News for 'archaeological site'

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

Major Step For Indus Valley Civilisation Research

Major Step For Indus Valley Civilisation Research

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Human skeletal remains from the ancient Indus-Saraswati Civilisation site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana have been formally transferred by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) for detailed scientific investigation. This transfer, under a new MoU, aims to advance multidisciplinary research into one of the largest known settlements of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation, with archaeologists having uncovered eight burials, including three complete skeletons, during recent excavations.

71 Bihar Monuments Under ASI Care: Details Revealed

71 Bihar Monuments Under ASI Care: Details Revealed

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the maintenance of 71 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance in Bihar, according to information provided to Parliament.

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to designate the Bhojshala complex as a Goddess Saraswati temple, a ruling that also quashed Muslim prayer rights at the historic site.

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? HC to hear plea on July 6

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? HC to hear plea on July 6

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A writ petition has been filed in the Allahabad High Court challenging district court orders that declined to appoint an Advocate Commission to survey the Taj Mahal premises. The petition seeks a declaration that an Agreshwar Mahadev Nagnatheswar Virajman Tejo Mahalaya temple exists within the Taj Mahal complex, a claim previously filed in a 2015 declaratory suit.

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court referenced the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict principles while ruling on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex case, determining the site to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations from Kolkata's iconic Red Road on June 21, with over 210 Indian Missions organising events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, suggesting the Muslim community seek land elsewhere for a mosque.

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Devotees entered the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district on Saturday to offer prayers after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site.

Prehistoric traces unearthed near Mauryan-era site in Haryana

Prehistoric traces unearthed near Mauryan-era site in Haryana

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Archaeological explorations in Topra Kalan village, Yamunanagar district, Haryana, have revealed ancient remains and cultural artifacts, suggesting human habitation dating back approximately 3,500 years. The findings include Painted Grey Ware (PGW) and other ancient materials, with further investigations planned to determine the exact age and significance of the site.

Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from temples' remains, ASI tells HC

Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from temples' remains, ASI tells HC

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Parmar kings existed at the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.

PHOTOS: Israel's Burning Man damages ancient archaeological site

PHOTOS: Israel's Burning Man damages ancient archaeological site

Rediff.com29 May 2015

Israel's answer to Burning Man, the quirky, week-long 'Midburn', concluded on Sunday, in the country's southern Negev desert.

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Hindu groups organised a 'victory celebration' at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district after the ASI granted the community unrestricted access to the monument for worship.

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed around the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the first Friday since the high court declared it a Vagdevi temple.

Couple's Raigad Fort Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Draws Ire

Couple's Raigad Fort Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Draws Ire

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A non-cognisable case has been registered against three individuals for conducting a pre-wedding photoshoot at prohibited locations within the historic Raigad Fort, a site of significant cultural importance associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A fresh plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order, which said that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district was a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

NCERT to restore 'Dancing Girl' image in school textbook after criticism

NCERT to restore 'Dancing Girl' image in school textbook after criticism

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has altered the iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine from Mohenjo-daro in its new Class 9 arts textbook, covering its bare torso with shading. This change has drawn criticism for misrepresenting the original artefact and sparking a debate on what is considered 'age-appropriate' in educational materials.

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Members of the Muslim community in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district said they would offer their first Friday namaz at home and wear black bands after the court setback in the Bhojshala case.

Governor Parnaik Encourages Youth To Promote National Unity

Governor Parnaik Encourages Youth To Promote National Unity

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Arunachal Pradesh Governor K T Parnaik has urged young people to connect with others from across India, preserve traditional values, and work to eliminate regional barriers through interaction and mutual respect.

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Work has commenced on restoring the North and South Blocks to their original design, paving the way for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum project, with a target completion date for the first phase set for 2028.

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A Hindu party has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court regarding the Bhojshala complex dispute, seeking a hearing before any orders are passed on appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision.

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

There are sacred sites dedicated to fertility and blessings. Couples journey miles to offer prayers, strange symbols, or even carved idols. Join us as we explore the world's fertility temples.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

3 women booked over namaaz inside historic Shaniwar Wada fort in Pune

3 women booked over namaaz inside historic Shaniwar Wada fort in Pune

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

According to the Pune city police, the FIR has been filed under provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, for allegedly violating restrictions applicable to protected monuments.

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Madras high court's Madurai division bench on Tuesday upheld a single judge's order allowing lighting of a lamp on what is claimed as 'deepathoon' on the Thirupparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu.

Kamal Haasan Bats for Keeladi, Meets Modi

Kamal Haasan Bats for Keeladi, Meets Modi

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

In his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, movie star and politician Kamal Haasan raised important issues related to Tamil Nadu.

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.

After Keralam, chorus for renaming Delhi, West Bengal

After Keralam, chorus for renaming Delhi, West Bengal

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the central government to approve West Bengal's request to rename the state, following the approval of a similar proposal for Kerala.

What Does Keeladi Tell Us About Our Civilisation?

What Does Keeladi Tell Us About Our Civilisation?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'Archaeological sites like Keeladi, having remained buried for 2,500 years, have come out and speak now.'

14 Gorgeous Places For Lovers

14 Gorgeous Places For Lovers

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Look for love in the right places!

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

IIT prof booked after PhD student dies during excavation

IIT prof booked after PhD student dies during excavation

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

An IIT Delhi professor has been booked for alleged negligence following the death of a PhD student during excavation work near the archaeological site of Lothal in Gujarat. The incident occurred in November 2024 when the student, Surabhi Verma, died after a 10-foot deep excavation pit collapsed on her while she and her professor, Yama Dixit, were collecting soil samples. The FIR was registered based on a complaint by the student's father, alleging that Dixit's negligence led to Verma's death. Dixit has been charged with causing death by negligence and endangering life. The investigation revealed that the team was unaware of the high water level beneath the visible dry soil, and had not informed police or local authorities before starting the excavation.

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If at all human beings require a religion, the future religion will be Hinduism.'

10 Most-Visited Monuments Of India

10 Most-Visited Monuments Of India

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Learn about the historical spots in India most visited by domestic tourists.

Bhojshala sees peace as Hindus perform puja, Muslim offer namaaz

Bhojshala sees peace as Hindus perform puja, Muslim offer namaaz

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Peace prevailed at the disputed 11th-century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Friday as Hindus performed puja to mark Basant Panchami festival while Muslims offered namaaz within the same premises but at a different location.