PMO need not take a dig when ASI’s there

Archaeological departments are known to do wonderful things, unearthing lost civilisations, shedding light on longforgotten remnants of settlements and, often, altering the self-perception of nations. The announcement last week of the discovery of cavities in the great pyramid of Khufu in Egypt underlines the relevance of such intrepid excavators.

In that context, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has had a hoary record, particularly in the last century when its stalwarts discovered Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and dozens of similar ancient sites. But, of late, activity in at least conventional activities of the ASI appears to have slowed —perhaps because of the reported shortfall of 5,000 personnel — leading to questions about its relevance.

Therefore, the ASI should thank PM Narendra Modi for indicating a new area where its burrowing, disinterring and exhuming talents can be utilised: unearthing hundreds of crucial project-related government files that vanished from sight just like the Saraswati River sometime in the preceding decades. Should they remain invisible for much longer, like the ancient river, these documents too could soon be regarded as more myth than reality. The PM should be dissuaded from getting the PM’s office to try its hand at excavations when there are such skilled professionals available at ASI.