The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found itself at the heart of heated debates in recent years—whether in Ayodhya, Mathura or Gyanvapi. In Outlook’s latest issue, “What ‘Lies’ Beneath,” looks at the politics of archaeology and the role of state agencies. The question of India’s earliest civilisations continues to spark debate, with Hindu nationalists asserting the Harappan civilisation was Vedic—an idea many archaeologists firmly dispute. The ancient Harappan site of Rakhigarhi for sim

Archaeological Discovery – August 2025: The Ancient Dam of Siloam, City of David In August 2025, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in the ancient City of David, unearthing the remains of an ancient dam near the Pool of Siloam. This structure is believed to have been part of the sophisticated water system of Jerusalem dating back to the time of King Hezekiah (8th century B.C.). The dam, built with large stones and advanced engineering for its era, was likely designed to control water flo