Lok Sabha Question No. 3203 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-05
Subject: Destruction of Archaeological Sites
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: VIRENDRA  KUMAR, BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3203 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2016

## DESTRUCTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

## †  3203.  DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR: SHRI B SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether certain places of archaeological importance have been found while undertaking excavation work in the country during the last three years and if so, the details thereof, site and State-wise including Tamil Nadu;
- (b) whether the ASI has uncovered the existence of a factory like structure in Tamil Nadu which  could  be  related  to  the  Tamil  civilization  of  the  Sangam  period  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (c) whether the artefacts, jewel, implements, pots and the construction materials etc. found at  the  archaeological site  reveals the  existence  of  a  Harappa  like civilization  and also points towards ancient trade links;
- (d) whether the carbon dating of the articles has been done and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the ASI would house the said artefacts in museum in the site or any other place nearby and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether  several  important  archaeological  sites  found  during  excavation  are  getting destroyed  due  to  increasing  human  habitations  and  if  so,  the  steps  taken  by  the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(DR.  MAHESH SHARMA )

- (a) The  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  has  conducted  several  excavations  in  the various States/UT of the country during the last three years including the sites in Tamil Nadu. The details are at Annexure.
- (b) No, Madam. From discoveries made so far, it is not possible to make any such claim.
- (c) No, Madam. At this stage it is not possible make any such claim.
- (d) Palaeo-botanical and carbon samples collected from excavations have been dated by carbon dating method.
- (e) It is a policy matter and decisions are taken as per the out-come of excavation.
- (f) No,  Madam.  No  excavated  sites  are  getting  destroyed  due  to  increasing  human habitations.

## ANNEXURE STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED

## QUESTION NO. 3203 FOR 5.12.2016

STATEMENT  SHOWING  THE  EXCAVATION  CARRIED  OUT  BY  THE  ARCHAEOLOGIAL SURVEY OF INDIA DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS.

1. Ahichchhatra,  Village  -  Ramnagar,  Tehsil  -  Aonla,  District  -  Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh:    2013-14
2. Rajghat, District Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: 2013-14
3. Sarnath, District Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: 2013-14
4. Lauriya- Areraj, East Champaran, Bihar: 2013-14
5. Raja Bali Ka Garh (Balirajgarh), District Madhubani, Bihar : 2013-14
6. Purana Qila, New Delhi : 2013-14
7. Gelderia, Pulicat, District Thiruvallure, Tamil Nadu : 2013-14
8. Kayar, District Yavatmal, Maharashtra, 2014-15, Nagpur
9. Binjore,  District ,Shri Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan,2014-15 and 2015-16.
10. Rukministhan, District, Nalanda, Bihar, 2014-15 and 2015-16
11. Suabarei, District  Puri (Odisha) V, Bhubaneswar, 2014-15 and 2015-16.
12. Vadnagar, District, Mehsana, Gujarat, 2014-15 and 2015-16
13. Keeladi, District, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 2014-15 and 2015-16.
14. Vangchhia, District Champai, Mizoram- 2015-16