As a thematic category rather than a geopolitical state, India's monuments do not have a traditional state government, governor, or legislative districts. Instead, they are governed and maintained at the national level by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The ASI is responsible for archaeological research, site administration, and the conservation of recognized cultural monuments.
At the state level, various State Departments of Archaeology manage regional monuments and heritage sites that are not on the national register. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) of 1958 provides the legal framework for the protection of these sites, rigorously regulating construction, urban development, and mining activities in their immediate vicinity to prevent structural or aesthetic damage.
