John Marshal

John Marshal was a British archaeologist who is known for his contributions to the field of Indian archaeology. He was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1902 to 1928. During his tenure, he carried out extensive excavations in various parts of India, including Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Marking a Change in Indian Archaeology

John Marshal's work marked a significant change in the field of Indian archaeology. He was one of the first archaeologists to use scientific methods in his excavations. He also emphasized the importance of stratigraphy, which is the study of the layers of soil and sediment that make up an archaeological site. This approach helped him to establish the chronological sequence of the different layers of the site, which in turn helped him to understand the history of the site.

Excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

John Marshal is best known for his excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. These were two of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in the Indian subcontinent from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.

At Harappa, Marshal discovered the remains of a large city that had been built in the Bronze Age. He found evidence of a highly organized and sophisticated urban society that had a system of drainage, public baths, and a writing system that has yet to be deciphered.

At Mohenjo-Daro, Marshal discovered a similar city that had been built around the same time as Harappa. He found evidence of a highly developed urban society that had a system of water management, a sewage system, and a complex system of weights and measures.

Legacy

John Marshal's work has had a lasting impact on the field of Indian archaeology. His use of scientific methods and emphasis on stratigraphy helped to establish a new standard for archaeological excavations in India. His discoveries at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have also had a significant impact on our understanding of the Indus Valley Civilization and its place in world history.

John Marshall was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. His contribution in the Indian Archeology can be understood by the following points: He announced the discovery of new civilization i.e. Indus valley civilization. He helped in the preservation or conservation of Sanchi Stupa.