The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI), established in 1861 is responsible for the survey of archaeological remains and excavations, and maintaining the centrally protected monuments sites and remains. As of 2008, the ASI has declared three thousand six hundred and fifty six monuments to be of national importance, of which twenty one properties are inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

To visit the website of the Archaeological Survey of India please click here.

Archaeological and historical pursuits in India started with the efforts of Sir William Jones, who put together a group of antiquarians to form the Asiatic Society on 15th January 1784 in Calcutta. Since independence various agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments of Archaeology, Universities and other research organisations have conducted archaeological excavations in different parts of the country. Each state has a number of sites which are excavated by the appropriate Central and State department. For a complete list of excavation sites in India please click here.

For more details on the Monument of India, and its historic importance please visit this website: Monuments of India

The Archaeological Survey of India also has a Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW), which The UAW is engaged in documentation of underwater sites and ancient shipwrecks, training of professional archaeologists, young researchers and students,  conduct of seminars to discuss various aspects and to bring awareness, and Protection of underwater cultural heritage. For more details please click here.