Tue Dec 02 05:08:55 UTC 2025: News Article:
Veteran Archaeologist Criticizes BJP’s Record on Heritage Conservation
New Delhi, December 2, 2025 – Renowned archaeologist K.K. Muhammed, a former Regional Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a member of the 1976 Babri Masjid excavation team, has voiced his disappointment with the ruling BJP’s performance regarding the protection and excavation of India’s cultural heritage.
In an interview with The Hindu, Muhammed expressed his initial hope that the BJP’s rise to power would bring about significant advancements in the field. “When the BJP had come to power, we had expected that there would be qualitative and quantitative change as far as protection, conservation, and excavation of sites was concerned, but that has not happened,” he stated.
Muhammed, credited with the discovery of Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur Sikri and several Buddhist monuments, highlighted the slow pace of progress. He cited the Bateshwar temple complex restoration as an example, noting that only 10 temples have been reconstructed under the BJP’s rule, compared to the 90 he rebuilt previously. “No priority has been given to cultural heritage. There is a general feeling that they are not doing anything,” he lamented.
Muhammed speculated that the BJP might believe its position of power shields it from criticism regarding cultural matters. He also pointed to the cessation of excavation work at sites like Old Fort in Delhi due to a lack of clearance.
The archaeologist’s remarks raise concerns about the current government’s commitment to preserving and understanding India’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Summary of the text:
A veteran archaeologist, K.K. Muhammed, who was involved in the 1976 Babri Masjid excavation, criticizes the BJP government for its lack of prioritization of cultural heritage, particularly regarding the conservation and excavation of historical sites. He expresses disappointment that his expectations for progress in this area have not been met, citing examples such as the slow pace of temple restoration and the stalling of excavation projects. He suggests the government may feel immune to criticism in this domain.
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