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Lal was the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and had reported finding temple-like pillars during excavation at the disputed Ayodhya site where a major new Ram temple is now being built, a controversial claim that other experts contested. Officials said that he was one of the youngest directors general of ASI and served from 1968 to 1972.
The Archaeological Survey of India said in a tweet, “The contribution of Padma Vibhushan Prof BB Lal in Archaeology is beyond measure. A doyen in his field, he devoted his entire 101-year life to the subject. He may be gone but his work lives on and will continue to teach and influence generations to come. Our homage to the great soul.”
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A senior official said, “At ASI, we are all saddened by his departure. He mentored more than four generations of scholars and produced outstanding work in the discipline.”
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid rich tributes, saying he will be remembered as a great intellectual who “deepened our connect with our rich past”.
“Shri B.B. Lal was an outstanding personality. His contributions to culture and archaeology are unparalleled. He will be remembered as a great intellectual who deepened our connect with our rich past. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Om Shanti,” said Modi.
Union culture minister G. Kishan Reddy said the country has lost one of the brightest minds. He said Lal contributed significantly towards India’s archeological excavations and endeavours and trained archeologists for over four decades.