asi survey

Madhya Pradesh High Court has reserved its decision on the religious character of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district. Hindus claim it's a temple to Goddess Vagdevi, while Muslims assert it's the Kamal Maula mosque. Security has been heightened as the court prepares to deliver its verdict after extensive hearings.

Archaeological Survey of India officials have urged Jajpur district authorities to take strong legal action against encroachers and illegal stone quarry operators threatening the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. Recent unauthorized construction and quarrying activities within prohibited zones risk damaging these vital historical monuments, prompting urgent intervention to preserve Odisha's rich cultural heritage.

EaseMyTrip Foundation has partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India to launch the 'Savee Cafeteria' at Delhi's Qutub Minar. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience at the iconic monument by providing clean, affordable food facilities. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in bolstering India's heritage tourism infrastructure, catering to the rising demand for experiential travel.

A Hindu party has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court regarding the Bhojshala complex dispute. The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled the site a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, empowering the Centre and ASI to manage it. The court also set aside a 2003 order allowing Friday namaz, suggesting the Muslim community seek alternative land for a mosque.

Challenges Methodology Of Court-mandated asi survey

Dhar's Bhojshala saw Hindu devotees offering prayers on Friday following a High Court order. The monument was declared a Hindu temple. Muslims stayed away, protesting with black armbands and shuttered shops. They have filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. Heavy security ensured peace throughout the day. Thousands of Hindus gathered, celebrating the court's decision.

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict recognizing Dhar's Bhojshala complex as Goddess Vagdevi's temple, Hindu petitioners have filed new pleas. They are demanding free entry for devotees, further excavation, and the opening of a locked room, asserting the court's order necessitates unrestricted access and removal of 'unauthorised Islamic symbols'.

Following a Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict declaring the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi, devotees offered prayers. The court ordered the repatriation of the original idol from London, and a symbolic portrait has been installed pending its return. The site will now be known as 'Maa Saraswati Kanthabharan'.

Odisha State Archaeology has partnered with IIT-Kharagpur and SPA, Bhopal, through non-financial MoUs to conserve the state's heritage. This collaboration will integrate modern science and technology for documentation, preservation, and development of historical monuments and archaeological sites, benefiting numerous structures across Odisha.

A new book explores Indian archaeology's post-independence journey, highlighting the decolonization challenges faced by the ASI. It emphasizes Amalananda Ghosh's impactful leadership and discusses the ongoing issues of training and employment for archaeologists. The article also touches upon the potential of AI in aiding archaeological research and data management.

Villages in Hazaribag's Chauparan block reveal a vast, 3,200-year-old settlement with layered historical periods. Surface finds and scientific surveys point to significant archaeological discoveries, including ancient wells and potential Buddhist stupas. Experts urge immediate ASI intervention to protect this invaluable heritage site from unregulated development and potential theft.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has struck down a 2003 ASI order permitting Friday namaz at the disputed site, in a verdict that aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case