Maharashtra may house several archaeological sites which can throw light on the life and times of ancient India. But, the state's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums does not have earmarked funds for surveying and identifying these sites and conducting excavations there.

"For almost 20 years, the directorate has not been given a separate head in the budget for conducting archaeological excavations. In the past, we have diverted money from a head meant for conservation for these excavations. Now we will request the state government to create a different budget head for the purpose," an official told DNA.

He added that lack of a separate fund impacted the department's mandate for conducting excavations.

"Funds meant for conservation can be diverted for excavations and justified in an audit only if it is a protected site or monument," the official said, adding that hence, such works could not be taken up in other areas.

He also added that a dedicated source of funds for excavations would enable them to conduct explorations for identifying potential sites and undertaking excavations. "These excavations can throw light on our past. It was only after the discovery of Mohenjodaro and Harappa that facts about India's history were revealed," the official said.

Tejas Garge, Director, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums said they would send a proposal to the state government for a separate budget head for excavations. The directorate has a budget of Rs 25 crore for its activities.

In the 1980s, Arvind Jamkhedkar, archeologist and indologist, who was the director of the department, had conducted excavations at the Rashtrakuta-era Kandhar fort at Nanded. At present, it is conducting excavations at Nagardhan near Nagpur. Nagardhan, which was called Nandivardhan, was ruled by the Vakataka dynasty. "These excavations have thrown light on the history of Vidarbha and articles including those made of terracotta, wood, ivory, metal and baked mud have been found," the official explained.

In 2014, it excavated the Satavahan-era site of Ter in Osmanabad. Called Tagar in ancient times, it conducted trade with the Romans. The directorate will also publish reports on these excavations.

"Once we get funds, we will conduct a survey on potential sites in Maharashtra with particular focus on Konkan and Marathwada," the official said.

However, the directorate also reels under a staff crunch with 103 of the 263 posts vacant at various levels.