Alexander Cunningham (1814–1893) was a British Army engineer and archaeologist who is credited as the “Father of Indian Archaeology.” He was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He played a key role in the systematic study of India’s ancient history and monuments.
1. Early Life and Career
✔ Born: 23 January 1814, London, UK
✔ Joined Bengal Engineers (1831) and served in the British Indian Army.
✔ Worked under James Prinsep in deciphering Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
✔ His interest in archaeology led to extensive research on Buddhist sites and inscriptions.
2. Establishment of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
✔ Founded ASI in 1861 under the orders of Lord Canning (then Governor-General of India).
✔ Served as first Director-General (1861–1865, 1870–1885).
✔ Conducted extensive archaeological surveys, excavations, and documentation.
✔ Revived ASI in 1870, focusing on Buddhist and Mauryan-era sites.
3. Major Contributions
✔ Identification of Buddhist Sites
- Discovered Sarnath, Sanchi, and Bodh Gaya as important Buddhist centers.
- Identified Taxila as an ancient Gandhara center.
- Excavated Bharhut Stupa (Madhya Pradesh).
✔ Study of Ancient Indian Scripts
- Contributed to deciphering Ashokan inscriptions written in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- Helped confirm that Emperor Ashoka was Devanampriya Priyadarshi mentioned in inscriptions.
✔ Documentation of Ancient Monuments
- Published “The Ancient Geography of India” (1871) and “Reports of the Archaeological Survey of India”.
- Conducted surveys of Mauryan, Gupta, and Indo-Greek sites.
✔ Discovery of Stupas and Ashokan Pillars
- Studied Sanchi, Amaravati, and Bodh Gaya stupas.
- Excavated Ashokan pillars and edicts confirming the spread of Buddhism.
✔ Promotion of Scientific Archaeology
- Pioneered the systematic study of Indian history through inscriptions and architecture.
4. Important Excavations and Discoveries by Cunningham
| Site | Discovery/Contribution | State |
|---|---|---|
| Sarnath | Identified as Buddha’s first sermon site | Uttar Pradesh |
| Sanchi Stupa | Documented the Great Stupa | Madhya Pradesh |
| Bodh Gaya | Excavated the Mahabodhi Temple | Bihar |
| Taxila | Identified as an ancient Gandhara city | Pakistan |
| Bharhut Stupa | Excavated Buddhist relics | Madhya Pradesh |
| Ashokan Pillars | Deciphered inscriptions linking them to Ashoka | Various locations |
5. MCQs on Alexander Cunningham
- Who is known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”?
- (a) John Marshall
- (b) Alexander Cunningham
- (c) James Prinsep
- (d) Mortimer Wheeler
- Answer: (b) Alexander Cunningham
- Which Governor-General of India supported the establishment of the ASI in 1861?
- (a) Lord Curzon
- (b) Lord Dalhousie
- (c) Lord Canning
- (d) Lord Ripon
- Answer: (c) Lord Canning
- Which Buddhist site was first identified by Alexander Cunningham?
- (a) Ajanta Caves
- (b) Sanchi
- (c) Elephanta Caves
- (d) Konark
- Answer: (b) Sanchi
- Which book was written by Alexander Cunningham on India’s ancient geography?
- (a) Indian Antiquities
- (b) The Ancient Geography of India
- (c) History of Buddhism in India
- (d) Indian Monuments and Inscriptions
- Answer: (b) The Ancient Geography of India
- Which of the following was NOT excavated by Alexander Cunningham?
- (a) Sanchi Stupa
- (b) Rakhigarhi
- (c) Taxila
- (d) Bharhut Stupa
- Answer: (b) Rakhigarhi
6. Subjective Questions on Alexander Cunningham
- Discuss the role of Alexander Cunningham in the development of archaeology in India.
- Explain the significance of Cunningham’s work in the identification of Buddhist sites.
- What were the major discoveries made by Alexander Cunningham in India?
- Describe how the Archaeological Survey of India was founded and revived under Cunningham.
- Analyze the impact of Cunningham’s work on the study of Indian history and inscriptions.
7. Conclusion
Alexander Cunningham’s work laid the foundation for archaeological research in India. His efforts in mapping, excavating, and documenting historical sites helped establish scientific archaeology in India. His legacy continues through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which remains the premier institution for heritage conservation.
Let me know if you need maps, mind maps, or additional details! 🚀