On this auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the Archaeological Survey of India extends heartfelt greetings to all.

Prabhu Ram, the 7th incarnation of Vishnu has been one of the most inspiring figures through the ages.

Notably, the story of Lord Rama's righteousness, courage and sacrifice from age old text of Ramayana are etched on the walls of temples all across our nation and beyond for more than last 1500 years.

Today, we bring some of the masterpieces showcasing various episodes from Ramayana beautifully depicted signifying that the tale has been popular transcending the time and space.

As we celebrate the birth of Lord Ram, let us honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with his legacy. May this festival inspire us to continue cherishing and protecting our nation's invaluable heritage.

Pic. 1 - Dashavatar temple at Lalitpur (UP) is famous for some of the earliest and most vivid depictions from the life of Ram. In this image, Ram is liberating Ahalya while travelling to Mithila along with Lakshman and sage Vishvamitra (5th cen. CE) Pic. 2 - One of the most remarkable images of Lord Ram holding bow-arrow, sword and shield is from the Dashavatar panel on the walls of Rani Ki Vav, Patan (Gujarat) 11th cen. CE

While wishing a very mubaraq Eid-ul-Fitr to one and all after the 30 days long fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, the Archaeological Survey of India takes you to a journey through some of its beautiful monuments, across the country, carrying in them the emotions, merriments, joys and festivities of the bygone Eids, those which must have been celebrated with equal enthusiasm and gaeity, as now. 1) Pather Masjid, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Built in 1623 CE by Empress Nur Jahan, Pathar Masjid is a timeless example of Mughal architecture. The mosque features a rectangular plan with nine bays and a sloping roof supported by local grey stone walls and columns. Its facade is adorned with nine arches, including a grand arched portico, framed by shallow recessed arches. The plinth is topped with intricate lotus leaf coping, while decoration in the form of guldastas, stars, and paneling enhance the beauty of the structure.

The Ramalingesvara group of temples, located in Satyavolu, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, consists of two temples: Ramalingesvara and Bhimalingesvara.
Both the temples were built during the 8th century CE under the reign of Vinayaditya of the Chalukya dynasty. (1/6)


Ramalingesvara, larger of the two temples, features a garbagriha with a centrally placed linga, on a square pitha, beautifully adorned door frames, Agra-mandapa was added in the later period, probably post-Chola or Vijayanagara period. The deva koshthas at the (2/6)

This exquisite set of five copper plates bears inscription, elegantly etched in a combination of Sanskrit and early Telugu-Kannada characters from the 5th-6th century CE.

The Epigraphy Branch of Archaeological Survey of India documented, (1/4)
took estampage and deciphered these plates; preserving India’s rich historical legacy. This royal charter was issued during the reign of Vijaya-Siva-Simha Verma and records the generous gift of land, known as Siyapura village, located in the Koṟikuṇḍa-Viṣaya region, (2/4)

Shiva, the supreme deity has been immersed in the consciousness of the millennia old civilization of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The worship of Lord Shiva has been spread across time and space from the Pashupati seal to the Nataraja bronzes. (1/22) From Kath Kuni of Himalayas to Besara of the Karnatraka, from Nagara style of central India to Kalinga style of Odisha, from Chala style of Bengal to Dravida style of Tamil Nadu, every region added to the vernacular skills and artistry to adorn the abode of the Adiyogi. (2/22)

Shiva, the supreme deity has been immersed in the consciousness of the millennia old civilization of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.The worship of Lord Shiva has been spread across time and space from the Pashupati seal to the Nataraja bronzes.From the KathKuni (1/22) of the Himalayas to the Besara of the Karnatraka,from the Nagara style of central India to Kalinga style of Odisha, from the Chala style of Bengal to the Dravida style of Tamil Nadu,every region added to the vernacular skills and artistry to adorn the abode of the Adiyogi. (2/22)

On this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi, we bring you some of the iconic Mahishasuramardhini panels from across India, narrating the tale of the 'Good conquering Evil'.
Check out this thread. (1/8)

I. Ravanaphadi, Location: Aihole, Karnataka (6th centuryCE II. Durga Temple, Location: Aihole, Karnataka (6th-8th Century CE) (2/8)

On #GaneshaChaturthi, we bring you some of timeless sculptures of Lord Ganesha from across India. Photos from 4th to 16th Cen., from northern to southern parts of nation.
Ganesha is one omnipresent deity worshipped across Southeastern Asia.
Check out this thread. (1/7) one of the earliest depiction of Lord Ganesha, datable to 4th Century, CE, Udaigiri Caves, Vidisha, MP. (2/7)

#worldheritage 𝐊𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐑𝐮𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚 (𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚) 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚 is a Shiva temple built during Kakatiyan period under Rudradeva & Recharla Rudra. The Temple is a masterpiece of creative effort in field of construction & geo-technology. #RamappaTemple is an outstanding example of temple architecture evolution illustrating a phase of development in science, technology & art of temple building & construction in Deccan India. The Temple is a lone testimony to highest level of artistic & engineering talents.

𝐃𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚: 𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 is sited on the arid island of Khadir in Gujarat. Occupied between ca. 3000-1500 BCE, the archaeological site, one of the best preserved urban settlements from the period in Southeast Asia, comprises a fortified city & a cemetery. Dholavira witnesses the entire trajectory of the rise & fall of early civilization of humankind. It demonstrates multifaceted achievements in terms of urban planning, construction techniques, water management, governance, development, art, manufacturing, trading & belief system.

𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢
The site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D. The reign of Mauryan emperor Aśoka in 3rd century BCE is considered instrumental in spread of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent. With the establishment of monolithic Aśoka Stambha (pillar) bearing a highly elaborate capital, Aśoka distinguished Sanchi as a site of great importance.

Excavation by @ASIGoI team in Andhra’s Gottiprolu indicate it as a Trade Centre of Early Historic Period, 2000 year old brick structure and a Vishnu sculpture also unearthed. The 1st phase of excavation by a team of @ASIGoI Excavation Branch – VI, Bangalore at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu) district has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure.