.JPG) |
| What is Article 49 of Indian constitution |
Article 49 of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) that focuses on the protection of cultural heritage. It places a duty on the State (government) to safeguard monuments, places, and objects of historic, artistic, or cultural importance.
📜 Text of Article 49 (Simplified)
“It shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, declared by or under law made by Parliament to be of national importance, from spoliation (damage), disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be.”
✅ Explanation of Article 49
| Key Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Obligation of the State | The government must protect heritage monuments |
| Monument/place/object | Anything with historical, cultural, or artistic value |
| National importance | Must be declared so by law of Parliament |
| Protection from | Any damage, disfigurement, illegal removal, or export |
🏛️ Examples of Protected Monuments
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Taj Mahal
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Red Fort
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Ajanta & Ellora Caves
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Konark Sun Temple
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Qutub Minar
These are maintained by agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
🛠️ Related Laws and Initiatives
| Law / Scheme | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 | Protects monuments and regulates activities around them |
| National Policy for Conservation of Ancient Monuments (2014) | Guides conservation and restoration work |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Some Indian monuments are globally recognized and protected |
📌 Summary of Article 49
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Directive Principle of State Policy (not legally enforceable) |
| Focus | Protecting monuments and objects of national importance |
| Who must act | Union and State governments |
| Protected from | Damage, removal, illegal export, or destruction |
| Examples | Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Hampi, Sanchi Stupa, etc. |
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