An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c5.3

v1.c5.3

Cunningham largely followed the footsteps of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang and in his two tours (1861-65 and 1871-85) as Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, explored a greater part of northern India, reporting on various monuments and sites. He was the first archaeologist to excavate Harappa but unfortunately failed to recognize its cultural content or significance. The twentythree volumes of his survey-reports constitute a valuable mine of information for students of Indian archaeology. James Burgess, who succeeded Cunningham, was largely occupied with architectural surveys and epigraphical studies. The *New Imperial Series* of the Archaeological Survey of India and *Epigraphia Indica* owe their origin to his efforts. By 1889, when Burgess retired from service, Indian archaeology had come to occupy a proper place in the scheme of knowledge.