Archaeologist and Padma Vibhushan awardee B B Lal has died at the age of 101. 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”.
Lal was the director general of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and had found temple-like pillars during excavation at the Ayodhya site where the Ram temple is now being built. Officials said that he was one of the youngest directors general of ASI and served from 1968 to 1972.
Modi said, “Pained by Shri B B Lal’s demise. He 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. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said the country has lost one of the brightest minds.