What are Centrally Protected Monuments?What are Centrally Protected Monuments?

AMASR Act 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.

What are Centrally Protected Monuments?What are Centrally Protected Monuments?

Why in news?

  • The Ministry of Culture mentioned in its report titled ‘Issues relating to Untraceable Monuments and Protection of Monuments in India’ which was submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.

 

What are Centrally Protected Monuments?

  • The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. 
  • The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act. 

 

What is ASI?

  • It was founded in 1861 by a British Army engineer Alexander Cunnigham who is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’.
  • It engages in archaeological research and conservation, and protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the country.
  • ASI regulates all archaeological activities conducted in the country through the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958.
  • It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, of 1972.
  • ASI has more than 3,693   protected monuments and archaeological sites of National Importance that it protects and preserves.

 


Q1) What is National Monuments Authority (NMA)?

It has been set up as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

Source: 50 ASI-protected monuments untraceable: How did they go ‘missing’, what happens next

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now