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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 regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. 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 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project,...

Culture is who we are and what shapes our identity. No development can be sustainable without including culture.UNESCO ensures that the role of culture is recognized through a majority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those focusing on quality education, sustainable cities, the environment, economic growth, sustainable consumption and production patterns, peaceful and inclusive societies, gender equality and food security. From cultural heritage to cultural and creative industries, Culture is both an enabler and a driver of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.UNESCO's programme, through the operationalization of UNESCO’s Culture Conventions on the safeguarding and promotion of cultural and natural heritage, and the cultural and creative industries, as well as joint programmes with other UN Agencies and strong cooperation with the national authorities will be key for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustai...

The conquest of India by the Muslims made an effective and distinct impact on the indigenous manifestations of life and culture, which gave rise, among other expressions of art, also to a new style in architecture. This style incorporated not only certain new modes and principles of construction but reflected also the religious and social needs of the adherents of Islam. The necessity of raising a round dome over a square construction introduced multiplication of sides and angles by providing squinches, so that a base with many sides, usually sixteen, could be obtained to raise a circular drum of the dome. A balcony was laid on cantilever brackets projecting from walls, which introduced as the 'chhajjas'(eaves or sunshades).Kiosks (chhatris), tall towers (minars) and half-doomed double portals are some of the other distinguishing features of the Indo-Islamic architecture.    The difference in the lay-out of a temple and mosque is explained by the essential difference b...

History of Delhi dates back to Mahabharata times (some 5000 years ago) when it used to be the capital of Pandavas.Since then Delhi has been inhabited continuously.Delhi has seen the rise and fall of various dynasties and empires. All of them left their impact in its culture, food, living style and all other fields. The first architectural reference of the city is found in Mauryan period around 300 BC. The excavations carried out in year 1966 have unearthed certain inscriptions belonging to Emperor Ashoka’s period at Srinivaspuri.Delhi has been destroyed and recreated 7 times. It has served as capital for Pandavas with the name Indraprastha to the modern time New Delhi as the capital of India. Delhi during Pandavas : Delhi was named as Indraprastha, the capital city of pandavas, the religious book Mahabharata support this fact.Indraprastha had beautiful gardens, wide streets, delightful palaces and innumerable mansions. Delhi as Qila Rai Pithora : Vigraharaja IV , the Chauhan prin...

Delhi has been invaded by many rulers time to time. It began in 1192 when afghan ruler Muhammad Ghori defeated King Prithviraj Chauhan iii and this laid the foundation for dominance of Muslim rulers in Delhi which lasted for six hundred years. In the year 1206 after the death of Muhammad Ghori, the Turkic slave-general, Qutub-ud-din Aibak came to power and proclaimed himself as the first Sultan of Delhi. Immediately after coming to power he started construction of Quwwat-al-Islam and Qutub Minar. He faced tough opposition from Hindus during his rule. However, his successor, Iltutmish succeeded in establishing his supremacy and consolidating Muslim power in entire Northern India. The next three centuries witnessed Delhi being ruled by various Pashtun and Turkic dynasties. These rulers built numerous townships and forts which are now part of seven cities established in Delhi. Sufism was at its peak during these rules. The famous ruler among these Kings was the second Khilji ...

Delhi is a living city. It accommodates the remains of over a thousand years of building in different states of preservation.  Urdu Language, Sufi traditions and other forms of Intangible heritage have. survived in the heritage precincts of Mehraull and Nizamuddin and continue till today.Similar to the city planning concept of Islamic cities like Lahore, Cairo and Tunis; Delhi also had a unique street layout with the primary axis leading to a central place of worship flanked by shops on either side.The Islamic city of Shahjahanabad was designed based on ideas and ideals of Persian city planning and the Indian text of Vastu Shastra. Delhi has been compared to the cities of Samarkand, Lahore, Agra, Lucknow, Cairo, Istanbul and Tunis in the broader region of Asia, Arab and European states. The architectural style and the planning principles which are the features of the above mentioned cities exhibits very rich heritage and are comparable to Delhi.    Delhi being a c...