India’s rich cultural legacy is increasingly being preserved through a blend of traditional conservation practices and modern technology. The government is strengthening heritage protection efforts by equipping the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with advanced tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and digital mapping systems. This hybrid approach is helping improve documentation accuracy, enhance restoration quality, and ensure long-term preservation of the country’s historical monuments.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently safeguards 3,686 centrally protected monuments, supported by strengthened conservation systems, scientific restoration methods, and modern technologies such as AI, an official fact sheet said on Saturday.
This extensive network includes temples, forts, mosques, archaeological sites, and colonial-era structures that represent India’s diverse cultural and historical timeline.
India’s global heritage profile has expanded, with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the recent addition of the Maratha Military Landscapes.
This growing recognition highlights India’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural assets on the global stage.
“Heritage and monument preservation has advanced through large-scale digitisation, the creation of national heritage databases, and the wider adoption of scientific and digital tools for documentation and conservation,” the fact sheet said.
Digitisation initiatives have enabled authorities to create detailed records of monuments, including structural data, historical context, and conservation status. This helps in better planning and monitoring of restoration work.
There has been a growing use of scientific laboratory techniques to:
These approaches ensure that restoration efforts are both precise and sustainable.
Notably, technology has become an increasingly important pillar in India’s conservation ecosystem, complementing ASI’s traditional practices with tools that enhance documentation, diagnostics, and long-term preservation.
Modern technologies such as LiDAR scanning, GIS-based mapping, and drone-based surveys are being used, as required, for accurate documentation.
“In parallel, India has expanded the application of digital and spatial technologies that support accurate recording and proactive conservation planning,” the statement added.
Key tools now used include:
These technologies allow conservationists to detect structural changes, assess risks, and plan timely interventions.
In addition to these technologies, the government has begun integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the broader cultural and heritage ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digitisation, documentation, and accessibility of cultural assets.
AI-enabled platforms are being used to:
AI tools are also helping make heritage more accessible to the public by enabling multilingual interfaces and interactive digital platforms, thereby bridging the gap between historical archives and modern audiences.
Drone-based surveys have also been undertaken in collaboration with institutions such as the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), demonstrating the integration of scientific institutions into heritage conservation efforts.
Such collaborations bring technical expertise and innovation into preservation projects, improving efficiency and outcomes.
“India’s growing presence on the global heritage map reflects the country’s ability to present its cultural legacy with renewed confidence,” the statement said.
By combining traditional conservation methods with cutting-edge technology, India is setting an example of how heritage preservation can evolve in the digital age while maintaining authenticity.
India’s approach to heritage conservation is undergoing a significant transformation. By integrating advanced technologies such as AI, drones, LiDAR, and GIS with time-tested restoration practices, the government is ensuring that its cultural treasures are preserved for future generations. With growing global recognition and continued investment in innovation, India is not only protecting its past but also redefining how heritage can be documented, studied, and experienced in the modern world.