Archaeological Survey Of India Research Articles

Exploring in the Ancient Urban Center of Samatata: Initial Documentation of Archaeological Discoveries in the Lalmai Hill Range, Cumilla, Bangladesh

The study aimed to investigate the Lalmai Hill range in Cumilla, Bangladesh, which was the capital center of ancient Samatata, to uncover new archaeological sites. Over the years a total of 50 archaeological sites have been identified on the hills' flat tops and slopes through multiple phases of exploration conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India's Eastern Circle, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Pakistan, and the Department of Archaeology under the cultural ministry of the Bangladesh Government. The archaeological sites discovered provide a captivating glimpse into the 7th to 8th century AD. This era is characterized by significant cultural and societal transformations, making it a compelling and pivotal period to explore. While most of these sites were discovered in the northern and middle parts of the Hill range, this study specifically focused on the southern part. Through several field surveys, a new archaeological site was discovered in the south zone of the Hill range. The findings revealed ancient bricks, wall structures, and potshards, indicating the presence of past human activities at the site. These findings provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of the region. Further exploration and excavation of this site and other potential areas within the Lalmai Hill range are warranted to enrich our understanding of the past culture and unearth other hidden treasures

PREHISTORIC KASHMIR: UNRAVELING THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF NEOLITHIC ARTIFACTS

In the present paper, we have carried out a systematic study of the important archaeological remains recovered from the Neolithic sites in the Kashmir valley that were excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is also evident from the earlier studies carried out by various Scholars that more than fifty-five Neolithic sites were discovered in the Jammu and Kashmir region, and two in the Ladakh region. The Neolithic remains were found at nine sites during the field work but among these only four Neolithic sites were systematically excavated extensively. These are Burzahom, Gufkral, Simthan and Kanispur. The archaeological artifacts reported from these Neolithic sites in the Kashmir valley were mainly pottery, terracotta objects, metal objects, stone objects, paste Objects and semi-precious stones. In the present paper, an analytical estimation of Neolithic culture such as the structural remains, ceramic assemblages, metal objects, terracotta objects, shell objects, bone objects, and stone objects are studied. The information provided in the present paper about the Neolithic culture in Kashmir is based on the excavations of these four Neolithic archaeological sites in Kashmir Valley such as Burzahom, Gufkral, Simthan and Kanispur. Many other Neolithic settlements are reported in the Kashmir valley which are still waiting for the excavation.

Assessing the carrying capacity for the environmental protection of the ancient artworks of India’s Ajanta caves

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate environmental factors impacting Ajanta mural deterioration, assessing global tourism effects and visitor conduct on cave environment and murals. This study recognizes stakeholder roles in conservation, providing data-driven insights to guide institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India. The objective is sustainable tourism practices to balance public access with mural preservation for future generations. Design/methodology/approach Over 25 years, Ajanta Caves' visitors doubled, impacting microclimatic conditions for ancient murals. This study assesses visitor impact to establish a regime and determine carrying capacity, considering temperature, humidity and pollution. Challenges arise from quantifying capacity because of variables. This research informs global tourism and heritage conservation, offering methodologies applicable to cultural sites worldwide. Findings This study examines environmental impacts on mural preservation in Ajanta Caves, including humidity, microbial growth, sunlight exposure, air quality and tourist presence. Tourist influx escalates CO2 levels, directly endangering murals. Concerns about particulate matter, especially during visits, emphasize the need for data-driven decision-making and modern technology use to protect Ajanta Caves' artwork, crucial because of its global significance and tourism-related vulnerabilities. Social implications This study carries substantial social implications with a global resonance. The active engagement of the local community and tourism stakeholders in conserving and promoting the Ajanta Caves fosters empowerment, igniting a sense of pride, ownership and responsibility among residents and ensuring sustainable enjoyment of cultural heritage while safeguarding it for future generations. In addition, there will be socioeconomic benefits to local residents such as employment opportunities as tour operators, tour guides, hospitality staff, artisans and souvenir shopkeepers. Originality/value This study integrates art conservation, environmental science, cultural heritage preservation and social aspects to address global tourism challenges. Focusing on a site of worldwide significance, this study offers practical strategies for artwork preservation, tourism management and environmental concerns. These recommendations provide real-world solutions applicable to heritage sites globally, bridging scientific analysis with social and cultural insights.

Tabo Monastery (996 CE) A Vernacular Architecture of Lahaul and Spiti Region of Himachal Pradesh, India: A Preliminary Investigation of Deterioration and Conservation of Murals of gSer-Khang Gumpha

Tabo monastery of 996 CE, an example of vernacular architecture of the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most significant examples of world cultural heritage, being not only a globally significant Buddhist site but also the oldest earthen building in India. Cultural heritage acts as a mirror of human civilization, culture, history, and development. This monastery has its own identity, which tells the story of its glorious past; the structures of the monastery are the most authentic example of the use of earthen raw materials and indigenous architectural features. The major creative forces for these structures are rooted in the local needs and traditions, which have evolved slowly over time. The mural paintings of the monastery, which are deteriorating due to natural and human induced activities, depict Buddhist Indian History. The main aim of this study is to determine the causes of this deterioration, and identify conservation measures that can be undertaken to protect the mural paintings. In fact, remarkable conservation works are already being conducted by Archaeological Survey of India, which is laudable. However, the investigation of the monastery’s structural features, techniques used in mural execution, and the relevant climatic conditions of the region, with identification of causes of deterioration can be used to develop a more effective and sustainable conservation approach for preservation of these murals in the future.

THE REMAINS OF THE VISHNU TEMPLE AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This research paper explores the historical significance of the ancient city of Besnagar, located in Madhya Pradesh, India. Through archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India, valuable artifacts and structures have been unearthed, shedding light on the city's prominence during the Mauryan and Shunga periods. Besnagar, believed to be a distorted form of Vaishya Nagar, was likely a prominent center of Vaishnavism in ancient times. Situated between the Betwa and Bes rivers, the city was protected by a nearly one-kilometer-long defensive wall on the Udayagiri Road. Outside the city walls, a large reservoir made of massive stones stored water from both rivers, contributing to the city's development. The study aims to shed light on the historical context, architectural features, and religious significance of the Vishnu Temple and other archaeological remains from the site.

Still on UNESCO’s “Tentative List of World Heritage”? Heritage, Tourism, and Stunted Growth in Sarnath (Varanasi), India

It is not unusual for a place to wait for years before being inscribed on the World Heritage List, but Sarnath—the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon—has been on UNESCO’s “tentative list” for close to 25 years. As a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrimages, Sarnath continues to attract thousands of visitors annually and yet, remains under-developed, unlike other pilgrim towns or religious tourism destinations. This paper examines the reasons for the stunted growth of Sarnath. The findings are based on fieldwork conducted in Sarnath in 2019. The analysis of stakeholder interviews suggests several reasons for Sarnath not being able to capitalize on its religious and cultural heritage for tourism-led development. It was found that the protection of the site as an archaeological park by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been controlling development surrounding the park as well as prohibiting the performance of any rituals, have been the key endogenous factors that have contributed to the relative under-development of a Buddhist pilgrimage economy in the town. A handful of monasteries are where Buddhist followers stay and perform their pilgrimage rituals, rendering them as enclaves. Private-sector accommodation is also limited to around 15 hotels and guesthouses. Administratively, Sarnath does not have an independent governance structure. It is governed as just one ward (an electoral constituency) by the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi and is, thus, always under the shadow of Varanasi city. Varanasi is one of the most significant Hindu sacred cities and, hence, visitors stay there for much longer durations to soak in cultural offerings, including religious ceremonies around the Ganga River; a visit to Sarnath is secondary and often limited to a half-day tour. Moreover, the archaeological park at Sarnath serves a recreational purpose as a picnic site for domestic visitors. The exogenous factors mean that the interests of Sarnath (as a Buddhist site) are hardly acknowledged by the Hindu city of Varanasi. This paper argues that the multi-layered contestations that exist at the site level, the town–ward level, and between visitors and managers have further contributed to the poor state of heritage and tourism in Sarnath.

EXISTING TRENDS OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN SHIMLA: A HILL TOWN IN INDIA

India is bestowed with rich cultural diversity manifested by a wide range of tangible heritage resources. The formal inception of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during colonial rule paved way for heritage conservation protecting the National Monuments pan India that are less than 0.01% of the total existing heritage resources. Though the State Archaeology Department and the National Monuments Authority have taken various initiatives at the state levels, the adopted conservation process lacks an integrated approach due to the involvement of a wide array of stakeholders ranging from the Central Government to the local authorities to the various conservation groups. Each of these agencies employs vivid funding sources and mechanisms and variable sets of guidelines and norms with diversity in delivery models for various heritage conservation projects limiting the conservation process to piecemeals. Shimla, a colonial hill town in the north of India, and the state capital of Himachal Pradesh is home to vast stock of tangible and intangible heritage resources. Amidst rapid growth and urbanization, over the past two decades, several initiatives have been taken by the state government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) in resonance with the urban local bodies of Shimla but only a few of the conservation projects have seen success. However, the findings of the research bring out that though the GoHP has been proactive in protecting its heritage resources, however, a large part of the heritage resources in Shimla remain in a state of neglect and lack maintenance and management. This is because of the complexity involved in the conception and implementation of heritage conservation because of the vastness of heritage resources and the involvement of diverse groups of stakeholders in the process, as the role of urban local bodies directly impacts the efficiency of the conservation program. The study brings out the heritage conservation process adopted in Shimla by various government agencies.

The grey zones of antiquarian pursuits: The 1938 Barger expedition to the princely state of Swat

AbstractThis article discusses and analyses the Barger archaeological expedition of 1938 to the princely state of Swat. It argues that archaeology in princely, as well as in British, India did not originate and develop in a unilinear manner. This understanding is in line with the recent realization of variations in the historiography of native India. Given this, an attempt has been made to situate the Swat state in relation to British paramountcy. Miangul Abdul Wadud, the first British-recognized ruler of the state, was aware of colonial power relations and had a friendly attitude towards the British. He dealt with Swat’s archaeology with political and dynastic expediencies in mind. Since there was no proper legal and institutional dispensation in place in the area, the Frontier government officials and the political administration at Malakand treated the Barger expedition as a local matter, beyond the legal jurisdiction and disciplinary apparatuses of the colonial state. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the related laws were, thus, kept out of the entire enterprise. All this ensured a smooth transfer of antiquities to England at a time when strong legal-institutional and ethical dimensions to archaeology were in place within British India and in some princely states.

Revisiting the sarnath buddhist site with the help of remote sensing & GIS

Sarnath is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, at a distance of about 8 km northwest of Varanasi Cantt railway station. It is an ancient site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and has been included in UNESCO's "Tentative list of heritage sites" since 1998. According to literary and archaeological evidence, Sarnath is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon, known as DharmachakraPravartan. Sarnath has been mentioned in the Shunga inscription found here by the name of "Saddhadharma Chakra Pravartana". The most ancient structure found here dates back to the Maurya period, followed by remains from the Shunga, Gupta, Rajput, and Mughal eras. Sarnath has been mentioned in accounts of travelers such as Faxian and Xuanzang, as well as in Lalitvistara and Jataka tales. The site of Sarnath had a Buddhist monastery until the 12th century AD, which is believed to have been destroyed by Muhammad Ghori's general, Qutbud-Din Aibak, in 1194 (Sahni, D.R. 1972). This ancient site remained neglected until the ASI came into existence. The present research has utilized remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify the archaeological extent of the Sarnath site and its surroundings. In this article, we will demonstrate how GIS and RS can be used in the field of archaeology to understand the context of the currently visible remains within the original extent, thereby revealing the extent to which the site has been affected by modern development.

Archaeology, ethnography and epistemic critiques of the nation

Much needed within scholarship related to archaeology, the construction of nations, and the politics of epistemic practice, the two books under review—Bureaucratic archaeology and Archaeology, nation, and race—are certainly welcome additions. The first, by Ashish Avikunthak, is a deep and engaged ethnographic study of the ways by which the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) produces archaeology, and links it to religiosity, at the excavation site. Through this study, Avikunthak lays open “this social, cultural, and scientific universe of postcolonial archaeologies and demonstrate the impact of bureaucratic ontologies on epistemological practices” (p. xix). The second volume, co-authored by Raphael Greenberg and Yannis Hamilakis, can be considered autoethnographic, fashioned around conversations during a seminar at Brown University. In a series of fascinating chapter-conversations, they provide nuance to otherwise very difficult, slippery and easily conflated arguments that bring together and reflect upon the histories of archaeological imaginaries and contemporary politics of Greece and Israel/occupied Palestine. Both texts are grounded in an ethnographic modality that allows for clarity of their epistemic critiques of the nation. It is remarkable how much political work both texts are doing by carefully holding and contextualising history and contemporary politics, while also providing critical insights into the ways in which archaeology is used to further the politics of the nation.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHEATH-TAILED BATS (EMBALLONURIDAE) IN BUNDELKHAND REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH

The family Emballonuridae consist 54 species and distributed throughout the world. Six species of genus Taphazous were found in India. There was no proper report on distribution of Taphozous genus from Bundelkhand region. Therefore, an extensive survey was carried out in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh to explore the distribution of the genus Taphazous. A total of six roosts were recorded, which occupied by Taphazous species. Taphazous perforatus found only in Kulpahar Mahal, while rest five roosts were occupied by Taphazous nudiventris. T.nudiventris & T perforatus found in historical monuments made up of red stone, where the average roost height from the ground is 26.9 ± 3.78 (feet) and the average humidity and light intensity 56.2 ± 14.13 (%) and 1.4 ± 1.34 (lux) are respectively. The highest population was in Jhansi Palace (120 to 460 individuals), while lowest one was in Kalinjar fort (12 to 25 individuals). The roosts protected by Archaeological Survey of India. Due to human activity, the roosts were destroying day by day, by erection of nets at the entrance and light source on the roost. Therefore, need a proper conservation otherwise; there will be a great loss

Ancients Ruins of Mahabharata Prominence Hastinapur Giving Vindication of Bioarchaeology

Abstract: Hastinapur, capital of the Kuru Kingdom in the era of Mahabharata. Some ancient structures imply the name of Mahabharata personages such as Karna Ghat Mandir, Draupadi Ghat Mandir, Pandeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Pandv Tila, or Ulta Khera Mound, etc. In the year 1950-52 some portion of Ulta Khera and Mound of Raghunathji was excavated by B.B. Lal. He found 5 culture strata starting from Pre 1200 B.C. to the early 15th Century A.D and the first time he brings in limelight a new ceramic industry Painted Grey Ware. The recovery of somehow Kushan Period bones(?,for exact time period, the Archaeological Survey of India should remove all these evidences from the site and go through carbon dating.) from near site HST 2 connects this mound with Bio-archaeology. Keywords: Hastinapur, Ulta Khera Mound, Mahabharata, Bioarchaeology

The Ashokan Minor Rock Edict in Bahapur, Delhi

The major purpose of writing this research paper is to analyse why the Minor Rock Edict of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka has been engraved on a small hillock of Bahapur only, near Srinivaspuri in Kalkaji, Delhi. Initially this site came to the notice of a contractor of Delhi, Shri Jung Bahadur, who came to the inscribed rock which was planned to be blasted for the development of a residential colony nearby. Later, this contractor informed about this site to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Cutting down the hiatus of the time, Shri M.C. Joshi and Shri B.M. Pande of the Archaeological. Survey of India (ASI) visited that spot along with Shri Jang Bahadur Singh on 23rd March 1966. The inscription was identified as an Ashokan epigraph by Joshi and Pande soon after conducting a survey on this site. In 2021, the site was visited by me so that I could shed some light over the significance of this isolated rock inscription of Ashoka, as to why this inscription was engraved by the artisan at this specific site only. For this, the site was carefully analysed and the links of the same with the Mauryan age hearth and well, that were unearthed in the series of excavations in Purana Qila, were also established. Conclusions were also drawn to answer the above-mentioned question that arose. The ASI has mentioned in their information board that this place was once the trade route in Mauryan Age. In this regard I have tried to hunt up for the answers. So, have a look for the answers that I came up with in this research paper.

THE BUDDHIST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF AMBARAN IN A HISTORICAL RETROSPECT

This paper seeks to understand the excavated archaeological sites of Ambaran. The commencement of archaeology in Jammu and Kashmir acquainted the world with its rich heritage and culture of the region. Jammu and Kashmir was a cradle of culture in ancient period because it is the land where Kalhana wrote the first historical book of India, R?jatara?gini. The exploration of Jammu and Kashmir was started by foreigners in the 19th century. They brought to light many monumental heritage sites that have since attracted the world towards Jammu and Kashmir. From the 20th century onwards, the Archaeological Survey of India became active in the region and explored and excavated many sites of different cultures. The excavation of Ambaran started in 1999.

Conservation and Preservation of Indian Temples through Different Projects: A Consequential Analyses of Present Condition of Indian Heritage Sites

The idea of conservation comprises of all the procedures that aimed at looking after a place in order to maintain the historical, architectural, aesthetic and cultural significance and also includes maintenance, preservation, restoration, reconstruction and adoption or an amalgamation of more than one of these. On the other hand, preservation includes maintaining the fabric of a place in its present condition and checking deterioration. Both are the processes through which variety of projects have been made and implemented to protect several Indian temples as most of them are declared by Archaeological Survey of India as national heritage. In this research paper, an important attempt has been made to understand how successful the different projects are in conserving and preserving Indian temples which have been declared as heritage sites by the government of India. In this end, efforts are made o analyse the present condition of these monuments from the critical lenses.

Megalithic monuments and ancestral sites: An ethnoarchaeological investigation of continuity of tradition among Austroasiatic communities of Jharkhand

Over the years, several megalithic sites have been reported from different regions of Jharkhand. The initial investigations were conducted during the second half of the 19th century and the early phase of the 20th century by colonial ethnographers and anthropologists. An excavation was conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 1965-66 at the site of Khuntitoli, where evidence of cremated bones of multiple individuals was found separately under a stone slab, indicating evidence of a secondary family burial. Recent investigations are carried out by the members of INTACH, Hazaribagh. The author has recently conducted an ethnoarchaeological study as part of the doctoral research, studying the continuing tradition and culture of raising megalithic monuments, comparing them with the archaeological parallels in light of evidence found through the survey of ancient sites and ethnographic analogy. This paper briefs the research of the present tradition of Austroasiatic communities; Mundas, Bhumij, and Hos in light of present monuments and ancestral sites, which indicate the distribution of megaliths on their possible route of the movement in Chotanagpur plateau throughout the past and existence of old and recent burial monuments over different ancestral sites.

From a Mughal Bagh to a Colonial Archaeological Garden to a UNESCO World Heritage Property and everything else in between: the many lives of Badshah Shahjahan’s Hayat Baksh Bagh

ABSTRACT The article explores the transformation of the Indian subcontinent’s historic gardens as power changed hands from the Mughals to the British, first as the East India Company (henceforth EIC) and subsequently as the Crown, thus altering not only the political scenario but also the subcontinent’s cultural landscape. In the aftermath of the 1857 Indian uprising against colonial rule, the victorious colonial state undertook an urban remodelling programme across the subcontinent’s cities in a bid to stamp its authority. This resulted in the introduction of metropole-inspired forms of urbanity that included leisure. As a cultural import, leisure was spatialised in the subcontinent, like its British counterpart, via the public park. Colonial institutions notably the municipality and Archaeological Survey of India (henceforth ASI) laid out public parks that were referred to as municipal gardens and archaeological gardens respectively. These were either laid out as new ventures or by remodelling Mughal gardens based on metropolitan, notably English garden design ideas. The article argues that colonial interventions transformed Mughal gardens to produce a multi-layered landscape that evoked several but fragmented meanings. Further, it urges an unravelling of the layers of Mughal gardens to appreciate their complexity for charting a holistic approach for their conservation and management. One such venture is examined in detail i.e. the transformation of the seventeenth-century imperial Mughal leisure garden, Hayat Baksh Bagh, in Delhi’s Red Fort, first as a Mughal leisure garden, then as a colonial military space and archaeological garden and finally as a contemporary tourist site. The need to unravel the garden’s many culturally diverse layers is underscored for a more nuanced site interpretation to facilitate its conservation in keeping with contemporary global and national conservation discourses. 1

Archaeological Surveys in India and Archaeological Survey of India

Archaeological Surveys in India and Archaeological Survey of India

Evidentiary value of archaeological evidence: Judicial approach of the Supreme Court of India with special reference to M. Siddiq (Dead) through legal representative vs. Mahant Suresh Das (1 SCC 1)

Ram Janmbhoomi (birth place of Lord Rama) is the most controversial dispute of the independent India. The dispute was existing in pre-independence era but after independence dispute has changed the direction and condition of Indian political system. There was claim that mosque was built after the demolition of Ram temple. This dispute was so intense that it brought the incident of demolition of mosque in 1992. After demolition suit was filed from both the side: Muslim and Hindu. The decision of apex court on civil suit came after 27 years. The apex court took the cognizance of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report to decide the claim of parties. This paper aims to give a brief background of Ramjanmbhoomi dispute; explore evidentiary value of expert opinion; whether archaeology is science or art; to evaluate the evidentiary value of archaeological report prepared by ASI through evacuation in the judgement.

Engineered bioclimatic responses in ancient settlements: a case study.

The Mandya district of Karnataka, India, houses a unique Jain settlement constructed about 1000 years ago. Recent excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicate a high degree of engineering skills among the builders of this settlement. Adapting to heat-stresses in a region where the Monsoons often failed was and is still a matter of concern. Ingenious methods were adopted to modulate bioclimatic responses to maintain thermal comfort indices. The Aretippurians used composite building fabrics which modulated heat transfer to the interiors. Indeed, the thermal transmittances for these composite fabrics were low to moderate for both the temple complexes as well as the dormitories; these were 0.27 Wm-1K-1 and 0.23 Wm-1K-1, respectively. A site visit revealed that a unique and engineered micro-climate was also made to prevail on this hilltop settlement housing several hundred Jain settlers. A granite skirted reservoir was indeed the pièce-de-résistance promoting hydraulic air-conditioning for eight months of the year around the premises with copious winds blowing over a large and exposed rain-fed reservoir. This fanned chilled air across the open plan temples, courtyards, and lived-in areas. This paper explores bioclimatic responses for around 120 residents to the prevailing indoor settings modulated by an engineered microclimate. This was possible because of the staggered layout, unique building forms, use of mixed building fabric, and carefully chosen glazing ratios which yielded salubrious settings. Clearly, this entailed a complex interplay between the intercepted solar insolation, structure-driven turbulence, and the transfer of heat across the original composite walls within and around the complex, requiring a systematic experimental as well as modelling study. The experimental part of the project involved the calculation of the thermal transmittivity across the walls made up of fired bricks, granite, and limestone, and the theoretical part involved the use of appropriate software to reconstruct air flow and heat distribution across floors, walls, and ceilings to proxy the original flow pattern yielding the comfortable PMV (predicted mean vote) and PET (physiological equivalent temperature) values within these premises. This exercise may well lead to further explorations on indoor comfort adaptations in tropical settings with the use of many edifying vernacular idioms in ancient settlements which prevail even in modern layouts.