The Archaeological Survey of India team, in Ayodhya to ascertain whether a temple existed at the place where the Babri masjid once stood, is expected to begin excavation work on Wednesday.

On Monday, a 12-member team -- led by Superintending Archaeologist Dr B R Mani -- surveyed the disputed site for about two-and-a-half hours.

On March 5, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court had asked the ASI to excavate the area to get to the bottom of the issue. It directed the ASI to present a progress report on March 24.

ASI officials are expected to seek the help of the Lucknow-based Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleaobotany for carbon dating the material that would be unearthed during the excavation.

In February, a deep penetration radar survey revealed the existence of some structures 10 to 15 feet underground. The structures, according to the survey, belong to different periods.

With inputs from PTI