Noted archaeologist B R Mani appointed National Museum chief

NEW DELHI: Noted archaeologist B R Mani, who had supervised the excavation work in the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya in 2003, was today appointed as Director General of National Museum.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved Mani's appointment to the post for three years or till attaining the age of 70 years, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training said.

The museum at present holds approximately two lakh objects of a diverse nature, from across the country as well as abroad, and its holdings cover a time span of more than five thousand years of Indian cultural heritage.

Budha Rashmi Mani had retired as Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

He was head of the ASI's team to excavate the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in March 2003, following a High Court order. However, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had in May that year directed the Archaeological Survey of India to replace Mani with a new official.