Role of Alexander Cunningham in the Discovery  of Buddhist Monasteries

Fula Rangrao Khandekar; Ramesh Chudaman Ahire

Fula Rangrao Khandekar Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Geography, N.T.V.S., G. T. Patil, Arts, Commerce and Science College, Nandurbar, Maharastra, India
Ramesh Chudaman Ahire Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Late Annasaheb R. D. Deore, Arts and Science College, Dhule, Maharastra, India

Abstract

Sir Alexander Cunningham, the pioneering archaeologist and founder of the Archaeological Survey of India, made significant contributions to the discovery and documentation of Buddhist monasteries and related sites across India. His work was crucial in identifying and preserving numerous sites of Buddhist heritage, including Stupas, Viharas (monasteries), and inscriptions. This article examines Cunningham’s contributions to the rediscovery of Buddhist monasteries, exploring his methods, significant findings, and the enduring impact of his work on the study of Buddhism and archaeology.

References

1. Brekke, T. (2007). Bones of Contention: Buddhist relics, nationalism and the politics of archaeology, Numen,
54(3), Pp. 270-303.
2. Caspers, E. D. (1991). A History of Indian Archaeology from the Beginning to 1947.
3. Deheja, V. (1992). Early Buddhist Rock Temples: A Chronology.
4. Lahiri, N. (2012). Finding Forgotten Cities: How the Indus Civilization was Discovered.
5. Marshall, J. (1960). The Buddhist Art of Gandhara: The Story of the Early School. Its Birth, Growth, and Decline.
6. Mitra, D. (1971). Buddhist Monuments.
7. Ray, H. P. (2000). The Winds of Change: Buddhism and the Maritime Links of Early South Asia. Caspers
8. Singh, U. (2004). The Discovery of Ancient India: Early Archaeologists and the Beginnings of Archaeology.
Online Resources:
9. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Archives: ASI Official site http://asi.nic.in/
10. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: https://whc.unesco. org/en/list