Alexander Cunningham

Sir Alexander Cunningham (23 January 1814–28 November 1893) was an English archaeologist and army engineer, known as the father of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Related Topics:
23 January - 1814 - 28 November - 1893 - English - Archaeologist - Army - Engineer - Archaeological Survey of India

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Born in London to the poet Allan Cunningham, he joined the Bengal Engineers at the age of 19 and spent the next 28 years in the service of British Government of India. Soon after arriving in India, a meeting with James Prinsep sparked his lifelong interest in Indian archaelogy and antiquity. Cunningham retired in 1861, having attained the rank of Major General.

Related Topics:
London - Allan Cunningham - Bengal Engineers - British Government of India - India - James Prinsep - Major General

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The Archaeological Survey of India was set up following a correspondence between Cunningham and Charles John Canning, then the viceroy of India. Cunningham was appointed the first director of the project, which operated from 1861 to 1865. In 1865 the Archaelogical Survey was halted. In the year 1867, Cunningham was knighted. Upon the resumption of the Archaeological Survey in 1870, he returned to the directorship, maintaining his post until 1885.

Related Topics:
Archaeological Survey of India - Charles John Canning - Viceroy of India - 1867 - Knighted

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Cunningham died in London in 1893; today, his collection of rare Indian coins is displayed in the British Museum.

Related Topics:
Coin - British Museum

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Cunningham was associated with the excavation of many sites in India, including Sarnath, Sanchi, and the Mahabodhi Temple.

Related Topics:
Sarnath - Sanchi - Mahabodhi Temple

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Books written by him include

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• Bhilsa Topes (1854), a history of Buddhism
• The Ancient Geography of India (1871)
• The Book of Indian Eras (1883)
• Coins of Ancient India (1891)
 
Alexander Cunningham: External links ►