About the ASI
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 as amicable under AM & ASR (Amendment & Validation Act 2010). It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, the entire country is divided into 37 Circles and 1 mini-circle. The organization has a large workforce of trained archaeologists,conservators, epigraphists, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 as amicable under AM & ASR (Amendment & Validation Act 2010). It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance, the entire country is divided into 37 Circles and 1 mini-circle. The organization has a large workforce of trained archaeologists,conservators, epigraphists, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.
About Lucknow Circle
Lucknow circle of Archaeological Survey of India was created on May 13th, 1985 by the bifurcating the parts of Agra Circle, Bhopal circle & Patna Circle. Again in 2020, some districts of this circle were carved out and a new circle, Jhansi, was created. Presently, there are a total of 198 protected monuments/sites under the jurisdiction of Lucknow Circle which are being looked after by the Superintending Archaeologist of the Lucknow Circle including parts of Awadh and Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. In the Awadh region, Lucknow reflects the best example of Awadh School of architecture. Besides, a number of monuments flourished on Mughal route between Allahabad and Agra. The Circle also comprises a large number of brick temples the most famous of which is Brick temple at Bhitargaon dating back to Gupta period which is a landmark of Indian temple architecture. In the Terai region, Buddhism became the main inspiring factor giving impetus to building activities at the location hollowed by the presence of Buddha himself or at the places somehow connected with him. The excavations revealed a number of ancient Buddhist sites including Sravasti & Piprahwa i.e. Kapilvastu.
