Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums

Geographically, the heart of India is in Madhya Pradesh, perhaps its ancient and eternal spirit also resides here. There is the perfect amalgam of abundance, continuity and excellence in over a thousand monuments and lakhs of antiquities that are rarely to be found elsewhere in the world. No museum lacks masterpieces that command not merely attention but awe as well. The monuments and museums of Madhya Pradesh are not merely worth seeing but must be seen.

In 1964, the Govt. of MP made its own acts and rules - `Madhya Pradesh Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964’ under which apart from the sites protected by the Archaeological survey of India, all other monuments/sites/remains come under its purview. These regulations came into effect in 1975 and currently there are 339 such monuments and sites protected under it. There are also 22 museums in which rare sculptures, inscriptions, manuscripts, coins, tribal artifacts, archives and other material from Excavations and Explorations have been displayed.

These Archaeological monuments/antiquities/objects are protected and chemically treated before being displayed. To bring the archaeological wealth scattered in the state to light, the department has launched a village to village survey. To propagate this information among the masses, shows and forums are organised. The department also publishes research papers attained this way. A magazine `Puratan’ is also published for the purpose. Monographs and Excavation reports are being published to aware the heritage for researchers and public.

For coordination of departmental activities, District Archaeological Associations have been established in 1958 which are registered bodies, headed by the respective District Collectors. The department is helping to run these by providing grants.

To establish the ownership of   sculptures and coins found during excavations, construction or agriculture, provision has been made under the Indian Treasure Trove Act 1878.Under this, the State Govt. has formulated the Madhya Pradesh Treasure Trove Rule 1964.

Registration of private collections has been done under the `Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972’ implemented by the Govt. of India.

Department of Archaeology bestows the following Awards and Honors for the remarkable achievement in the field of Archaeology.

Dr Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar National Award

Calendar of Activities

Departments Achievements