Archaeological Survey of India and its Hertiage Conservation in Chennai Metropolitan Area

Purpose and scope

The Archaeological Survey of India presentation explains why monuments, archaeological remains, built heritage, natural heritage and intangible heritage should be protected for future generations. It outlines the history of archaeological conservation in India and identifies Central and State Governments as responsible for protecting and preserving nationally important monuments.

The presentation refers to legislation concerning ancient monuments, archaeological sites, antiquities and art treasures. It states that Central and State Governments notify important monuments as protected monuments and are responsible for preserving them without changing their original character.

Chennai Circle coverage

The Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai Circle has jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu, except Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Niligiri districts, and Pondicherry. The presentation records:

• 248 monuments within the Chennai Circle.
• 163 archaeological sites within the Chennai Circle.
• Around 5,000 monuments and sites protected and conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India across the country.

Heritage in the Chennai Metropolitan Area

The presentation identifies 16 monuments inside Fort St. George. Examples include St. Mary’s Church, Clive’s House, King’s Barracks, the Guard Room, the Arsenal, Wellesley’s House, the Old British Infantry Officers Mess, ramparts, gates, bastions, vaulted chambers, water cisterns, the moat and defence walls.

Other listed Chennai monuments are:

• David Yale and Joseph Hynmer’s tomb in the Law College campus.
• The old town wall at Tondiarpet.
• Dhenupurisvara Temple at Madambakkam.

The presentation also records conservation work involving Clive’s Building, the Fort St. George rampart wall, St. Mary’s Church tower and Connemara Library.

Archaeological sites and property relevance

The Archaeological Survey of India presentation lists 23 megalithic sites in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, including Pallavaram, St. Thomas Mount, Tirusulam, Puzhal, Perumbakkam, Perungalathur, Nanmangalam and Kilambakkam. It also identifies sites within reserved forest areas.

Property owners, buyers and developers should note that the presentation shows construction in a prohibited area near King’s Barracks and records encroachment, stone quarrying and destruction at archaeological sites. However, it does not provide property boundaries, approval procedures or parcel specific findings.