AMASRA: 2.7 Section 4A. Categorisation and classification in respect of ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under sections 3 and 4.

2.7 Categorisation and classification in respect of ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under sections 3 and 4

2.7.1 Bare Act Provisions:

1[4A. Categorisation and classification in respect of ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under sections 3 and 4.―(1) The Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the Authority, prescribe categories in respect of ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under sections 3 and 4, and while prescribing such categories it shall have regard to the historical, archaeological and architectural value and such other factors as may be relevant for the purpose of such categorisation.

(2) The Central Government shall, on the recommendation of the Authority, classify all the ancient monuments or archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance under sections 3 and 4, in accordance with the categories prescribed under sub-section (1) and thereafter make the same available to the public and exhibit the same on its website and also in such other manner as it may deem fit.]

Footnote:

1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2010, s. 3.

This Section was inserted in 2010 by the 2010 amendment Act. Let us try to understand the provisions of the said Section.

Section 4A of the AMASR Act is like a librarian sorting Bharat’s vast collection of cultural treasures into neat categories to ensure they’re protected with care. Introduced in 2010, it requires the Central Government, guided by the National Monuments Authority (NMA), to categorize and classify ancient monuments and archaeological sites declared nationally important under Sections 3 and 4. This section is split into two sub-sections, each playing a unique role in making sure heritage sites, are prioritized and preserved systematically.

2.7.2 Prescribing Categories for Heritage Sites

Section 4A(1) directs the Central Government to create categories for ancient monuments and archaeological sites declared nationally important, based on recommendations from the NMA. These categories are determined by factors like historical, archaeological, or artistic value. This sub-section ensures that sites like a 1,000-year-old fort get the right level of protection based on their cultural significance. It’s a smart way to organize resources, ensuring the most valuable or at-risk sites get extra attention while still protecting all heritage under the Act’s umbrella.[1]

2.7.3 Classifying Sites and Sharing with the Public

Section 4A(2) requires the Central Government, guided by NMA recommendations, to classify all nationally important monuments and sites into the categories set under Sub-section (1) and make these classifications public on the government’s website and other platforms. It’s like posting a leaderboard of Bharat’s heritage, ensuring transparency so people can understand and value their cultural gems. This sub-section makes sure protection efforts are tailored to each site’s rank and that everyone, from villagers to tourists, can access this information, fostering pride and accountability in preserving Bharat’s past.

Section 4A’s sub-sections are a visionary step to organize Bharat’s heritage protection, categorizing and classifying sites to prioritize resources and share their importance with the public. Sorting treasures and making the list public, makes authorities relatable, inviting everyone to join the mission to save Bharat’s past.[2]

Reference

[1] “75 Years: Laws that shaped India, The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958”, Sansad TV, Dt. 3.11.2021, available at https://sansadtv.nic.in/episode/75-years-laws-that-shaped-india-the-ancient-monuments-archaeological-sites-remains-act-1958, Last visited Dt. 16.07.2025

[2] Biji Rajesh Vs. South Delhi Municipal Corporation & Ors, [(2019) 12 DEL CK 0176]