News for 'Archaeological Survey'

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb Waqf Properties

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India informed the JPC that 280 protected monuments have been listed as Waqf properties.

Gyanvapi built on temple as per ASI survey report, claims Hindu side lawyer

Gyanvapi built on temple as per ASI survey report, claims Hindu side lawyer

Rediff.com26 Jan 2024

Jain told reporters that copies of the survey report consisting of 839 pages were made available to the parties concerned by the court late Thursday evening.

SC allows Hindus, Muslims to offer prayers at MP's Bhojshala on Basant Panchami

SC allows Hindus, Muslims to offer prayers at MP's Bhojshala on Basant Panchami

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Hindus will offer prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami while Muslims to offer namaz from 1 pm to 3 pm on Friday.

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A four-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey of the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites, and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey followed the discovery of three damaged idols inside a well of the Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened after being shut for 46 years. The Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 after authorities found the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling and had remained locked since 1978. The district administration has requested carbon dating of the temple, including the well, from the ASI. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has restrained courts across India from entertaining new lawsuits or passing any orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs, until further notice. This action halts proceedings in approximately 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties seeking surveys to determine the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi at Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal, where four individuals died in clashes. The Supreme Court will examine the legality, scope, and boundaries of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of places of worship and ensures the preservation of their religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Hearing begins in HC over Gyanvapi mosque survey

Hearing begins in HC over Gyanvapi mosque survey

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

After hearing arguments in the matter, Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker posted it for further hearing on Wednesday.

Remove protected monument status of Aurangzeb's tomb: Shiv Sena to Centre

Remove protected monument status of Aurangzeb's tomb: Shiv Sena to Centre

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Shiv Sena, a ruling party in Maharashtra, has demanded the removal of the protected monument status from Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad. This demand comes after protests and calls for the tomb's demolition from organizations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the tomb as a monument of national importance. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the state government will protect the tomb but will not allow the glorification of Aurangzeb.

Sambhal mosque in spotlight again over ASI signboard

Sambhal mosque in spotlight again over ASI signboard

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The blue-coloured ASI board, currently kept at the Satyavrat police outpost, is expected to be installed soon, replacing the older sign that bore the name "Shahi Jama Masjid."

Aurangzeb's tomb should be removed, but...: Fadnavis

Aurangzeb's tomb should be removed, but...: Fadnavis

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had sought the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.

Wazukhana's ASI survey not permissible due to...: Gyanvapi to HC

Wazukhana's ASI survey not permissible due to...: Gyanvapi to HC

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

The Anjuman Intezamia Committee Thursday filed a counter-affidavit before the Allahabad HC in the matter seeking a survey of the Wazukhana (or ablution area) by the ASI.

Court to hear ASI plea for 15-day extension to submit Gyanvapi survey report

Court to hear ASI plea for 15-day extension to submit Gyanvapi survey report

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

The ASI told the court on November 2 that it might take some more time to compile the report, along with the details of the equipment used in the survey work, following which additional time till November 17 was granted for the submission of the document.

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

'Keeladi Could Be Older Than Indus Valley'

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

'There is no doubt about the antiquity of Tamil Nadu.'

Gyanvapi mosque's scientific survey begins

Gyanvapi mosque's scientific survey begins

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

District judge A K Vishvesh on Friday directed the ASI to conduct a detailed scientific survey -- including excavations, wherever necessary -- to determine if the mosque in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is built upon a temple.

Water leakage in Taj Mahal's main dome after heavy rain

Water leakage in Taj Mahal's main dome after heavy rain

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

A purported video of a submerged garden on the premises of the ivory-white marble mausoleum was doing the rounds on social media since Thursday after heavy rains.

Mosque authorities move court against plea for ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex

Mosque authorities move court against plea for ASI survey of Gyanvapi complex

Rediff.com22 May 2023

Mishra said that the court has fixed July 7 for the next hearing.

SC upholds bar on declaring tribal lands as waqf properties

SC upholds bar on declaring tribal lands as waqf properties

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court refused to stay a provision barring the declaration of tribal lands as waqf properties, upholding key provisions of the Amended Waqf Act.

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Instead of removing Aurangzeb's tomb...: BJP ally

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Republican Party of India-Athawale leader said that removing Aurangzeb's tomb would not solve anything.

Fresh plea seeks ASI survey of all basements in Gyanvapi

Fresh plea seeks ASI survey of all basements in Gyanvapi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

Days after the district court ruled that a priest can perform prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, a petitioner on Monday filled a plea seeking an ASI survey of all other closed basements in the complex.

ASI stops Gyanvapi mosque survey after SC order

ASI stops Gyanvapi mosque survey after SC order

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

A 30-member Archaeological Survey of India team halted a survey here of the Gyanvapi mosque -- just hours after beginning the exercise Monday morning -- following a Supreme Court order.

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

'Dravidian South Was Cradle Of Early Urban Modernity'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'At Keeladi, we have not come across any evidence for organised religion.'

HC orders ASI to clean Sambhal mosque for Ramzan

HC orders ASI to clean Sambhal mosque for Ramzan

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Allahabad high court on Friday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to clean the premises of Jama Masjid in Sambhal but did not pass an order for whitewashing of the mosque.

No Ramzan decorations in Sambhal mosque without ASI nod: DM

No Ramzan decorations in Sambhal mosque without ASI nod: DM

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Sambhal administration in Uttar Pradesh has stated that no work should be carried out on the Shahi Jama Masjid without the approval of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This decision comes after the mosque's management committee sought permission to redecorate the mosque ahead of Ramzan. The matter is currently pending in court, and the property belongs to the ASI. The administration has emphasized that no tampering with the mosque is allowed until the ASI grants permission.

Hope thousand Babris...: Owaisi on Gyanvapi survey

Hope thousand Babris...: Owaisi on Gyanvapi survey

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked the ASI not to take recourse to any invasive act during the survey.

Security tightened as ASI's Bhojshala survey enters Day 8

Security tightened as ASI's Bhojshala survey enters Day 8

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

The security has been stepped up in view of the Friday prayers to be offered by the Muslim community members at the site, a police official said.

Violence erupts during mosque survey in UP; 3 killed

Violence erupts during mosque survey in UP; 3 killed

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Three people were killed and scores of others, including around 20 security personnel and four personnel of the administration, were injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh clashed with police on Sunday.

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has ordered notices to be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The suit, filed in September, seeks directions to resume worship at the alleged temple. The court has issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

Allahabad HC junks Sambhal mosque's plea against survey

Allahabad HC junks Sambhal mosque's plea against survey

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, moved the high court challenging the suit and the Sambhal court order which directed the survey through an advocate commissioner.

Masjid committee moves SC against court nod for ASI's Gyanvapi survey

Masjid committee moves SC against court nod for ASI's Gyanvapi survey

Rediff.com3 Aug 2023

Muslim body Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee on Thursday moved the Supreme Court against the Allahabad high court order permitting an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey at the Gyanvapi mosque.

No govt money for upkeep of Aurangzeb's tomb, says MNS

No govt money for upkeep of Aurangzeb's tomb, says MNS

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has demanded the removal of decorations and installation of CCTV surveillance at the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra. The party also wants a board to be installed at the site stating that Aurangzeb was buried there after trying to "finish" the Marathas. The demands come amid a push by right-wing outfits to remove the tomb. The MNS's memorandum comes amid demand by right-wing outfits to remove Aurangazeb's tomb. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said whether people like the Mughal emperor or not, his tomb is a protected monument, but his glorification will not be allowed.

ASI to host yoga at 81 sites, Amit Shah to attend near Ahmedabad

ASI to host yoga at 81 sites, Amit Shah to attend near Ahmedabad

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Also, as part of the IDY celebrations, entry to all ASI sites will be "free of cost" for the public on June 21, the ministry of culture said in a statement on Friday.

HC grants 8-week extension to ASI for Bhojshala survey

HC grants 8-week extension to ASI for Bhojshala survey

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

However, a division bench of Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Gajendra Singh made it clear the ASI won't be given any more time at the end of this 8-week period.

ASI team assesses Sambhal mosque for whitewashing after court order

ASI team assesses Sambhal mosque for whitewashing after court order

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team on Thursday carried out measurements and assessments ahead of the planned whitewashing and renovation work of the Shahi Jama Masjid, officials said.

Keeladi row: DMK threatens to stall Parliament over ASI report

Keeladi row: DMK threatens to stall Parliament over ASI report

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

The BJP regime, which is unable to take on the DMK, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu is involved in a "cultural invasion," Siva, a Rajya Sabha MP, alleged.

What does ASI report on MP Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque say?

What does ASI report on MP Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque say?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday submitted its scientific survey report of the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal-Maula mosque complex to the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court.

Panel formed to review Puri Jagannath Temple security

Panel formed to review Puri Jagannath Temple security

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) has formed a sub-committee, headed by former Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Girish Chandra Murmu, to suggest measures to ensure full protection of the temple in light of recent security breaches.

ASI gets 10 more days to submit Gyanvapi survey report

ASI gets 10 more days to submit Gyanvapi survey report

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

According to the counsel for the Hindu side Madan Mohan Yadav, the ASI sought more time due to non-availability of the technical report.

ASI inspects 'Skanda Purana' well at newly found Sambhal temple

ASI inspects 'Skanda Purana' well at newly found Sambhal temple

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

On Friday, a four-member team of the ASI surveyed the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites and 19 'koops' (wells).

Actor Prajakta's Mahashivratri performance at Maha temple faces opposition

Actor Prajakta's Mahashivratri performance at Maha temple faces opposition

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Actor Prajakta Mali's scheduled dance performance at the Trimbakeshwar temple in Maharashtra on Mahashivratri has been met with opposition from several quarters, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI has asked the temple authorities not to organize a cultural event at the protected monument, citing a violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 and its Rules, 1959. Former trustees of the temple have also expressed concerns about the event, citing the potential for large crowds and law and order issues. The temple authorities, however, have defended their decision, stating that the performance was agreed upon unanimously and that any objections should be made in writing.

Court to hear plea for ASI survey of Gyanvapi basements on Feb 15

Court to hear plea for ASI survey of Gyanvapi basements on Feb 15

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

A Varanasi court on Tuesday fixed February 15 for the hearing of a petition seeking a survey of all closed basements in the Gyanvapi mosque complex by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

Damaged idols found in well of reopened Sambhal temple

Damaged idols found in well of reopened Sambhal temple

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Two damaged idols were found inside the well of the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India, which was reopened last week after being shut for 46 years. The temple, which houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was reopened on December 13 after authorities stumbled upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The idols, a Lakshmi idol and a Parvati idol, were found in the well, which authorities had planned to reopen. The district administration has written to the Archaeological Survey of India for carbon dating of the temple, including the well.