Who among the following was the first surveyor of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)? |ForumIAS

Updates

Prelims Sprint 2026 (PRRC), Batch-1 Starts on 1st December 2025 available in Online and Offline Mode | PTS 2026 Batch-19 available in English & Hindi Medium, Starts on 19th November 2025 | CSAT Classes for 2026 Prelims, Batch-2 starts 4th November 2025 |

[A] Charles Mason

[B] Alexander Burnes

[C] Alexander Cunningham

[D] Sir John Marshal

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation: The Indus valley site of Harappa was first visited by Charles Mason in 1826 and Amri by Alexander Burnes in 1831.

The site of Harappa was destroyed for laying the railway line from Lahore to Multan.
The seal from this site reached Alexander Cunningham, the first surveyor of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT