An Appreciation of Sir Alexander Cunningham’s Explorations at Taxila in the Light of His Methodological Framework

Abstract

Indian archaeology adopted sounder and viable conceptual tools for fieldwork in the later nineteenth century. The name of Sir Alexander Cunningham, the two times head of Archaeological Survey of India, is of special significance in this connection. This paper particularly focuses on his methods for archaeological survey and data collection. In the first place, Cunningham’s arrival into India has been traced. Next, his archaeological methods and approach have been delineated. It is followed by outlining what Cunningham did at Taxila especially in line with his conceptual understanding. Finally, all this has further been related to the intellectual environs of the time.