New Delhi: Dr Buddha Rashmi Mani, former Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official whose team had found remains of what seemed like a temple while excavating the disputed Ayodhya site, was appointed Director General of the National Museum by the government Monday.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved Mani’s appointment to the post for three years or till attaining the age of 70 years, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training said.

The museum at present holds approximately two lakh objects of a diverse nature, from across the country as well as abroad, and its holdings cover a time span of more than five thousand years of Indian cultural heritage.

In 2015, Budha Rashmi Mani had retired as Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

“Of course, I stand by what our team found. I was replaced because I refused to dig any further, which the court wanted. I felt there was no need to dig any further. So they said the leader of the team has to be changed,” Mani told at a press meet after his appointment order was published by the government.

He was head of the ASI’s team to excavate the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in March 2003, following a High Court order. However, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had in May that year directed the Archaeological Survey of India to replace Mani with a new official.