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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), established in 1871, enforces the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. It protects 3,698 monuments and sites of national importance through 38 circles under five regional directorates.

The National Archives of India is the custodian of non-current government records and the largest repository in South Asia. It guides archival development nationally and internationally and implements the Public Records Act, of 1993. It has a Regional Office in Bhopal and Records Centres in Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Puducherry.

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), established in 1945, specializes in Cultural and Physical Anthropology, Human Ecology, and related fields, generating extensive bio-cultural data. Headquartered in Kolkata, it has eight research centres across India. AnSI disseminates research through publications, conferences, workshops, and exhibitions.

The Central Reference Library (CRL), Kolkata is the National Bibliographic Agency of the country. The CRL was established in August 1955 with the objective of compilation and publication of the Indian National Bibliography, an authoritative record of books published in 14 languages of India including English which is prepared based on the receipts of books in the National Library, Kolkata under the provision of the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954. It also publishes different language fascicules of the bibliography in collaboration with concerned State Governments. Apart from this, it also brings out special bibliographies from time to time. CRL has started a new service “Bibliographic Services on Demand” to provide users with curated lists of reliable sources.

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), established in 1954, is India’s premier institution dedicated to modern and contemporary Indian art. It aims to promote and preserve modern Indian artistic heritage. The museum houses a vast collection tracing the evolution of Indian art from the mid-18th century to the present.

The National Library, Kolkata, originally started its journey as the Calcutta Public Library on 21 March, 1836, merged with the Imperial Library in 1903 and after independence, renamed as National Library in 1948 by Imperial Library (Change of Name) Act, 1948 and opened to public on 1 February, 1953, is the India's largest depository and repository of books, newspapers and periodicals of English and other 22 Indian languages published in India. It receives all publications under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954. The library offers reference services, inter-library loans, and digital access to rare documents. It also provides training for Library and Information Science professionals.

The National Museum, New Delhi, established in 1949 and inaugurated in 1960, houses over 2 lakh artefacts, including Harappan antiquities, miniature paintings, numismatics, and Central Asian relics. A key highlight is the Buddhist gallery featuring sacred relics of the Buddha. The museum attracts numerous visitors, including students and international tourists.

The National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC), established in 1976, specializes in conservation science, dating, and technical studies of cultural heritage. It provides research, technical assistance, and training to museums and cultural institutions while collaborating nationally and internationally.

National Monuments Authority (NMA) under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India has been setup as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which was enacted in March, 2010. Several functions have been assigned to the NMA for the protection and preservation of monuments and sites through management of the prohibited and regulated area around the centrally protected monuments. 

Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Visual Arts, was inaugurated on 5 August 1954 under the leadership of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Registered in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, it has remained dedicated to promoting and preserving India's visual art traditions - classical, modern, folk, and tribal. With its headquarters in New Delhi and regional centres across the country.

Founded in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and becoming independent in 1975, the National School of Drama (NSD) is India’s premier theatre training institution. Fully funded by the Ministry of Culture, it offers an intensive, comprehensive syllabus combining theory and practice. Students at NSD are trained through hands-on experience, producing and performing plays before public audiences.

Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, was formally established in 1954 to promote and celebrate literary excellence across the country’s diverse languages. Though supported by the government, it functions autonomously under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. Working across 24 languages, including English, the Akademi fosters literary dialogue through publications, awards, seminars, translations, and archival projects.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, established in 1953, is India’s premier institution for the preservation and promotion of performing arts. Operating under the Ministry of Culture, the Akademi manages key institutions such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Kathak Kendra, and Rabindra Rangshala, along with regional centres dedicated to diverse traditions like Kutiyattam and Sattriya.

The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) was established in 1959 in Leh to promote Buddhist culture. It became government-supported in 1962 and offers degrees in Buddhist Studies, covering subjects like philosophy, history, art, and medicine, with Bhoti as the medium of instruction.

The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) was established in 1967 at Sarnath, Varanasi, to preserve Tibetan culture, language, and traditions. Initially part of Sampurnananda Sanskrit University, it became an autonomous body in 1977 under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, established in 1951 in Bihar, was created to develop a centre for higher studies in Pali and Buddhism, inspired by the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. Initially functioning as a residential institute, it welcomed both Indian and foreign students. The ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara span 14 hectares, with much of it still unexplored.

The Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) was established in 2003 at Dahung, Arunachal Pradesh, under the Buddhist Culture Preservation Society (BCPS). Affiliated with Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, it became an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Established in 1951 with support from UNESCO, the Delhi Public Library (DPL) is a prominent public library system in India. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, it operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Located in Chandni Chowk, it offers free library services to all, regardless of distinction, and provides a platform for socio-cultural activities.

The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, founded in 1891 by Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh in Patna, holds 21,000 Oriental manuscripts and 2.95 lakh printed books. Declared an Institution of National Importance in 1969, it is funded by the Ministry of Culture and managed by a Board with the Governor of Bihar as Chairman.

The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) is a central autonomous organization established and fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. RRRLF is registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. It is the nodal agency of the Government of India to support public library services and systems and promote public library movement in the country commensurate with the objectives as embodied in its Memorandum of Association. The supreme policy-making body of RRRLF is called the 'Foundation'. It consists of 22 members, both official/non-official. The Foundation works in close association and active cooperation with different State Governments and Union Territory Administrations through a machinery called State Library Planning Committee (SLPC/SLC) set up in each State at the instance of the Foundation. To participate in Foundation’s programmes, State Governments/UTs are required to provide matching contribution fixed by the Foundation.

The Rampur Raza Library, established in 1774 by Nawab Faizullah Khan, is a significant repository of Indo-Islamic learning and arts. Managed by a trust since 1951, it was brought under an Act of Parliament in 1975. The library houses 17,000 manuscripts in various languages, including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Sanskrit, along with 66,250 printed books and a notable collection of paintings and palm-leaf manuscripts.

The Allahabad Museum, founded in 1931, stands as a significant centre of art, history, and culture in India. Located in Prayagraj, it houses a rich and varied collection of over 72,000 artefacts, including archaeological objects, miniature paintings, sculptures, coins, and manuscripts. The museum also holds personal belongings and archives of national leaders and literary figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sumitra Nandan Pant, and Mahadevi Verma.

Established in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest and largest multipurpose museum in the Asia-Pacific region. Founded through the efforts of Sir William Jones and other scholars, it marked a turning point in India’s cultural and scientific awakening. Now governed by the Ministry of Culture, it houses over 100,000 objects spanning art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, and natural history.

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), established in 1977 and renamed in 1993, stands as a unique national institution dedicated to the cultural diversity of humanity. Unlike conventional museums, IGRMS began without a physical collection, focusing instead on fostering community engagement and inclusive cultural narratives.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), established in 1978, emerged from the growing need to coordinate and expand science communication in India. Originating with the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum in Kolkata (1959) and later centres in Bangalore and Mumbai, NCSM was formed following recommendations by a government Task Force.

Founded on January 27, 1989, and granted 'Deemed to be University' status in April 1989, the National Museum Institute of the History of Art, Conservation, and Museology is a premier institution for training and research in art and cultural heritage. Located within the National Museum, it provides students direct access to its masterpieces, laboratories, libraries, and technical facilities.

Established in 1951 in Hyderabad, the Salar Jung Museum is one of India’s most iconic cultural institutions, named after Salar Jung III, whose vast personal collection forms its core. Located in the historic Dewan Devdi Palace, it houses over 42,000 art objects, 9,000 manuscripts, and 60,000 books across 39 galleries.

The Victoria Memorial Hall, inaugurated in 1921 in Kolkata, was conceived by Lord Curzon as a museum and cultural institution commemorating Queen Victoria and the British Empire in India. Blending classical European and Mughal architectural styles, it reflects colonial-era grandeur. Housing over 28,000 artefacts and 3,900 paintings across eight galleries.

The Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library (PMML), under the Ministry of Culture, showcases the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers and their role in nation-building. Located at Teen Murti Estate, New Delhi, it features immersive exhibits, archival collections, and a research library. It serves as a hub for learning, research, and public engagement on India’s democratic journey.

Established in 1986, the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) is one of India’s seven Zonal Cultural Centres, aimed at fostering cultural unity across regions. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, it focuses on promoting folk and tribal arts across seven states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

Founded by the Government of India in 1985, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) preserves and promotes India's cultural heritage across nine states and union territories. Through programs in folk, tribal, and classical music and dance, EZCC fosters cultural understanding and national unity. Chaired by the Governor of West Bengal and overseen by the Ministry of Culture.

The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), established in June 1986 with its headquarters in Dimapur, Nagaland, promotes the cultural heritage of the eight Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on October 6, 1987, the Centre also established a Shilpgram (Crafts Village) in Panjabari, Guwahati, inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh on January 17, 2006.

The North Zone Cultural Centre, inaugurated by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on November 6, 1985, is located at Virsa Vihar Kendra in Patiala. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it is one of seven cultural centres established across India to preserve and promote India’s ancient cultural heritage and enhance its national culture. The Centre serves regions including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh (U.T.).

Established in 1986 with its headquarters in Nagpur, the South Central Zone Cultural Centre includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Centre focuses on preserving and promoting folk, tribal, and Lalit Kala traditions, while identifying and supporting emerging artists in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

The South Zone Cultural Centre was established to promote India’s indigenous cultures, especially to rural and underprivileged communities. It aims to integrate dance, drama, music, and art, ensuring cultural development reaches all sections of society and preserving traditions. Its programs play a vital role in spreading cultural awareness.

Established between 1985 and 1987, the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) created "Shilpgram A Craft Village" in Udaipur, highlighting the cultural diversity of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The annual "Shilpgram Utsav," held in December, attracts over half a million visitors and features 650+ artisans and performers from across India.

Established in 1979 under the guidance of Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Based in New Delhi with regional centres nationwide, CCRT offers training, workshops, and academic initiatives to promote cultural awareness and heritage preservation.

Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), established in 1984, preserves the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through two campuses Gandhi Smriti at Birla House, where he spent his last days, and Darshan Samiti at Rajghat, his cremation site. The Smriti houses one of the largest Gandhi museums with 60,000 books and 6,000 original photographs. Both sites promote his ideals through cultural and educational programs.

Established in 1987, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is dedicated to the study and promotion of diverse art forms within the cultural and societal context. It undertakes research, publication, training, and creative activities to preserve and showcase Indian art and culture. IGNCA also uses multimedia technology to integrate and disseminate cultural knowledge, fostering dynamic public engagement.

Founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, Kalakshetra is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the true spirit of Indian art, free from commercial influences. Set on nearly 100 acres along Chennai’s seashore, Kalakshetra Foundation continues to be a vital centre for the study and performance of fine arts.

Established in 1993 through a collaboration between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) promotes research in Asian studies, focusing on social, cultural, economic, and political developments. Funded by the Department of Culture, Government of India, and guided by the Governor of West Bengal.

The Asiatic Society, founded by Sir William Jones in 1784, has upheld its scholarly legacy for over 225 years through high-quality publications. From the Asiatick Researches to the Journal of the Asiatic Society and the Bibliotheca Indica series, it has championed interdisciplinary research across Asian history, culture, and sciences.

The National Culture Fund (NCF), a trust under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India , Serves as a financing mechanism for enabling-donor/sponsor institution to support Protection, Restoration, Conservation and Development of India’s rich tangible and intangible culture and heritage(Monuments/Cultural Traditions) directly as partners with the Government.