Why in news
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) initiated structural repairs and conservation restrictions across ten major historical monuments in Delhi.
Key terms
AMASR Act
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, governing central protection of cultural heritage.
Jantar Mantar
Architectural astronomical observatories constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the early 18th century.
What is the Mandate of the ASI?
- The ASI is an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, established under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
- It is responsible for the protection, conservation, and structural maintenance of over 3,600 centrally protected monuments across India.
Monuments Under Maintenance
- Emergency structural repairs at Hauz Khas complex (built during Alauddin Khalji's reign) and Kotla Firoz Shah (built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq).
- Refurbishment works at Jantar Mantar (observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II), Agrasen ki Baoli, Tughlaqabad Fort, and Safdarjung Tomb.
Why it matters
- Mitigates urban weathering and visitor footprint damage on medieval and early-modern architectural heritage.
- Highlights statutory compliance under AMASR Act rules governing protected and prohibited monument zones.
Prelims facts
- Hauz Khas tank was excavated by Alauddin Khalji to supply water to the Siri Fort area.
Source: Economic Times
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