---
title: "Archaeological Survey of India Overview | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Archaeological Survey of India is the central agency for archaeological research and monument conservation, crucial for India's cultural heritage."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/archaeological-survey-of-india"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Archaeological Survey of India is the central agency under the Ministry of Culture responsible for archaeological research and the protection and conservation of India's monuments and antiquities.
- Who founded the Archaeological Survey of India and under whom did it gain statutory teeth?
- What is the legal framework governing the ASI's protection of monuments?
- How does a Centrally Protected Monument differ from a state-protected monument?
- What role does the ASI play regarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research Archaeological Survey of India like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Archaeological Survey of India

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Archaeological Survey of India](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Archaeological%20Survey%20of%20India%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 2003 the Archaeological Survey of India conducted a court-ordered excavation at the disputed Ayodhya site, whose report was later cited by the Supreme Court in its 2019 Ram Janmabhumi verdict.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Indian Heritage Fairs Festivals Unesco Sites](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-art-culture-indian-heritage-fairs-festivals-unesco-sites)[Modern Indian Art Cinema Cultural Institutions](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/upsc-art-culture-modern-indian-art-cinema-cultural-institutions)

Courses

[Upsc Art Culture](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/upsc-art-culture)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Archaeological Survey of India beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.