NEW DELHI: With a sudden surge in demand of rare photographs of explored or excavated remains of heritage sites and antiquities under its care, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a revised policy and prices for researchers and authors.
According to the revised policy, the photographs will be provided based on the synopsis of the proposed work submitted by the applicant. However, the agency has put a cap on the number of images.
“Not more than 25 photos per project in a calendar year will be given. ASI shall examine the synopsis and decide the number of photographs within the limit prescribed,” read the policy.
Requests for unpublished images of excavation and excavated material will be considered only if the period of five years has elapsed after the completion of the fieldwork. A soft copy for general academic purpose will cost Rs 250 but if the picture is for commercial use, then the ASI will charge Rs 2,500.
For a video clip or visuals recorded with the help of a drone, the price for three-minute footage is Rs 1,000 for general academic category but for commercial purposes, it would cost Rs 10,000. The rates will automatically be revised by five percent every year.
The national heritage watchdog has under it about 3,700 heritage sites including forts, palaces and tombs under its jurisdiction. Besides their renovation and protection, ASI carries out excavations at historic sites for systematic search, documentation and study of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and their remains.
The ASI maintains a record of all its activities in the form of photos and videos. The ASI encourages and facilitates researchers to conduct studies utilising this rich collection from its photo archives. The demand to access ASI collection has been increasing over the years, said officials.
If images of artefacts kept in museums, art galleries, and private possession are required though the photo negatives that are available with the ASI, the applicant will need to seek approval from the concerned authority or individuals; the actual possessor of the article.