India’s archaeologists have decoded a 5th-century seal rewriting what we know about ancient Shaivite traditions. The Archaeological Survey of India’s epigraphy division has deciphered a rare Sanskrit inscription written in Brahmi script.


Archaeological Survey Of India Decodes 5th Century Sanskrit Seal

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun the long-awaited process of removing sand from the sanctum sanctorum of the Konark Sun Temple, marking a major milestone in the structural conservation of the 13th-century monument. The operation commenced on Monday with the construction of a 4 ft × 4 ft tunnel on the western side of the sanctum’s first platform, following prior examinations of the stone wall’s condition.


ASI Begins Sand Removal Process From Konark Sun Temple’s Sanctum After 122 Years 

The Archaeological Survey of India has launched a new phase of underwater exploration of the coast of Dwarka. The primary goal of the ASI's exploration is to discover what is believed to be a 4,000-year-old planned city of Dwarka.

India: ASI launches fresh exploration in Dwarka

The Supreme Court of India slammed The Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) for illegally occupying the 600-year-old tomb of a Muslim aristocrat, Shaikh Ali, and converting it into an office.

The Supreme Court of India slammed The Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) for illegally occupying the 600-year-old tomb of a Muslim aristocrat, Shaikh Ali, and converting it into an office. “You’ve been occupying that place and running your little fiefdom sitting in the air-conditioned office. And not even paying rent," the judges were reported saying by The Times. According to the enquiry report submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the colony association bricked up the original stones of the tomb and repainted the walls. It had also installed electricity and plumbing along with a modern lavatory block, shed and air-conditioner, put tiling on the floor and fitted aluminium doors, a water tank, a false ceiling, and all this without any legal permission. The association reportedly protested saying it had been using the tomb to deal with the municipal problems of local residents since 1990. But judges slammed their protest calling it "foolish" justification. Also read | Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur The court slammed both the DCWA and the Archaeological Survey of India for allowing the tomb to be treated that way. According to The Times, experts said the case is an example of "land grabbing" by private individuals who illegally occupy public or extend their residential or business premises. “It’s a sense of entitlement that allows people to do this to public monuments. There are even cases where people have started living inside these ancient tombs,” historian Swapna Liddle told The Times. ASI's Changed Stance In August 2024, the court directed the CBI to launch an enquiry into the illegal takeover of the tomb and the inaction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI said that if there is an alteration or addition to a monument, it is not considered protected because the purpose of ASI is to protect a structure that is in its original form only. Also read | WhatsApp wedding invitations are scamming people, hacking phones. Here's how to stay safe But the CBI pointed out in its report that there is no such provision. (With inputs from agencies)

'How dare you?': Indian Supreme Court slams Delhi residents for illegally occupying 15th-century tomb

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started investigating a historical site in rural Madhya Pradesh where they believe the country's oldest Hindu temple could be found.

Archaeologists try to unearth ‘India’s oldest temple’ in Madhya Pradesh

&nbsp;In response to the Right to Information (RTI) query, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) claimed that a temple at the site of Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex was demolished by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for building a mosque in Mathura district in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

According to a report published by The Times Of India, the ASI mentioned the information which was based on historical records of a 1920 gazette.

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In the RTI reply, the ASI attached an excerpt from the November 1920 gazette which stated, “Portions of Katra mound which are not in the possession of nazul tenants on which formerly stood a temple of Keshavdev which was dismantled and the site utilised for the mosque of Aurangzeb…”

<h2>Advocate plans to move Allahabad High Court&nbsp;</h2>

A resident of Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Pratap Singh, filed the RTI query and the reply came from a superintending archaeologist of ASI, Agra circle.

Singh had appealed for information regarding the “dismantling” of the Keshavdev temple, which has been said to be a part of the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex.&nbsp;

The ASI, in its RTI reply, did not specifically mention the words “Krishna Janmabhoomi” but confirmed that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb carried out the demolition of the former temple of Keshavdev which was located at the disputed site.&nbsp;

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Speaking to TOI, chief of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh said that he will submit the key evidence to Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court.

“On the basis of historical evidence, we had in our petition mentioned that Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1670 CE to demolish the temple. Following that, Shahi Idgah Mosque was built there. Now ASI in reply to the RTI query has attested the information. We’ll put forward ASI reply in HC during the Feb 22 hearing,” he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In response to the Right to Information (RTI) query, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) claimed that a temple at the site of Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex was demolished by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for building a mosque in Mathura district in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

In response to the Right to Information (RTI) query, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) claimed that a temple at the site of Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex was demolished by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for building a mosque in Mathura district in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. According to a report published by The Times Of India, the ASI mentioned the information which was based on historical records of a 1920 gazette. Also read: Ram Lalla's eyes were sculpted in just 20 minutes, Arun Yogiraj tells WION In the RTI reply, the ASI attached an excerpt from the November 1920 gazette which stated, “Portions of Katra mound which are not in the possession of nazul tenants on which formerly stood a temple of Keshavdev which was dismantled and the site utilised for the mosque of Aurangzeb…” Advocate plans to move Allahabad High Court A resident of Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Pratap Singh, filed the RTI query and the reply came from a superintending archaeologist of ASI, Agra circle. Singh had appealed for information regarding the “dismantling” of the Keshavdev temple, which has been said to be a part of the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex. The ASI, in its RTI reply, did not specifically mention the words “Krishna Janmabhoomi” but confirmed that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb carried out the demolition of the former temple of Keshavdev which was located at the disputed site. Watch: Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Moment Ram Lalla's face unveiled Speaking to TOI, chief of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh said that he will submit the key evidence to Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court. “On the basis of historical evidence, we had in our petition mentioned that Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1670 CE to demolish the temple. Following that, Shahi Idgah Mosque was built there. Now ASI in reply to the RTI query has attested the information. We’ll put forward ASI reply in HC during the Feb 22 hearing,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Aurangzeb razed Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, says ASI in RTI reply

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey'&nbsp;report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

The next hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, but it's unclear whether or not the 1,000-page document by ASI will be shared with either side - the Hindu&nbsp;and the Muslim side.&nbsp;

The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, a holy place and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed by Aurangzeb in 1669 and the Hindu side claims that the mosque was built after demolishing an ancient temple of Shiva deity.&nbsp;

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Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, who is representing the Hindu petitioners, said, "The report in sealed cover was placed before the court by the ASI's standing counsel Amit Srivastava."&nbsp;

A site survey was launched after the Allahabad High Court upheld the Varanasi court order, stating that the survey was "necessary in the interest of justice". It added that the survey would benefit both sides in the dispute.&nbsp;

The Muslim side has opposed a public report, but advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi survey case, said that the "report cannot be filed in a sealed cover". He said, "ASI has violated the Supreme Court order."&nbsp;

"We've filed our petition before the court that the copy of the ASI report should be made available in the public domain and this issue will be raised during the hearing on December 21," Jain added.&nbsp;

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<h2>Krishna Janmabhoomi case&nbsp;</h2>

In another temple-related case, the Allahabad High Court on Monday reserved its order on the plea filed by the Muslim side seeking an adjournment of the scientific survey on the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura, another popular religious city in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

This comes after the High Court last week allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah premises, which adjoins the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura.&nbsp;

The court has approved a commission to inspect Mathura's disputed mosque and the survey will be carried out by three appointed commissioners who are advocates.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey' report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey' report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. The next hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, but it's unclear whether or not the 1,000-page document by ASI will be shared with either side - the Hindu and the Muslim side. The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, a holy place and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed by Aurangzeb in 1669 and the Hindu side claims that the mosque was built after demolishing an ancient temple of Shiva deity. Also read: PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, who is representing the Hindu petitioners, said, "The report in sealed cover was placed before the court by the ASI's standing counsel Amit Srivastava." A site survey was launched after the Allahabad High Court upheld the Varanasi court order, stating that the survey was "necessary in the interest of justice". It added that the survey would benefit both sides in the dispute. The Muslim side has opposed a public report, but advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi survey case, said that the "report cannot be filed in a sealed cover". He said, "ASI has violated the Supreme Court order." "We've filed our petition before the court that the copy of the ASI report should be made available in the public domain and this issue will be raised during the hearing on December 21," Jain added. Also read: Parliament of India suspends 78 opposition MPs in single day of winter session Watch: India's EAM Jaishankar to review agreements across sectors with Russia × Krishna Janmabhoomi case In another temple-related case, the Allahabad High Court on Monday reserved its order on the plea filed by the Muslim side seeking an adjournment of the scientific survey on the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura, another popular religious city in Uttar Pradesh. This comes after the High Court last week allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah premises, which adjoins the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The court has approved a commission to inspect Mathura's disputed mosque and the survey will be carried out by three appointed commissioners who are advocates. (With inputs from agencies)

India: ASI submits sealed cover report on scientific survey of ‘disputed’ Gyanvapi Mosque

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. 
 
Five members of the Muslim side also participated in the survey. Its advocate Tauheed Khan said advocates of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Akhlaq and Mumtaz accompanied the survey team. The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday. 
 
Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who was with the ASI survey team during the day-long exercise a day before as well, on Saturday said the team started work in the morning and it would continue at 5 pm. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-dismisses-muslim-plea-challenging-scientific-survey-of-gyanvapi-mosque-622350">India's top court dismisses Muslim plea challenging scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque</a> 
 
Lawyer for the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi claimed, "Not idols, but fragments of idols have been found in the debris. We are quite hopeful that idols will also be recovered... The Intezamia Masjid Committee is cooperating... They gave the keys which they were not giving earlier." 
 
Another lawyer of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan told reporters that the ASI team is examining the central hall under the main dome. 
 
Late on Friday night, joint secretary of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Muhammad Yasin said in a letter that they would cooperate in the survey work, honouring the orders of the Supreme Court.

 
"Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's orders refusing to stay the survey work, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid has unanimously decided that while honouring the orders of the Supreme Court, it will cooperate with the ASI in the survey work," he said. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-asi-resumes-scientific-survey-of-gyanvapi-mosque-complex-622186">India: ASI resumes scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex</a> 
 
"It is hoped that the orders of the honourable court will be impartially complied with, and our mosque will not be damaged. Along with this, our religious rights will remain protected as per previous orders of the court," Yasin said, appealing to people to maintain peace. 
 
A team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) is assisting the ASI in the survey work. 
 
IIT-K Director Abhay Karandikar told PTI over the phone that a team from the institute's Earth Sciences department are in Varanasi and Professor Javed N Malik of the department will join soon after returning to the country. 
 
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Court order on the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, an exercise that the Muslim side says will "reopen wounds of the past".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-high-court-allows-asis-survey-in-gyanvapi-mosque-complex-621892">Allahabad High Court allows ASI to survey Gyanvapi mosque complex</a> 
 
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he hoped that the floodgates for a "thousand Babris" (Babri Masjid) will not be opened after the ASI reports are made public after the survey. 
 
"#Gyanvapi ASI reports are made public, who knows how things will pan out. One hopes that neither 23rd December nor 6th December will repeat. The observation of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya judgement regarding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act must not be dishonoured. The hope is that the floodgates for a thousand Babris will not be opened," he tweeted. 
 
The apex court bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-muslims-approach-indias-top-court-to-contest-ruling-allowing-asi-survey-622014">Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey</a> 
 
This ruled out excavations, which the Varanasi court had said can be conducted if necessary. 
 
The Supreme Court's nod on Friday came just hours after an ASI team had already resumed the detailed scientific survey ordered by the Varanasi district court on July 21. 
 
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had challenged the district court's order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed its petition on Thursday. The Muslim body then quickly approached the Supreme Court. 
 
On Friday, the Varanasi court also granted the ASI an additional month to complete the survey, extending its original deadline from Friday to September 4.

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. Five members of the Muslim side also participated in the survey. Its advocate Tauheed Khan said advocates of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Akhlaq and Mumtaz accompanied the survey team. The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday. Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who was with the ASI survey team during the day-long exercise a day before as well, on Saturday said the team started work in the morning and it would continue at 5 pm. ALSO READ | India's top court dismisses Muslim plea challenging scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque Lawyer for the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi claimed, "Not idols, but fragments of idols have been found in the debris. We are quite hopeful that idols will also be recovered... The Intezamia Masjid Committee is cooperating... They gave the keys which they were not giving earlier." Another lawyer of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan told reporters that the ASI team is examining the central hall under the main dome. Late on Friday night, joint secretary of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Muhammad Yasin said in a letter that they would cooperate in the survey work, honouring the orders of the Supreme Court. "Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's orders refusing to stay the survey work, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid has unanimously decided that while honouring the orders of the Supreme Court, it will cooperate with the ASI in the survey work," he said. ALSO READ | India: ASI resumes scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex "It is hoped that the orders of the honourable court will be impartially complied with, and our mosque will not be damaged. Along with this, our religious rights will remain protected as per previous orders of the court," Yasin said, appealing to people to maintain peace. A team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) is assisting the ASI in the survey work. IIT-K Director Abhay Karandikar told PTI over the phone that a team from the institute's Earth Sciences department are in Varanasi and Professor Javed N Malik of the department will join soon after returning to the country. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Court order on the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, an exercise that the Muslim side says will "reopen wounds of the past". ALSO READ | Allahabad High Court allows ASI to survey Gyanvapi mosque complex AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he hoped that the floodgates for a "thousand Babris" (Babri Masjid) will not be opened after the ASI reports are made public after the survey. "#Gyanvapi ASI reports are made public, who knows how things will pan out. One hopes that neither 23rd December nor 6th December will repeat. The observation of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya judgement regarding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act must not be dishonoured. The hope is that the floodgates for a thousand Babris will not be opened," he tweeted. The apex court bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey. ALSO READ | Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey This ruled out excavations, which the Varanasi court had said can be conducted if necessary. The Supreme Court's nod on Friday came just hours after an ASI team had already resumed the detailed scientific survey ordered by the Varanasi district court on July 21. The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had challenged the district court's order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed its petition on Thursday. The Muslim body then quickly approached the Supreme Court. On Friday, the Varanasi court also granted the ASI an additional month to complete the survey, extending its original deadline from Friday to September 4. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: ASI conducts scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex for second day

Indian High Court has allowed the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in the city of Varanasi and rejected the Muslim side's plea challenging the survey. There is a legal battle going on over the mosque as it is claimed that it used to be a temple earlier.

India: Allahabad High Court gives nod to ASI for Gyanvapi Mosque's survey, top court to hear plea

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Why is Taj Mahal turning green? ASI has the answer. While, AI discovers new planet beyond our solar system

Why is Taj Mahal turning green? AI discovers new planet beyond our solar system

After parts of the Taj Mahal were stained due to insect droppings, ASI finds a solution, and treated affected areas with water & cotton.

Taj Mahal turns green due to insect droppings

Concerns over the Taj Mahal's changing colours have been coming up for several years now. Due to the polluted river Yamuna flowing next to Agra's iconic Taj Mahal, ASI finds solution to preserve the heritage site. Watch this to know more.

Iconic Taj Mahal turning green due to insects; ASI gives solution

Marking a historic first, Agra Municipal Corporation has sent notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting payment of Rs 1.9 crore in water tax and Rs 1.47 lakh in property&nbsp;tax on the Taj Mahal. The monument was designated as protected in 1920, and as a result, this request for a tax from the municipal corporation is generating a discussion.

What do the bills say?

The invoices relate to the fiscal years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. According to the notification given to the ASI, the unpaid property tax as of 31 March, 2022, was Rs 88,784, plus Rs 47,983 in interest. For the fiscal year 2022–2023, a property tax of Rs 11,098 has been added, bringing the total to Rs 14,7826, which must be paid within 15 days. ASI has been instructed to pay any outstanding debts within the next 15 days; else, the Taj Mahal would be "attached" if the tax is not paid on time. The notice also contains interest for prior tax obligations that were unpaid.&nbsp;

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How has the ASI responded to it?

While speaking to media outlets, ASI superintending archaeologist Raj Kumar Patel said, "property tax is not applicable on monuments. We are also not liable to pay taxes for water as there is no commercial use of it. Water is used to maintain greenery within the premises. Notices related to water and property tax for Taj Mahal have been received for the first time. It could have been sent by mistake."

He also added that if the AMC wants house tax on the Taj Mahal, it should raise the demand to the central government. R K Patel is now reportedly consulting ASI directorate for guidance over the issue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber secretary Vishal Sharma has also made a comment over water and house tax issue on Taj Mahal. Given that the Taj Mahal is a central government property and a World Heritage Site, he claimed that the tax recovery notification is incomprehensible. According to Sharma, the mayor of Agra needs to explain why the Taj Mahal was used as the subject of this notification.

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Municipal Commissioner

Making a remark over the issue, Municipal commissioner Nikhil T Funde said, "I am not aware about the tax-related proceedings related to the Taj Mahal. Fresh notices are being issued based on the statewide geographic information system (GIS) survey conducted for calculation of taxes. All premises, including government buildings and religious sites, have been issued notices based on dues pending on them. Rebate is provided following due process of law. In the case of notices issued to ASI, required action will be taken on the basis of response received from them."

Assistant municipal commissioner and in-charge of the Tajganj zone, Sarita Singh, said the matter related to notices issued for water and property tax on the Taj Mahal is being investigated. "A private company has been tasked to realise tax on the basis of a GIS survey," she added.&nbsp;

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Other similar notices&nbsp;

A similar notice has been sent to Itmad-ud-Daulah, which is also an ASI-protected monument.&nbsp;

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Marking a historic first, Agra Municipal Corporation has sent notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting payment of Rs 1.9 crore in water tax and Rs 1.

Marking a historic first, Agra Municipal Corporation has sent notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting payment of Rs 1.9 crore in water tax and Rs 1.47 lakh in property tax on the Taj Mahal. The monument was designated as protected in 1920, and as a result, this request for a tax from the municipal corporation is generating a discussion. What do the bills say? The invoices relate to the fiscal years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. According to the notification given to the ASI, the unpaid property tax as of 31 March, 2022, was Rs 88,784, plus Rs 47,983 in interest. For the fiscal year 2022–2023, a property tax of Rs 11,098 has been added, bringing the total to Rs 14,7826, which must be paid within 15 days. ASI has been instructed to pay any outstanding debts within the next 15 days; else, the Taj Mahal would be "attached" if the tax is not paid on time. The notice also contains interest for prior tax obligations that were unpaid. ALSO READ | What on earth! Male mason wasps can attack predators with their genitalia, study shows How has the ASI responded to it? While speaking to media outlets, ASI superintending archaeologist Raj Kumar Patel said, "property tax is not applicable on monuments. We are also not liable to pay taxes for water as there is no commercial use of it. Water is used to maintain greenery within the premises. Notices related to water and property tax for Taj Mahal have been received for the first time. It could have been sent by mistake." He also added that if the AMC wants house tax on the Taj Mahal, it should raise the demand to the central government. R K Patel is now reportedly consulting ASI directorate for guidance over the issue. Meanwhile, Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber secretary Vishal Sharma has also made a comment over water and house tax issue on Taj Mahal. Given that the Taj Mahal is a central government property and a World Heritage Site, he claimed that the tax recovery notification is incomprehensible. According to Sharma, the mayor of Agra needs to explain why the Taj Mahal was used as the subject of this notification. ALSO READ | Ready to sign off: Dust on Mars chokes InSight rover as it sends what might be its last image Municipal Commissioner Making a remark over the issue, Municipal commissioner Nikhil T Funde said, "I am not aware about the tax-related proceedings related to the Taj Mahal. Fresh notices are being issued based on the statewide geographic information system (GIS) survey conducted for calculation of taxes. All premises, including government buildings and religious sites, have been issued notices based on dues pending on them. Rebate is provided following due process of law. In the case of notices issued to ASI, required action will be taken on the basis of response received from them." Assistant municipal commissioner and in-charge of the Tajganj zone, Sarita Singh, said the matter related to notices issued for water and property tax on the Taj Mahal is being investigated. "A private company has been tasked to realise tax on the basis of a GIS survey," she added. WATCH | Amber Heard to settle defamation claims against her filed by ex-husband Johnny Deep Other similar notices A similar notice has been sent to Itmad-ud-Daulah, which is also an ASI-protected monument. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a historic first, tax notice on Taj Mahal

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday.

Earlier in June, the ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place.

As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis.

The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities.

In a tweet, Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said, "I have taken a decision along with the ministry of culture and the ASI to open all monuments from July 6."

This, however, will be done with the compliance of the state and district administration. 
The culture ministry issued a set of protocols, saying only those monuments which are in non-containment zones will be reopened.

Entry tickets shall be issued by e-mode and only e-payments will be acceptable at the monument parking and cafeteria.

"There will be a cap on the number of visitors in select monuments... The visitors shall follow social distancing. The use of face cover/mask is mandatory. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene and thermal scanning provisions. Only asymptomatic persons are allowed.&nbsp;

There shall be designated routes for entry &amp; exit and movement within the monument," according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry.

The visiting hours have been divided into two slots with visitors at most monuments being capped at 1000 per slot depending upon the footfall they receive, the SOP said.

While the visitors at Taj Mahal in Agra have been capped at 2500 per slot, at Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort, a maximum of 1500 visitors will be allowed per slot.

At the Agra Fort in Agra and Sun Temple in Bhubneshwar, visitors have been capped at 1200-1300 per slot.

At the entrance of every monument /site, all visitors shall share their phone numbers with the person designated for the purpose by the ASI to help in contact tracing if and when required.

The ASI can restrict access to vulnerable and interior parts of any monument while visitors shall be asked to stick to the time limits inside the monument, as far as possible, the ministry said.

No group photography and food or eatables shall be allowed inside the premises, it said.

"Cleaning and sanitisation of monuments and museums including toilet blocks, benches and frequently used surfaces shall be done at regular intervals," it said.

According to sources, the culture ministry will also open it museums from July 6.&nbsp;

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday.

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday. Earlier in June, the ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place. As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis. The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities. In a tweet, Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said, "I have taken a decision along with the ministry of culture and the ASI to open all monuments from July 6." This, however, will be done with the compliance of the state and district administration. The culture ministry issued a set of protocols, saying only those monuments which are in non-containment zones will be reopened. Entry tickets shall be issued by e-mode and only e-payments will be acceptable at the monument parking and cafeteria. "There will be a cap on the number of visitors in select monuments... The visitors shall follow social distancing. The use of face cover/mask is mandatory. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene and thermal scanning provisions. Only asymptomatic persons are allowed. There shall be designated routes for entry & exit and movement within the monument," according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry. The visiting hours have been divided into two slots with visitors at most monuments being capped at 1000 per slot depending upon the footfall they receive, the SOP said. While the visitors at Taj Mahal in Agra have been capped at 2500 per slot, at Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort, a maximum of 1500 visitors will be allowed per slot. At the Agra Fort in Agra and Sun Temple in Bhubneshwar, visitors have been capped at 1200-1300 per slot. At the entrance of every monument /site, all visitors shall share their phone numbers with the person designated for the purpose by the ASI to help in contact tracing if and when required. The ASI can restrict access to vulnerable and interior parts of any monument while visitors shall be asked to stick to the time limits inside the monument, as far as possible, the ministry said. No group photography and food or eatables shall be allowed inside the premises, it said. "Cleaning and sanitisation of monuments and museums including toilet blocks, benches and frequently used surfaces shall be done at regular intervals," it said. According to sources, the culture ministry will also open it museums from July 6.

ASI monuments to be reopened from July 6; visitors to be capped, masks mandatory

Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently discovered a 9th-century era monolithic sandstone Shiv Ling during their on-going conservation project in the Cham Temple Complex, Vietnam.&nbsp;

The Shiva Ling was excavated at Mỹ Sơn in Quang Nam province of Vietnam. After the Shiva Linga was unearthed, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called it &nbsp;“a great cultural example of India’s development partnership”. He even lauded India and Vietnam's "civilisational connect".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Reaffirming a civilisational connect. 
 
Monolithic sandstone Shiv Linga of 9th c CE is latest find in ongoing conservation project. Applaud <a href="https://twitter.com/ASIGoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASIGoI</a> team for their work at Cham Temple Complex, My Son, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vietnam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vietnam</a>. Warmly recall my visit there in 2011. <a href="https://t.co/7FHDB6NAxz">pic.twitter.com/7FHDB6NAxz</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1265520811546488833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Vietnam's Cham Temple is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. According to reports, the temple was built during the reign of King Indravarman II, a ruler of the Khmer Empire.

According to HT's report, a four-member team from the ASI has restored temples in two separate groups at the complex and is now working on the third group of temples. and an official told the HT that six other Shiv Ling's were also found in the Mỹ Sơn temple complex.&nbsp;

Earlier, Carvings on sandstone and a Shivling have been found during the land levelling work at Ram Janmabhoomi here, said Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust.

"Debris is being removed and land being levelled at Ram Janmabhoomi since past 10 days. We have discovered pillars in the debris of the structure and carvings on sandstone. Found a Shivling there and a similar one at Kuber Teela," Champat Rai said.

Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently discovered a 9th-century era monolithic sandstone Shiv Ling during their on-going conservation project in the Cham Temple Complex, Vietnam.

Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently discovered a 9th-century era monolithic sandstone Shiv Ling during their on-going conservation project in the Cham Temple Complex, Vietnam. The Shiva Ling was excavated at Mỹ Sơn in Quang Nam province of Vietnam. After the Shiva Linga was unearthed, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called it “a great cultural example of India’s development partnership”. He even lauded India and Vietnam's "civilisational connect". Reaffirming a civilisational connect. Monolithic sandstone Shiv Linga of 9th c CE is latest find in ongoing conservation project. Applaud @ASIGoI team for their work at Cham Temple Complex, My Son, #Vietnam. Warmly recall my visit there in 2011. pic.twitter.com/7FHDB6NAxz — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 27, 2020 × Vietnam's Cham Temple is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. According to reports, the temple was built during the reign of King Indravarman II, a ruler of the Khmer Empire. According to HT's report, a four-member team from the ASI has restored temples in two separate groups at the complex and is now working on the third group of temples. and an official told the HT that six other Shiv Ling's were also found in the Mỹ Sơn temple complex. Earlier, Carvings on sandstone and a Shivling have been found during the land levelling work at Ram Janmabhoomi here, said Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust. "Debris is being removed and land being levelled at Ram Janmabhoomi since past 10 days. We have discovered pillars in the debris of the structure and carvings on sandstone. Found a Shivling there and a similar one at Kuber Teela," Champat Rai said.

Archeological Survey of India unearths 1100-year-old Shiv linga in Vietnam; Jaishankar calls it 'civilisational connect'

A group of Nihang Sikhs got into a scuffle with policemen at Patiala vegetable market, they attacked and chopped off a hand of an assiatant sub-inspector and injured other cop, a station house officer. The incident took place at around 6:15 am on Sunday (April 12) morning outside a wholesale vegetable market in Sanaur town in Punjab.

India: Police officer's hand chopped off in Punjab

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist.

Incidentally, the written response from ASI, dated October 10, is divergent from the Centre's version in the Supreme Court in April 2016.

The Kohinoor diamond, estimated to cost over US $200 million, was neither stolen nor "forcibly" taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab, the government had told the top court.

Rohit Sabharwal Tuesday said he had filed an RTI query about a month ago, seeking the answer from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "I did not know that the query was forwarded to the ASI, which eventually responded to the query."

"As per the records kept in the National Archives of India, New Delhi... the Lahore treaty held between Lord Dalhousie and Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, Kohinoor diamond was surrendered by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England," according to the reply.

Kohinoor, which means 'Mountain of Light', is a large, colourless diamond that was found in Southern India in early 14th century. The precious gem, which came into British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and claimed by at least four countries, including India.

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist.

The 108-carat Kohinoor diamond was "surrendered" by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England and "not handed over" to the British nearly 170 years ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said in reply to an RTI query by a Ludhiana-based activist. Incidentally, the written response from ASI, dated October 10, is divergent from the Centre's version in the Supreme Court in April 2016. The Kohinoor diamond, estimated to cost over US $200 million, was neither stolen nor "forcibly" taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab, the government had told the top court. Rohit Sabharwal Tuesday said he had filed an RTI query about a month ago, seeking the answer from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). "I did not know that the query was forwarded to the ASI, which eventually responded to the query." "As per the records kept in the National Archives of India, New Delhi... the Lahore treaty held between Lord Dalhousie and Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, Kohinoor diamond was surrendered by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England," according to the reply. Kohinoor, which means 'Mountain of Light', is a large, colourless diamond that was found in Southern India in early 14th century. The precious gem, which came into British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and claimed by at least four countries, including India.

Kohinoor 'surrendered', not stolen: Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will permit visitors to spend only three hours at the Taj Mahal, to ease rush and control pollution.

According to a notice issued by the ASI, the new system will become operational from Sunday (April 1).

At present, visitors can spend any amount of time till the monument is closed every evening.

Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed at the Mughal-era monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On weekends and holidays, the mausoleum is visited by more than 50,000 people. The number of children visiting the site is not recorded, as entry is free for those under 15 years.

ASI officials said the new system will take a few days to streamline and more staffer will be deployed for checking tickets for time restriction. Those spending extra time at the site will have to pay extra amount, they said.

Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will permit visitors to spend only three hours at the Taj Mahal, to ease rush and control pollution. According to a notice issued by the ASI, the new system will become operational from Sunday (April 1). At present, visitors can spend any amount of time till the monument is closed every evening. Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed at the Mughal-era monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On weekends and holidays, the mausoleum is visited by more than 50,000 people. The number of children visiting the site is not recorded, as entry is free for those under 15 years. ASI officials said the new system will take a few days to streamline and more staffer will be deployed for checking tickets for time restriction. Those spending extra time at the site will have to pay extra amount, they said.

From April 1, you can spend only 3 hours at Taj Mahal

A shocking incident surfaced in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh Saturday wherein an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) took his life by hanging himself from a wireless tower.

The incident took place in Ashoknagar, Bhopal and is believed to be an alleged case of harassment.

ASI&#39;s superiors, including the district superintendent of police, are now under the scanner for further investigations.

The suicide note found in the ASI&#39;s pocket names people linked to his harassment.&nbsp;

Going by the suicide note, the superintendent of police had stopped his (ASI&#39;s) salary on his inability to produce &#39;police diary&#39;.

His increments and salary were long due. The note also names two more officials and revealed that the victim also suffered mentally. &nbsp;

A couple of policemen have been suspended; a CID inquiry and a magisterial probe have been ordered to further investigate the matter.&nbsp;

The suicide was attempted around 6am on Saturday, December 23.

The incident took place in Ashoknagar, Bhopal

A shocking incident surfaced in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh Saturday wherein an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) took his life by hanging himself from a wireless tower. The incident took place in Ashoknagar, Bhopal and is believed to be an alleged case of harassment. ASI's superiors, including the district superintendent of police, are now under the scanner for further investigations. The suicide note found in the ASI's pocket names people linked to his harassment. Going by the suicide note, the superintendent of police had stopped his (ASI's) salary on his inability to produce 'police diary'. His increments and salary were long due. The note also names two more officials and revealed that the victim also suffered mentally. A couple of policemen have been suspended; a CID inquiry and a magisterial probe have been ordered to further investigate the matter. The suicide was attempted around 6am on Saturday, December 23.

Bhopal: Police official blames superiors for harassment, commits suicide

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