The Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) is a governmental agency operating under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was established in 1969 with the mandate to conduct systematic anthropological research, documentation, and surveys of the diverse peoples, cultures, and societies across the Indian subcontinent.
History and purpose
The ASI was created to provide a coordinated, scientific basis for the study of India’s ethnic, tribal, and caste groups. Its formation followed earlier anthropological activities carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and various university departments, consolidating these efforts into a single national body.
Organizational structure
The headquarters of the ASI is in New Delhi. It maintains regional sections that oversee field work in different parts of the country, including:
- North‑East Section
- North‑West Section
- Central Section
- South‑East Section
- South‑West Section
Each section is responsible for planning and executing surveys, maintaining archives, and collaborating with state governments and academic institutions.
Major projects and publications
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People of India – A multi‑volume ethnographic series edited by Kumar Suresh Singh and others, documenting the social, cultural, and biological characteristics of more than 5,000 Indian communities. The series remains a principal reference for scholars of Indian anthropology.
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Tribal Research and Documentation – Field studies focusing on the demographic, linguistic, and cultural aspects of India’s Scheduled Tribes, often in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
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Census‑linked Anthropological Surveys – Collaborative work with the Office of the Registrar General to incorporate anthropological data into national censuses.
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Publications and Monographs – Regular bulletins, research papers, and thematic monographs covering topics such as kinship systems, subsistence patterns, health, and material culture.
Current activities
The ASI continues to carry out field surveys, maintain a national anthropological archive, and provide expertise to policy‑making bodies on issues related to cultural heritage, tribal welfare, and social development. It also offers training programs for postgraduate students and research scholars in anthropology.
References
- Government of India, Ministry of Culture – official description of the Anthropological Survey of India.
- Kumar Suresh Singh (ed.), People of India series (1992‑2011).
Note: The information presented reflects publicly available records and recognized scholarly sources. No speculative or unverified details are included.
