Archaeological Survey of India

From Freepedia

Archaeological Survey of India is an Indian government agency under the Department of Culture that is responsible about archaeological studies and preservation of cultural monuments. According to its website, ASI's function is to "explore, excavate, conserve, preserve and protect the monuments and sites of National & International Importance."

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a successor of the Asiatic Society of British archaeologist Sir William Jones, founded January 15 1784. In 1788 it begun to publish journal The Asiatic Researches and 1814 built its first museum in Bengal.

ASI in its current form was founded in 1861 under British colonial administration. At the time, its domain also included Afghanistan. After the independence, it came under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites And Remains Act of 1958.

ASI administers 3606 monuments it has declared to be of national importance under the provisions of Antiquity and Art Treasure Act 1972.