Centre Steps Up Digital Preservation of Monuments and Antiquities in Karnataka: Culture Minister
New Delhi, August 5: The Government of India is intensifying its efforts to digitally preserve India’s rich cultural heritage, with a special focus on unprotected monuments and antiquities in Karnataka. The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) has documented 904 antiquities and 312 built heritage sites across the state, now publicly accessible through its website (http://nmma.nic.in).
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared these details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday, highlighting the government’s multi-pronged approach to conservation, digital mapping, and repatriation of cultural artefacts.
Key Initiatives and Progress in Karnataka:
- Digital Surveys: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Bangalore, Dharwad, and Hampi Circles have digitally mapped 177 Centrally Protected Monuments using topographical and photogrammetric surveys.
- Workshops and Training: NMMA is conducting training programs in partnership with universities, colleges, NGOs, and ASI circle offices to enhance local participation in heritage documentation.
- Reviving SLIC: The government is working to revive State-Level Implementation Committees (SLICs) to speed up documentation efforts in Karnataka and across India.
Cultural Heritage Expenditure (in ₹)
| Circle | FY 2023-24 | FY 2024-25 | FY 2025-26 (Till Date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 17.33 Cr | 50.50 Cr | 4.77 Cr |
| Dharwad | 2.31 Cr | 9.40 Cr | 0.44 Cr |
| Hampi | 12.24 Cr | 65.19 Cr | 3.47 Cr |
| Total | 31.90 Cr | 57.96 Cr | 8.69 Cr |
The total expenditure on preservation across these three key cultural zones has crossed ₹98 crore over the last three years, reflecting sustained government commitment.
Global Repatriation Efforts
Since 1976, the ASI has successfully retrieved 655 antiquities of Indian origin from abroad. The government continues to work closely with Indian Missions globally to recover artefacts that have been illegally exported.
This digital-first preservation strategy is aligned with India’s broader cultural policy to safeguard heritage, improve public accessibility, and foster global recognition of India’s civilizational legacy, the government added.
