News for 'archaeological-survey-of-india'

Ancient well found under demolished mosque in Saharanpur

Ancient well found under demolished mosque in Saharanpur

Rediff.com4 days ago

A nearly 20-foot-deep well, estimated to be a century old, was discovered beneath the debris of a recently demolished mosque on the Saharanpur collectorate premises. The Archaeological Survey of India has been informed to assess its historical significance, while police remain deployed at the site.

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Ellora's Magnificent Kailasa Temple

Rediff.com23 hours ago

The magnificent Kailasa temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian engineering and artistic brilliance, carved meticulously from a single mountain.

UP rehabilitates 21 families from ASI-protected Saundhan Fort in Sambhal

UP rehabilitates 21 families from ASI-protected Saundhan Fort in Sambhal

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the rehabilitation of 21 families residing within the historic Saundhan Fort in Sambhal. Each family has been allotted a 100-square-meter plot, with special provisions for widows under the Chief Minister's Housing Scheme, as part of efforts to conserve the ASI-protected Mughal-era monument and promote tourism.

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

TN CM Vijay plans Rs 1,200 crore edifice to replace Fort St George

Rediff.com7 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced plans for a new Rs 1,200 crore Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex in Chennai, moving the administration from the historic Fort St George. The modern facility will house all state government departments, addressing space constraints and aiming for efficient governance. Additionally, the CM unveiled plans for a Tamil Nadu Olympic City and a Motor Sports City to boost sports infrastructure and tourism.

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.

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Tension near Taj Mahal as Hindu group attempts entry for religious rituals

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha were stopped by police while attempting to enter the Taj Mahal with kanwars to perform religious rituals, claiming the monument is a Shiva temple. They were redirected to a different temple to perform their worship.

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.com22 Jul 2026

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.

Friday namaaz offered at Bhojshala after SC order

Friday namaaz offered at Bhojshala after SC order

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at a site adjacent to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, following a High Court ruling that declared the complex a temple. This decision allowed prayers to resume after a previous ASI order was quashed.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MP challenges validity of 1935 princely order in Bhojshala case

MP challenges validity of 1935 princely order in Bhojshala case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has challenged the legal validity of a 1935 order from the former Dhar princely state concerning the religious status of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque, arguing it cannot be considered law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TN temple takeover by ASI: Court issues notice to govt on plea

TN temple takeover by ASI: Court issues notice to govt on plea

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, Tamil Nadu government, and others regarding a plea for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take over the Thirupparankundram temple and ensure daily lamp lighting on a stone pillar.

Red Fort 4th Most Visited Tourist Attraction

Red Fort 4th Most Visited Tourist Attraction

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Red Fort attracted 5 per cent of domestic tourists in FY25.

8 Monuments Most Visited By Foreign Tourists

8 Monuments Most Visited By Foreign Tourists

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Which were the most visited ASI sites by foreign tourists in 2024-2025 in India?

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

The Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Missing Cap

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'My colleague Naveen Bamel -- he is an advocate of the Supreme Court -- went to the museum at the Red Fort specifically to look for the cap.' 'He inquired with the ASI officials there, and nobody had a clue.' 'So I thought this is not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister.'

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.

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

US to return 3 ancient sculptures taken illegally from Indian temples

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Smithsonian will return three ancient bronze sculptures to India after evidence showed they were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples in the 1950s

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.

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.

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has filed a complaint seeking a ban on the film 'The Taj Story,' claiming it's based on his high court petition regarding the Taj Mahal.

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has filed a complaint seeking a ban on the film 'The Taj Story,' claiming it's based on his high court petition regarding the Taj Mahal.