News for 'Archaeological Survey of India'

All centrally protected ASI monuments to reopen from June 16

All centrally protected ASI monuments to reopen from June 16

Rediff.com14 Jun 2021

The Taj Mahal and other centrally protected monuments closed for around two months due to the Covid pandemic will be reopened on June 16, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said.

4 tourists booked for offering namaz at Taj Mahal mosque

4 tourists booked for offering namaz at Taj Mahal mosque

Rediff.com26 May 2022

"Four tourists were arrested for offering namaz at the mosque in Taj Mahal premises on Wednesday. Three of them are from Hyderabad and one is from Azamgarh. They have been booked under the section of 153 of IPC. They have been presented in the court," said Vikas Kumar, Superintendent of Police (City).

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Be it a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist or Jain, everyone is welcome at the dargah, Rijiju said.

SP MP, MLA's son booked over Sambhal violence

SP MP, MLA's son booked over Sambhal violence

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Seven FIRs have been lodged in connection with the violence over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, naming Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood's son Sohail Iqbal as accused. Three people were killed and scores of others injured on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid clashed with police. The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders into Sambhal till November 30.

SC defers scientific survey of 'Shivling' at Gyanvapi till next hearing

SC defers scientific survey of 'Shivling' at Gyanvapi till next hearing

Rediff.com19 May 2023

The Allahabad high court on May 12 ordered determination of the age of the structure claimed to be 'Shivling' using modern technology.

Gyanvapi: Hindu side to ask for ASI survey, carbon dating of Shivling if they win

Gyanvapi: Hindu side to ask for ASI survey, carbon dating of Shivling if they win

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

The Hindu side had claimed in the lower court that a Shivling was found during the videographic survey.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

What Politicians Said In Lead-Up To Nagpur Riots

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Before the violence and rioting that erupted in Nagpur on Monday, March 17, over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb came provocative statements from various political leaders.

SC allows ASI survey at Gyanvapi: 'What is frivolous to you...'

SC allows ASI survey at Gyanvapi: 'What is frivolous to you...'

Rediff.com4 Aug 2023

In a relief to the Hindu side, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad high court order allowing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi mosque complex to determine if the 17th-century structure was built upon a pre-existing temple.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

'Muslims should give Gyanvapi, Mathura to Hindus'

'Muslims should give Gyanvapi, Mathura to Hindus'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

'During the nine years of BJP rule, not a single temple has been reconstructed.' 'They might have constructed the Ram temple as it is an emotional issue. But they are not much interested in issues like heritage.'

Allahahad HC to hear plea for Gyanvapi Shivling carbon dating on Nov 30

Allahahad HC to hear plea for Gyanvapi Shivling carbon dating on Nov 30

Rediff.com21 Nov 2022

The Allahabad high court on Monday fixed November 30 for hearing a revision petition challenging the Varanasi district judge's order by which the lower court had refused the demand of carbon dating of a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found in the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Adityanath wants Muslims to give up claim on Gyanvapi

Adityanath wants Muslims to give up claim on Gyanvapi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2023

Amidst the controversy over the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that labelling Gyanvapi as a mosque complex will only lead to controversy and that the Muslim side should accept its 'historical mistake' and offer a solution.

Inside Mumbai's Ancient Mahakali Caves

Inside Mumbai's Ancient Mahakali Caves

Rediff.com19 Jul 2022

Mumbai's Mahakali or Kondivite Caves have been in existence since the times of the Mauryan empire.

SC to hear on Monday Gyanvapi panel's plea over puja in cellar

SC to hear on Monday Gyanvapi panel's plea over puja in cellar

Rediff.com31 Mar 2024

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the plea of Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee.

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The cultural richness that began from a narrow bank of the Yamuna has continued for over 7 centuries. And you literally go underground for as little at Rs 50 to see it!

Sadhu's dream + 1000 tonne gold = Solution to India's woes

Sadhu's dream + 1000 tonne gold = Solution to India's woes

Rediff.com18 Oct 2013

The Archaeological Survey of India may not have imagined that an excavation exercise could turn miles around it into a tourist spot well before it would unearth 1000 tonnes of gold its experts were hoping to strike in Daundiya-Khera village of Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh.

SC to hear Gyanvapi mosque's plea over temple suits

SC to hear Gyanvapi mosque's plea over temple suits

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear an appeal of the Gyanvapi management committee against an Allahabad High Court order which held that lawsuits for "restoration" of a temple where the mosque stands in Varanasi are maintainable.

Ancient Caves In The Heart Of Mumbai

Ancient Caves In The Heart Of Mumbai

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

The Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivli, north west Mumbai, located about five minutes away from the Western Express Highway, is one of the city's hidden treasures.

SC revives Gyanvapi plea it disposed of 'inadvertently'

SC revives Gyanvapi plea it disposed of 'inadvertently'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

The Supreme Court on Wednesday revived a Gyanvapi panel plea it inadvertently disposed of on July 24 while staying an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey on the mosque premises to determine if it was built upon a temple.

Hindu outfit says Ajmer dargah was also a temple, clergy rejects claim

Hindu outfit says Ajmer dargah was also a temple, clergy rejects claim

Rediff.com27 May 2022

Claiming the mausoleum of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer was once a temple, a Hindu outfit has demanded a survey of the premises by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

228 kg gold for Kedarnath missing, says seer; show proof, says temple

228 kg gold for Kedarnath missing, says seer; show proof, says temple

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee on Wednesday dismissed Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand's allegations that 228 kg gold bought for lining the Kedarnath temple's internal walls is missing, and asked him to approach authorities if he had any evidence.

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The irony of this country is that the party in Opposition and the party in power both depend on Muslims.'

India to vie for World Heritage monument tag

India to vie for World Heritage monument tag

Rediff.com24 Jun 2009

The ministry of culture through the Archaeological Survey of India has asked all its 24 circles in the country to identify ten monuments each. Out of the 240 monuments selected, the ministry will shortlist 50 entries to be sent to the international body. Fifty monuments is the aim this time.

What the ASI does in Pakistan

What the ASI does in Pakistan

Rediff.com22 Aug 2006

HC reserves verdict in plea against Gyanvapi case

HC reserves verdict in plea against Gyanvapi case

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

The Allahabad high court reserved its judgment on Friday in a petition challenging the maintainability of a suit seeking 'restoration' of a temple at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.

Taj Mahal won't reopen today owing to COVID-19 spread

Taj Mahal won't reopen today owing to COVID-19 spread

Rediff.com6 Jul 2020

The district magistrate said that 55 new cases were reported in the past four days and there are 71 containment zones. He added that there is a threat of coronavirus spread as tourists will come to these places if they are opened.

'Dream gold hunt' still continues in Unnao

'Dream gold hunt' still continues in Unnao

Rediff.com13 Nov 2013

Success of the "dream gold" hunt still remains a "dream" even as excavation for possible 1,000 tonnes of gold at Raja Rao Ram Bux Singh fort in Daundiya Khera village in Unnao continued on the 27th day.

HC dismisses Taj Mahal plea, pulls up petitioner for 'casual' PIL

HC dismisses Taj Mahal plea, pulls up petitioner for 'casual' PIL

Rediff.com12 May 2022

The plea was filed by Rajneesh Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party youth media in-charge, before the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad high court that sought the directions to the Archaeological Survey of India to probe the 22 closed doors in the Taj Mahal to ascertain the presence of the idols of Hindu deities.

Taj Is No. 1 Tourist Choice, What Is No. 2?

Taj Is No. 1 Tourist Choice, What Is No. 2?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2024

It's the Qutub Minar!

Beauty And Sadness At The Ruins Of Dholavira

Beauty And Sadness At The Ruins Of Dholavira

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Standing at the edge of Dholavira is witnessing history textbooks crammed in school coming to life. One is suddenly standing face to face with a 4,000-year-old civilisational site that is now but a ruin.

Tirupati to be declared a protected monument soon?

Tirupati to be declared a protected monument soon?

Rediff.com9 May 2012

The Archaeological Survey of India is considering a proposal to recommend recognition of the famous Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati as a monument of national importance in view of its archaeological, epigraphical and historical background and cultural significance.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Archaeologist B B Lal, who unearthed Ram Temple at Ayodhya, passes away

Archaeologist B B Lal, who unearthed Ram Temple at Ayodhya, passes away

Rediff.com10 Sep 2022

Lal was the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and had found temple-like pillars during excavation at the Ayodhya site where the Ram temple is now being built. Officials said that he was one of the youngest directors general of ASI and served from 1968 to 1972.

Varanasi court asks ASI to find out if Gyanvapi mosque stands on temple

Varanasi court asks ASI to find out if Gyanvapi mosque stands on temple

Rediff.com21 Jul 2023

A court in Varanasi on Friday directed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a "detailed scientific survey" -- including excavations, wherever necessary -- to determine if the Gyanvapi mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple is built upon a temple.

Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra closed for 5 days amid row

Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra closed for 5 days amid row

Rediff.com19 May 2022

A MNS leader had in a tweet said the tomb should be destroyed.

Plea in HC seeks probe into Taj Mahal's history, opening of 22 rooms

Plea in HC seeks probe into Taj Mahal's history, opening of 22 rooms

Rediff.com8 May 2022

The writ petition was filed Saturday in the registry of the Lucknow bench of the high court by Rajneesh Singh, who is the media in-charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Ayodhya unit.

'No archaeologist has worked on the Ram Sethu'

'No archaeologist has worked on the Ram Sethu'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2007

An interview with archeologist T Satyamurthy on the Sethusamudram project.

We only want 3 places: Yogi makes pitch for Mathura in assembly

We only want 3 places: Yogi makes pitch for Mathura in assembly

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appeared to make a pitch in the assembly for a temple where a mosque stands now in Mathura, saying that Krishna Kanhaiya wouldn't have it any other way.

View Taj at night for another year

View Taj at night for another year

Rediff.com14 Feb 2005

While giving an order in this regard on Monday, the SC asked the ASI and UP government to take care of security measures.