THE ASIATIC SOCIETY AND THE EVOLUTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN INDIA ABSTRACT The Asiatic Society of Bengal (erstwhile Asiatick Society, The Asiatic Society of Bengal and Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal) was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 to rediscover India’s glorious past and for the promotion of Western Culture in India, in other words, to encourage oriental studies in India. It is a unique institution that has served as a fountainhead for all literary and scientific activities. The paper will include the aims and objectives of the Asiatic Society, its role in the history of conservation in India, its functions and what roles does it play presently in the field of heritage conservation in India and around the globe (along with the Rotary Club, Urban Heritage Renewal Committee) under the name of Asiatic Society’s Conservation Lab. The paper will also talk about the role of the society in preserving and conserving the cultural heritage of India through the past 250 years, and will also touch upon the evolution of conservation practices in India, to give an insight about the various steps taken throughout the centuries towards the preservation of India’s rich heritage. Keywords: Asiatic Society, oriental studies, heritage conservation, preserving, cultural heritage. CONTENTS: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY 3. THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF BOMBAY 4. ASIATIC SOCIETY AND EVOLUTION IN THE FIELD OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION 4.1 Other Asiatic Societies 4.2 Bengal Regulation of 1810 4.3 Formation of ASI 4.4 Formation of INTACH 5. PRESENT FUNCTIONS OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY 5.1 Library 6. CONCLUSION 7. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. INTRODUCTION Preservation of Indian legacy and tradition is an issue of significance and conservation is basically a process of looking after the archaeological sites to maintain their historical and cultural value by maintaining, preserving, restoration, and reconstruction. Conservation is always processed only after understanding the significance of the property. [3] PARUL PARGANIHA | PCR20238 HISTORY, THEORY AND LEGISLATION RESEARCH PAPER: THE ASIATIC SOCIETY