Art and Culture · 9 Oct 2026

heritage in Seventh Schedule

With reference to the constitutional and institutional framework for protecting India's built heritage, consider the following statements:

  1. The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the Union Ministry of Culture.
  2. Ancient monuments declared by Parliament by law to be of national importance fall in the Union List, while other ancient monuments are a subject of the State List.
  3. Archaeological sites and remains other than those declared to be of national importance fall in the Concurrent List.
  4. Protection of monuments of national importance is a Fundamental Duty imposed on the State under Article 51A(f).
AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four
This question is based on: Six Offices, No Custodian: Why Delhi's Lodhi Tombs Are Vanishing on Paper Before They Vanish on the Ground
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 9 Oct 2026
About this question

Why in news

On October 7, 2026, the Supreme Court pulled up the ASI and the MCD over encroachment of the Lodhi-era tombs in Zamrudpur. It summoned six Union and Delhi officials for October 15 because no single body could produce the ownership or settlement records.

Why for UPSC

UPSC regularly tests the Seventh Schedule split of subjects and the difference between Directive Principles (Article 49) and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A). This news turns that static distinction into a live case of jurisdictional fragmentation.

Prelims summary

Heritage sits in all three lists: Entry 67 of the Union List covers national-importance monuments, Entry 12 of the State List covers other ancient monuments and Entry 40 of the Concurrent List covers other archaeological sites. Article 49 (a DPSP) directs the State to protect monuments of national importance. Article 51A(f) is a citizen's duty to preserve composite culture.

On web, answers are shown once after a test — no save or reattempt. For unlimited reattempts, Hindi medium, and Mentor Observations, use the TAN App.