Archaeological Survey of India faces credibility crisis amid controversies and nationalistic fervour
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is facing a credibility crisis, highlighted by the controversial transfer of archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, who led the Keeladi excavations. These excavations revealed a sophisticated urban society from the Iron Age (12th-6th century BCE) to the Early Historic Period (6th-4th century BCE), but faced downplaying and halting by the ASI after Ramakrishna's transfer. The Madras High Court intervened, transferring the site to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology. The article criticizes ASI's inconsistent approach, contrasting its neglect of significant findings at Adichanallur with its uncritical embrace of mytho-historical narratives in Rajasthan, which aligns with a "methodological nationalism." It calls for structural reforms, greater methodological rigour, financial autonomy, and an epistemic framework embracing India's plural historical past.
Key Points
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is under scrutiny for its handling of archaeological findings and alleged political interference.
- The Keeladi excavations in Tamil Nadu provided crucial evidence of an ancient urban society, but faced obstruction and downplaying by the ASI.
- The article highlights ASI's inconsistent approach, showing neglect of some sites while promoting mytho-historical narratives at others, indicative of "methodological nationalism."
- There is a call for comprehensive structural and institutional reforms within the ASI to ensure methodological rigour, transparency, and financial autonomy.
- The ASI's closed internal review system is contrasted with global counterparts that publish findings in academic platforms, hindering transparency and scholarly engagement.
Exam Facts
- Keeladi excavations started in 2014, uncovering around 7,500 artefacts.
- Keeladi findings bridge the gap between Iron Age (12th-6th century BCE) and Early Historic Period (6th-4th century BCE).
- K. Amarnath Ramakrishna was the archaeologist leading the Keeladi excavation.
- The Madras High Court intervened, transferring the Keeladi site to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology.
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