Daily Current Affairs : 26-March-2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently made a widespread decision to delist 18 centrally protected monuments. This move marks the first large-scale delisting in decades, reducing the number of monuments under ASI’s care from 3,693 to 3,675. This essay will explore the reasons behind this choice, the monuments affected, and the consequences for conservation and urban development.

Reasons for Delisting

The ASI’s decision to delist these monuments stems from a thorough assessment of their national importance. The criteria used for this evaluation are based on the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. Monuments were deemed unworthy of continued protection due to:

  • Lack of Historical Significance: Many of these monuments do not hold significant cultural or historical value.
  • Untraceable Locations: The ASI identified these sites as ‘untraceable’ because their precise locations or current conditions are unknown.

Affected Monuments

Among the 18 monuments being delisted, several notable sites include:

  • Kos Minar No. 13: A medieval highway milestone located in Haryana.
  • Barakhamba Cemetery: An important historical cemetery in Delhi.
  • Telia Nala Buddhist Ruins: Ancient ruins in Varanasi that hold some archaeological interest.

Implications of Delisting

The delisting of these monuments carries important implications:

  • Loss of Protection: Once delisted, these sites will no longer receive conservation or protection from the ASI.
  • Urban Development: The removal of protection allows for potential construction and urbanization in these areas, which may lead to the further loss of historical sites.

Important Points:

  • ASI’s Delisting Decision: 18 centrally protected monuments have been delisted, marking the first large-scale delisting in decades.
  • Reduction in Monuments: The total number of monuments under ASI’s care has decreased from 3,693 to 3,675.
  • Criteria for Delisting: The decision follows the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
  • Untraceable Sites: Many delisted monuments are considered ‘untraceable’ due to unknown locations or conditions.
  • Notable Affected Monuments:
    • Kos Minar No. 13: A medieval milestone in Haryana.
    • Barakhamba Cemetery: A significant cemetery in Delhi.
    • Telia Nala Buddhist Ruins: Ancient ruins in Varanasi.
  • Implications of Delisting:
    • Loss of Protection: Delisted sites will no longer receive conservation or protection from ASI.
    • Urban Development Opportunities: The removal of protection allows for construction and urbanization in these areas, risking further loss of historical sites.

Why In News

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 centrally protected monuments due to their assessed lack of national importance, reflecting a strategic shift in prioritizing resources for sites that hold greater cultural and historical significance.

MCQs about ASI’s Landmark Delisting of Monuments

  1. What recent action did the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) take regarding monuments?
    A. They added new monuments to the list.
    B. They delisted 18 centrally protected monuments.
    C. They restored several ancient sites.
    D. They increased funding for all monuments.
    Correct Answer: B. They delisted 18 centrally protected monuments.
    Explanation: The ASI made a significant decision to delist 18 monuments, marking the first large-scale delisting in decades.
  2. Which criteria were used by the ASI to determine the delisting of monuments?
    A. Historical significance and public interest.
    B. Age of the monuments and tourist potential.
    C. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
    D. Local community involvement and funding availability.
    Correct Answer: C. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
    Explanation: The ASI’s decision followed the criteria set out in this Act, assessing the national importance of the monuments.
  3. Which of the following monuments was NOT mentioned as part of the delisted sites?
    A. Kos Minar No. 13
    B. Barakhamba Cemetery
    C. Taj Mahal
    D. Telia Nala Buddhist Ruins
    Correct Answer: C. Taj Mahal
    Explanation: The Taj Mahal was not mentioned in the essay as part of the delisted monuments; it remains a significant heritage site.
  4. What is one implication of delisting these monuments?
    A. Increased government funding for restoration.
    B. Enhanced conservation efforts by local communities.
    C. Loss of protection and potential urban development in those areas.
    D. A rise in tourism to the delisted sites.
    Correct Answer: C. Loss of protection and potential urban development in those areas.
    Explanation: Delisting means these sites will no longer receive conservation or protection from the ASI, allowing for construction and urbanization.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading