Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
UPSC emphasizes the importance of India's cultural heritage, the institutional mechanisms for its protection, the challenges faced in preservation, and its role in national identity and international relations (soft power, tourism).
India's rich cultural heritage, encompassing ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical structures, is protected under national laws like the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and international conventions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency responsible for their conservation, preservation, and maintenance.