PROTECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN INDIA: LAWS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Archeological sites carry the information and evidence of a country’s rise and fall. By the very nature of it relates to the culture of the local community and connects with the identity of the community. It covers a range of information which not only informs of the know what and know how of the contemporary times; but also at times, helps in determining legal issues. Archeology is the scientific study of historical remains of any kind. It includes scientific tolls and historical facts. In legal sense, the facts, whenever in issue, need trustworthy evidence and archeological evidence may provide solution. The Supreme Court of India upheld the authority of central government agencies in regulating and prohibiting public works and construction in the vicinity of archeological sites and monuments of cultural heritage. ^[1]  "The purpose of archaeology is to extract history from the monuments and artifacts of the past, to write history from the often inadequate relics that time has spared."^[2]