braj basi lal (2 may 1921 – 10 september 2022), better known as b. b. lal, was an indian writer and archaeologist. he was born in jhansi, british india. he was the director general of the archaeological survey of india (asi) from 1968 to 1972 and was director of the indian institute of advanced studies, shimla. lal also served on various unesco committees.