Sir Alexander Cunningham | Father of Indian Archaeology | Achievement of Alexander Cunningham

Sir Alexander Cunningham, (1814- 1893), British army officer (Engineering Corps) turned archaeologist had excavated many sites in India, including Sārnāth and Sānchi, and served as the first Director of the Indian Archaeological Survey.
After his retirement in 1861 from military service, he submitted a Memorandum to Lord Canning, the Governor General of India, in which he outlined the object of the organization of Archaeological Survey of India. He wrote, "It would rebound equally to the honour of the British Government to institute a careful and systematic investigation of all existing monuments of India."
Later, he agreed to become the Director of the Indian Archaeological Survey and remained with it until it was dissolved (1865). Cunningham's duties were defined, in a Resolution, “to superintend a complete search over the whole country and prepare a systematic record and description of all archaeological and other remains that are unique for their antiquity, historical interest or beauty.” Exploration and excavations were the primary functions of the Department between 1861-1885. Cunningham toured almost the entire length and breadth of North India up to Narmada river. He submitted detailed findings about a large number of monuments and historical sites.


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