Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Early Beginnings: The Asiatic Society and the Curiosity for India’s Past
Before there was any official institution to study history in India, there were individuals full of curiosity. Let’s begin with one such person:
👨🏫 Sir William Jones (1784)
- A British judge in Calcutta with a passion for languages and culture.
- Founded the Asiatic Society in 1784, aiming to explore Asia’s ancient history, literature, arts, and sciences.
This marked the first institutional step towards understanding India’s past.
📘 Asiatic Researches (1788 Onwards)
- A journal started by the Society to publish findings about India’s antiquities.
- However, these early scholars like Jones were linguists, not archaeologists.
- Result? A focus on texts, not monuments.
So, till the mid-1800s, archaeology was still largely absent from India’s historical discourse.
The Rise of Archaeology: The Role of James Prinsep (1830s)
🔍 Who was he?
- An officer at the East India Company mint.
- Served as Secretary of the Asiatic Society (1832–1838).
- Unlike his predecessors, he had archaeological curiosity.
🧩 His Game-Changing Contribution:
In 1838, Prinsep deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts — used in Ashokan inscriptions and early coins.
➡️ This was a turning point: it allowed historians to finally read the earliest Indian inscriptions!
Imagine trying to write Indian history without being able to read its inscriptions — that’s what changed in 1838.
The Birth of ASI: A Formal Survey Begins
As archaeological interest deepened, the British administration finally recognised the need for structure.
🏛️ Establishment of ASI – 1861
- Initiated under Lord Canning.
- Alexander Cunningham appointed as the first Director-General.
- He is known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
🔍 His Work:
- Followed the travel accounts of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) to locate ancient Buddhist sites.
- Surveyed northern India, identifying ancient cities and monuments.
But just as things were picking up…
Temporary Setback: The ASI Was Shut Down (1866)
- The Archaeological Survey was abolished in 1866 by Lord Lawrence.
- Reason: Budget constraints and lack of interest.
However, growing scholarly concern revived the ASI in 1871, with Cunningham reappointed. From here on, ASI became a permanent institution.
🧠 Key Tenures:
Name | Position | Time Period |
Alexander Cunningham | 1st Director-General (twice) | 1861–65 & 1871–85 |
John Marshall | Modernised ASI, led major excavations | 1902–1928 |
A Turning Point in History Writing: Decipherment → Dynasties
James Prinsep’s decipherment of Brahmi and Kharosthi revolutionised Indian historiography.
Why?
- Before that, inscriptions were unreadable stones.
- Once decoded, they revealed names, events, donations, policies, and achievements.
📜 Impact:
- Scholars began reconstructing royal lineages using inscriptions.
- By the early 20th century, the broad political narrative of Indian history — Mauryas, Satavahanas, Guptas, etc. — had been established.
➡️ This was no longer based on just Puranas and myths — it was evidence-based history.
🧭 Final Takeaway: ASI as the Foundation of Modern Indian History
Why does ASI matter even today?
- They preserve and document ancient sites, artefacts, and monuments.
- They excavate, restore, and protect our heritage — from Harappa to Hampi.
- They maintain the Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum — India’s largest inscription database.
Without the ASI, we wouldn’t have the material backbone needed to write India’s real and verifiable history.
📌 Summary Table
Phase | Key Development |
1784 | Asiatic Society founded by William Jones |
1838 | James Prinsep deciphers Brahmi & Kharosthi |
1861 | ASI founded, Cunningham becomes Director-General |
1871 | ASI revived as permanent Govt department |
1902–1928 | John Marshall modernises archaeology in India |