The first Governor-General of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) was Sir Alexander Cunningham. He served from 1861 to 1885. Cunningham was an army officer and a self-taught archeologist who surveyed several sites in India and made significant contributions to the field.

Harappan Art and Architecture (Part - 1)

Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was one of the ancient civilizations in the world. It flourished from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. The art and architecture of the Harappan civilization were highly advanced and sophisticated. Here are some of the main features of Harappan art and architecture:

City planning
The Harappan cities were well-planned and had a grid-like pattern. They had a central citadel and a lower town. The citadel was a fortified area that housed important buildings such as palaces, temples, and administrative centers. The lower town had residential areas, markets, and workshops.

Architecture
The Harappan buildings were made of baked bricks, which were uniform in size and shape. The bricks were used to build walls, floors, and even drainage systems. The buildings had flat roofs, which were made of wood and mud. The most famous example of Harappan architecture is the Great Bath, which was a public bathing area in the citadel of Mohenjo-Daro.

Art
The Harappan art was mainly in the form of seals and figurines. The seals were made of steatite, a soft stone, and had intricate designs and inscriptions. The figurines were made of terracotta and represented animals, humans, and deities. The most famous Harappan artifact is the Dancing Girl, a bronze statue found in Mohenjo-Daro.

Conclusion
The Harappan art and architecture were highly advanced and show the sophistication of the Harappan civilization. The cities were well-planned, and the buildings were made of uniform bricks. The art was mainly in the form of seals and figurines, which had intricate designs and inscriptions.

Alexander Cunningham.