News for 'archaeological sites'

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."

US VP Vance in Jaipur; to visit Amber Fort, deliver lecture at RIC

US VP Vance in Jaipur; to visit Amber Fort, deliver lecture at RIC

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

US Vice President J D Vance visited Jaipur, India, as part of his trip to the country. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and discussed strengthening US-India cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and technology. In Jaipur, Vance is scheduled to deliver a lecture on US-India relations and visit the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visit is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Unique 'Buddha pendant' discovered at Mohenjo Daro after heavy rains

Unique 'Buddha pendant' discovered at Mohenjo Daro after heavy rains

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Believed to be of archaeological importance, the object was found in the Dikshit South area of Mohenjo-daro after a downpour on August 3, the Dawn newspaper reported.

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.

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.

MP villagers dig fields for treasure after watching Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

MP villagers dig fields for treasure after watching Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

The administration in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district has launched an investigation after people dug up land around Asirgarh fort in search of a hidden treasure. The rumour about the treasure is believed to have been sparked by the depiction of the fort in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer "Chhava". Authorities have warned that any coins found will be considered government property due to their archaeological importance.

Aurangzeb's tomb declared a 'no drone zone' amid violence

Aurangzeb's tomb declared a 'no drone zone' amid violence

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Amidst growing calls for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb at Khultabad in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, the administration has declared the area a 'no drone zone' and deployed additional security forces. The move comes after demonstrations and online posts demanding the tomb's removal, with some of these posts leading to violence in Nagpur. Authorities are actively monitoring and removing provocative content from social media platforms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

There's clearly no limit to how dramatic a wedding can be.

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has reopened after being locked for 45 years following communal riots. The district administration has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating of the temple, including a well on the premises. The temple is being guarded round the clock and worshippers have started visiting. The reopening of the temple has been met with gratitude from local residents, who have expressed their desire to reconnect with their heritage.

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

A stepwell, approximately 125 to 150 years old and covering an area of 400 square metres, was unearthed during excavation in the Laxman Ganj area of Chandausi in Sambhal, an official said.

Whitewashing of Sambhal mosque begins amid Hindu side's objection

Whitewashing of Sambhal mosque begins amid Hindu side's objection

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

The Allahabad high court on March 12 directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake and complete the whitewashing at the mosque within one week.

Disputed 'private well' near Sambhal mosque on govt land, UP tells SC

Disputed 'private well' near Sambhal mosque on govt land, UP tells SC

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that the disputed "private well" near the Mughal-era Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal was situated on public land. The state government said the petitioner failed to disclose there was a well within the boundary walls of the mosque known locally as "yagna koop". The committee, in a spot inspection, found that the well was situated outside the mosque boundary wall, the report said. The report said the state was committed to ensuring peace and harmony in the region and any restraint on the use of such public wells by the community at large may not help in achieving that goal.

Pompeii: How Life Changed In A Day

Pompeii: How Life Changed In A Day

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

'They were ahead of their times. We don't expect this from a civilisation of the first century AD.'

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.

Few visitors to ASI monuments after 3-month lockdown

Few visitors to ASI monuments after 3-month lockdown

Rediff.com7 Jul 2020

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which opened its monuments and museums on July 6 has capped visitor entry at every site from 1,000-2,500 per slot -- 9 am to 12 pm and 12 pm to 6 pm, officials said. Tickets to visit these places can be booked online.

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).

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.

'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!

Won't allow tungsten mining in Madurai, Stalin writes to Modi

Won't allow tungsten mining in Madurai, Stalin writes to Modi

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has strongly opposed the central government's award of tungsten mining rights in Madurai district, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the decision. Citing concerns about a biodiversity heritage site and potential impacts on local communities, Stalin asserted that the state government will not permit mining in the area.

Prayers offered at reopened temple in Sambhal

Prayers offered at reopened temple in Sambhal

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Devotees thronged the Khaggu Sarai area in Sambhal on Tuesday to offer prayers to an idol of Lord Hanuman that was discovered in the Bhasma Shankar temple, reopened last week after being shut for 46 years.

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque post violence, cites heritage status

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sought control and management of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, citing its status as a protected heritage structure. The request comes after violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the mosque, which was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The ASI has argued that unauthorized changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted. A three-member judicial commission has been formed to probe the violence and is expected to visit Sambhal on Sunday.

Outsiders barred as toll in Sambhal violence rises to 4

Outsiders barred as toll in Sambhal violence rises to 4

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The toll in the clashes between police and protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, rose to four following the death of one more injured person, officials said on Monday.

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.

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.

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court's 2023 order refusing to stay a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex has sparked claims over several other disputed places of worship across India. This has led to several court cases, including one in Mathura where a survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex was ordered, and another in Ajmer where a claim was made that a Shiva temple existed within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The article also highlights a dispute over the Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh, which Hindus consider a temple and Muslims consider a mosque. The Supreme Court's order has reignited debates about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the change of character of religious places as they existed on August 15, 1947.

SC orders status quo on well near Sambhal masjid

SC orders status quo on well near Sambhal masjid

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a status quo on a private well located near the entrance of the Sambhal Jama Masjid, prohibiting any action regarding the well without its permission. The order came in response to a plea by the mosque's management committee, which challenged a lower court order that allowed a survey of the mosque, citing concerns over violence and loss of life during previous surveys. The court also instructed the authorities to file a status report within two weeks.

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.

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.

Janhvi's EXOTIC Desert Holiday

Janhvi's EXOTIC Desert Holiday

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

The actor, who has been getting rave reviews for Mili, describes AlUla as 'a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage.'

'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 is Places of Worship Act and what does it say

What is Places of Worship Act and what does it say

Rediff.com18 May 2022

The Places of Worship Act is 'An Act to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto'.

Martand Sun temple puja attended by Sinha in Anantnag had no ASI nod

Martand Sun temple puja attended by Sinha in Anantnag had no ASI nod

Rediff.com9 May 2022

The puja, attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at the premises of the Archaeological Survey of India-protected Martand Sun temple in Anantnag, was in violation of rules and the issue has been raised with the UT administration, ASI officials said on Monday.

SC okays construction work at Puri Jagannath temple, slams litigants

SC okays construction work at Puri Jagannath temple, slams litigants

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

The Supreme Court on Friday said the construction activity being carried out by the Odisha government at the famed Shree Jagannath temple in Puri is necessary in the larger public interest as it dismissed pleas opposing the work.

'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.'

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A list of lesser-travelled destinations in India that you must explore this year!