learning and Buddhism. | 1915 | 5th–12th Century CE | 2016 |
7 | Konark Sun Temple | Odisha | A chariot-shaped temple dedicated to the Sun God with intricate carvings and wheels. | Early 19th Century | 13th Century CE | 1984 |
8 | Rakhigarhi | Haryana | Largest Harappan site in India, showcasing Indus Valley urbanization and burial practices. | 1960s | 2600–1900 BCE | Not Yet |
9 | Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | Temples showcasing Dravidian architecture and Chola cultural achievements. | Early 20th Century | 10th–12th Century CE | 1987 |
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