Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

About Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH):

• It is an autonomous non-profit organisation set up in 1984 with a mandate to protect and conserve India's vast natural, built and cultural heritage.
• Today, it is the country's largest non-profit membership organisation dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our natural, cultural, living, tangible and intangible heritage.
• It is recognized as one of the world’s largest heritage organizations, with over 228 Chapters across the Country.
• INTACH is essentially a volunteer-based organization and its enthusiastic volunteers in a network of chapters in cities, towns and villages across the country are largely responsible for the spread of awareness about the vast cultural heritage of the country.
• Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through various divisions such as:
  • Architectural Heritage
  • Natural Heritage
  • Art & Material Heritage
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage, Heritage Education, and Communication Services (HECS)
  • Heritage Crafts and Community
  • Chapters
  • INTACH Heritage Academy
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Listing Cell
  • INTACH Knowledge Centre.

Q1: What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

It was established in the year 1861 by Alexander Cunningham. After independence, it was established as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958(AMASR Act). ASI is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country. Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.

News: Supreme Court Adds ASI, INACH As Parties In Plea To Restore Mysuru's Heritage Buildings