Defining Monuments

 

ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND REMAINS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

The Act defines what it means to have remains of National Importance. As per this Act,  there are certain ancient or historical monuments and archaeological sites which are declared to be of National Importance. These can be updated by notifications by the Central Government in the Official Gazette. For those who don’t know the list of monuments and site, they can check whether there is a prominent notification at the location.

Protected Areas and Protected Monuments

 

(i) “protected area” means any archaeological site and remains which is declared to be of national importance by or under this Act;
(j) “protected monument” means an ancient monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under this Act.

The Archaeological Survey of India has listed a number of monuments which are protected. This has implications in terms of legal issues, and a number of powers rest with the Central Government as regards issues of purchase, lease, guardianship, and other rights, duties and restrictions as regards construction, entry fees, inspection, etc.

You can refer to the following Act and Rules for more information:

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 (ACT No. 24 of 1958)  {For alternate links you can click on the UNESCO site or access Bare Acts or access other legal sources}

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules 1959 {or check out other legal sources}

Monuments and site of National Importance are listed here, divided by state.