Introduction

The Directorate of Archaeology has been playing a vital role for preservation and protection of the ancient monuments and archaeological sites of Assam since its inception. Established in the year 1961, Directorate of Archaeology has been working as an independent Directorate since August 1983. On 2nd August, 2003 the Directorate of Archaeology was brought under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Assam. Upon the creation of a new administrative Department Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture Department vide Notification No. AR. 38/2021/34, Dated 30th July 2021the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam was brought under the Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture Department.

It has set up three Zonal offices of Conservation Officers, covering three different zones viz. Madan Kamdev in Kamrup District, Hojai in Nagaon District and Na-Pukhuri in Sivasagar District of Assam to look after its listed monuments.

There are as many as 156 monuments/sites listed by the Directorate which are brought under protection in a phased manner on priority basis. These monuments can be classified into different categories viz, temples & temple ruins, cave temples, votive stupas, brick built forts & palaces, tanks, megalithic bridges, rock carvings, inscriptions, masonry remains of stones and brick temples, memorials and other secular structures.

In order to perform its various archaeological activities, the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam is guided by the following Act and Rules-

1. The Assam Ancient Monument and Records Act, 1959.
2. The Assam Ancient Monument and Records Rules, 1964.
3. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites & Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Directorate

• Protection and preservation of ancient archaeological sites, monuments, remains of historical and archaeological importance, which are not less than one hundred years old and developing these into centres of tourist attraction in Assam.
• Archaeological exploration of hitherto unknown sites, remains and their preliminary survey.
• Archaeological excavation of the listed and state protected sites.
• Documentation of Antiquities found at Archaeological sites as well as excavated Archaeological sites in Assam.
• Conservation and restoration of protected archaeological sites and monuments in the State.
• Publication of archaeological reports of exploration, excavation, conservation of Archaeological sites. Publication of annual reports, journals, brochures, leaflets, pamphlets, on archaeology and antiquities.
• Involvement of students in maintenance, preservation and beautification of archaeological sites and monuments as per the scheme to be implemented in the form of 'Awareness Program'.