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Heritage Partner Scheme dir.hod.heritage@telangana.gov.in 040-23234942
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Department of Heritage Telangana

(Formerly Archaeology & Museums)

Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department

About the Department

Department of Heritage Telangana

Formerly the Department of Archaeology & Museums. A research-oriented organisation established in 1914 - one of the oldest departments of the State - responsible for the exploration, excavation, conservation and public presentation of Telangana's cultural heritage.

1914 Established
347 Protected Monuments
14 Museums

Introduction

The Archaeology Department was established in 1914, making it one of the oldest departments in the State. It is a research-oriented organisation whose work spans explorations, archaeological excavations, chemical conservation, the study of artifacts and inscriptions, the reconstruction of history, and the protection of monuments.

The Department today oversees 347 protected monuments, ranging from the Prehistoric to the Colonial period - burial sites, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu and Islamic sites, forts and British-era monuments - together with 14 State, archaeological and site museums.

It functions under the Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, Government of Telangana, through a Directorate Office at Gunfoundry, Hyderabad, and four Regional Offices.

  1. 1914 Archaeology Department established One of the oldest departments in the State.
  2. 1960 Renamed Department of Archaeology & Museums Museums brought formally within the Department's charge.
  3. 2017 Department of Heritage Telangana Renamed on the enactment of the Telangana Heritage Act No. 22 of 2017.

Mission & Vision

A research-oriented organisation dedicated to exploring and preserving Telangana's cultural heritage, and to placing it before the public.

Mission

  • Explore and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Telangana.
  • Fill the gaps in the historical record through systematic research.
  • Exhibit the excavated cultural wealth in museums, for the benefit of students, scholars and the general public.

Vision

  • Conduct explorations, excavations and epigraphy surveys, and carry out the conservation and preservation of monuments, including chemical conservation and site management.
  • Protect monuments for future generations.
  • Establish new museums and upgrade the existing ones.
  • Bring out publications on Indian history, culture, art, archaeology and religion.

What We Do

The Department's mandate runs from first survey through excavation and conservation to public display and publication.

Explorations Field surveys that locate and record sites of archaeological interest. Excavations Scientific excavation of sites from the Prehistoric to the Colonial period. Protected Monuments 347 monuments under the Department's protection across the State. Conservation Structural and chemical conservation of monuments and antiquities. Museums 14 State, archaeological and site museums presenting the collections. Publications Research on Indian history, culture, art, archaeology and religion.

Also in This Section

AdministrationDirectorate, regional offices and officers History of DirectorsThose who have led the Department Contact UsOffice address, phone and email