The State Department of Archaeology was started in the year 1961 with the objectives of conservation and preservation of ancient monuments in Tamil Nadu, to conduct excavations at historical sites. Subsequently, its activities were expanded to include Epigraphy (copying and deciphering of stone inscriptions, printing and publishing them in book form), setting up of site museums, chemical preservation of art objects etc.The aim of the department is to showcase the rich heritage and glorious traditions of Tamil Nadu with its classical Tamil language, magnificent monuments, exquisite temples, art and sculpture and diversified traditions.

This is essentially a research department to disseminate knowledge about ancient cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu through a combination of fieldwork, analysis and publication.The Department has 8 Field Offices, 14 site museums, a library at Head Office, the Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Centre at Anna Centenary Library 7th Floor,Kotturpuram,Chemical Laboratories at Chennai and Madurai, Printing section, besides the Institute of Epigraphy which operates from the Head Office.