Chapter IV Chapter IV

Archaeological Excavations

The State Archaeological Officer or an officer authorised by him in this behalf under this Act may, after giving notice in writing to the Collector and owner, enter upon and make excavations in any protected area.

Where the State Archaeological Officer has reason to believe that any area, not being a protected area, contains remains or ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance, he or an officer authorised by him in this behalf may, after giving notice in writing of the Collector and the owner, enter upon and make excavation in the area.

1. (1) Where, as a result of any excavation made in any area under Section 20 or Section 21, any antiquities are discovered, the State Archaeological officer shall-
   • (i) as soon as practicable, examine such antiquities and submit a report to the State Government in such manner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed; and
   • (ii) at the conclusion of the excavation operations, give notice in writing to the owner of land from which such antiquities have been discovered, of the nature of such antiquities.
2. (2) Until an order for the compulsory purchase of any such antiquities is made under sub-section (3), the State Archaeological Officer shall keep them in such safe custody as he may deem fit.
3. (3) On receipt of a report under sub-section (1), the State Government may make an order for the compulsory purchase of any such antiquities at their market value.
4. (4) When an order for the compulsory purchase of any antiquities is made under sub-section (3), such antiquities shall vest in the State Government with effect from the date of order.

No State Archaeological Officer shall undertake or authorise any person to undertake any excavation or other like operation for archaeological purposes in any area, which is not a protected area except with the previous approval of the Central Government and the State Government and in accordance with such rules or directions, if any, as the Central Government and the State Government may make or give in this behalf.