National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities
Also called: NMMA · Topic: Studying Indian History: Sources, Dating and Historiography · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2007. The Archaeological Survey of India carries it out. Its aim is to build a national database (a record kept on computer) of India's built heritage, sites and antiquities, all recorded in the same format. You cannot protect what you have not recorded. A full list also helps trace stolen objects and plan conservation.
Example
Under the NMMA, old temples, stepwells and sculptures across different states are documented with photographs and details in one common format. This makes them easier to identify and protect.
Don't confuse with
- National Monuments Authority (NMA): it controls building work near protected monuments. The NMMA records and documents heritage. It does not regulate construction.
Related concepts
- Alexander Cunningham
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Illustrated London News
- Discovery of the Harappan civilisation
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958
- National Monuments Authority
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972
- Repatriation of antiquities