The first Director-General of the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)...
The First Director-General of ASI
Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He was appointed in 1861 by the British Government to conduct a systematic study of ancient Indian architecture, monuments, and inscriptions.
Contributions of Alexander Cunningham
During his tenure as the Director-General of ASI, Alexander Cunningham made significant contributions to the field of archaeology in India. Some of his notable achievements include:
1. Discovery of several ancient Buddhist sites such as Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and Nalanda.
2. Identification of the ancient city of Taxila, which had been lost for centuries.
3. Establishment of a museum at Taxila to showcase the artifacts discovered during his excavations.
4. Publication of several books and articles on Indian archaeology, including his seminal work, The Ancient Geography of India.
5. Initiation of a systematic study of Indian coins, which led to the identification of several dynasties and rulers of ancient India.
Conclusion
Alexander Cunningham's contributions to the field of archaeology in India were significant and far-reaching. His efforts laid the foundation for the systematic study of ancient Indian history and culture. As the first Director-General of ASI, he set the standard for future generations of archaeologists to follow.
The first Director-General of the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)...
Alexander Cunningham is known as the 'Father of Indian Archaeology'. He excavated many ancient sites in India like Sarnath and Sanchi.