Prehistory and Protohistory in India and Pakistan c5.s6.1

c5.s6.1

Surprisingly nobody had thought of a systematic search for tracing the beginnings of the historic archaeology in India. So for nearly 70 years—from 1860 to 1920—work continued in the historic field, until the Indus Civilization was revealed in 1917-20. For a long time it was assumed to be pre-historic, but it is now realized that several of its features entitle it to be called "Proto-historic." Though systematic attempts were made soon after its discovery to understand its spread and extent by N. G. MAJUMDAR, Sir AUREL STEIN and HARGREAVES, its origin remains obscure. The problem was freshly attacked by Dr. (now Sir) MORTIMER WHEELER in 1947 at Harappa and then at Mohenjodaro and significant details have been added to our knowledge of the civilization. To this a new chapter is being added by Shri S. R. RAO's work at Lothal.